This document provides guidance on how to write a legal submission and present it in court. It recommends researching the topic using materials like lecture notes, textbooks, and legal databases. The submission should have an introduction informing the judge what will be discussed, paragraphs explaining and informing on key points, and a conclusion summarizing the main point and what is being asked of the court. When presenting, introductions should identify counsel and their role, the submission should be structured in two clear parts with signposting, relevant cases should be properly referenced, persuasive language and clarity of speech are important, and judges should be watched for cues. Useful phrases for submissions and responses to judges are also provided.

1. How to write your
submission
(and write it well!)

2. Research
• Lecture Notes
• Textbooks
• Westlaw – training.

3. Structure of the submission
• Introduction
• Inform the judge
• Explain what you’re going to do.
• Don’t rehash the facts!
Paragraphs 1&2&3&4&5…..
• Inform
• Explain
• Summarise
Conclusion
• Briefly Summarise your point(s)
• Explain what you want
• Ask if you can be of any further
assistance

4. Introduction
• Good morning My Lord/Your Lordship. My name is Lottie Haley-Lee
and I appear before the court as junior counsel for the appellant.
Assisiting me today is Miss Lyndsey Franklin acting as senior counsel
for the appellant. Also appearing today is Miss Angela Robertson and
Miss Niamh Murray Sheridan.
• - which of the two is it?

5. • Good morning My Lord. My name is Lottie Haley-Lee and I appear
before the court as junior counsel for the appellant. Assisting me
today is Miss Lyndsey Franklin acting as senior counsel for the
appellant. Also appearing today is Miss Angela Robertson and Miss
Niamh Murray Sheridan.
- You only do this if you are the junior appellant. The judge does not
need to hear this four times!
- If the judge does not call you by name, do not reintroduce yourself
when you start to speak. If he doesn’t – do. WATCH THE JUDGE!

6. My client…..explain what they want.
My submission will consist of two parts. The shall do x and the second
y.
If My Lord/Your Lordship has no questions may I proceed with the first
part of my submission?

7. Hints and Tips
Things to do:
Signposting
Reference your cases properly
Persuasive language
Speak Clearly and slowly
Watch the judge
Don’t fidget! (If you can help it!).

8. Useful Phrases:
I humbly submit…
May I draw your attention to tab A behind divider 1 of the bundle?
Can I be of any further assistance to the court?
You should dismiss/allow this appeal.
Would My Lord care for a brief summary of the facts?
I wish to draw particular attention to…

9. • My Lord/Your Lordship, I submit that it is evidently clear that my
clients are not guilty of the crime of murder. There is no evidence that
shows that they had the necessary mens rea that is required for them
to be found guilty of this crime. There was not enough time be…
• What do you think is needed to back up your point?
• What’s the best way to reference it?