Florida Civil Course 2025 (Silk)
The South Eastern Circuit seeks a Silk practising (predominantly) in civil law, to attend the South Eastern Circuit, Florida Advanced Civil Trial Advocacy course held in Gainsville, Florida from 13th May 2025 – 17th May 2025.
Applicants must be a paid up member of the SEC (application for membership of the Circuit may be made at the same time). Grade A trainers (or Inn equivalent), with training experience in the last six months, will be given priority.
The course is based on a personal injury and clinical negligence trial.It is designed to provide in-depth, demonstration-based instruction of trial advocacy techniques through performance, critique and video review. The Advanced Trial Advocacy Program is a one-week continuing legal education training seminar held at the Levin College of Law every May, since 1991, and is sponsored by the Florida Bar. Each year four junior practitioners from the South Eastern Circuit and one Silk (as faculty), participate and share their views of the English and American systems of justice.
The role of the Silk is to take part as a member of the faculty, give extensive feedback to participants and take part in a single advocacy exercise. Papers will be provided in advance. There are several course dinners and contributions from the Floridian legal community. It is likely that there will also be an opportunity to visit the District and Federal Courts in Orlando or Tampa, Florida.
The written applications will be assessed by a panel and those selected will be notified by email. Following a review of the selection process, all applicants will be considered having regard to the following criteria: -
- Experience (commensurate with call). Applicants should practice in any area of civil law (ie any area of law other than criminal law) and have recent advocacy experience in the Courts of England and Wales (or equivalent Tribunals, depending on area of practice). Diversity of experience is to be welcomed.
- Ability. Applicants will possess excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
- The Panel will consider the applicant’s reasons for wishing to attend the course, what he or she intends to gain from the course and what he or she will contribute to the course;
- Contribution. Any contribution the individual applicant has made to the profession, for example to a professional body. Contributions to the South Eastern Circuit will be viewed favourably.
Applications from those who have not previously benefitted from Circuit programmes will receive priority. Applications from previous course attendees will not be considered.
The course fees, accommodation and flights are funded by the Florida Bar Association and the Trial Lawyers Section. Successful candidates will be expected to travel to Gainesville in time to attend the course starting on 13th May 2025.
An application for accreditation for CPD has been made. The previous courses have attracted 45 hours of CPD, including 9 hours of advocacy and 3 hours of ethics.
The South Eastern Circuit is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.
If you are interested, please send a short covering letter and CV, with your call date, to Aaron Dolan by email: aaron.dolan@southeastcircuit.org.uk by 1st March 2025.