The South Eastern Circuit Tim Dutton CBE KC Advanced International Advocacy Course 2026
The South Eastern Circuit, Tim Dutton CBE KC, Advanced International Advocacy Course at Keble College, Oxford
The course will take place from Tuesday 25th August 2026 until Saturday 29th August 2026 (concluding at 17.00).
Watch an interview with the Course Founder, Tim Dutton CBE KC.
The interview covers the history of the Keble Dutton course, Tim’s unrivalled contribution to advocacy training and his life and career.
Overview
The aim of this course is to encourage and develop the highest standards of advocacy amongst practitioners in England and Wales. It is widely regarded as the most demanding and intensive advocacy course in the UK, and arguably the finest in the world.
Dates: Tuesday 25th August – Saturday 29th August 2026 (concluding at 17:00).
Location: Keble College, Oxford.
Eligibility: Practising members of the Bar over three years’ call and post-NPP. There is no upper limit on year of call; senior practitioners and Silks regularly attend.
The Course Experience
This intensive programme offers a supportive, collegiate environment where participants work alongside some of the greatest advocates of this generation.
Format: Every participant undertakes written and oral advocacy exercises, all of which are filmed for review.
Instruction: Plenary sessions, demonstrations, and small-group work (ratio of 2.5:1) provide immediate classroom critique and private one-to-one video feedback.
Specialist Training: A day and a half is dedicated to working with expert witnesses—either specialist hospital consultants or accountants.
Final Trial: The course culminates in a full filmed trial on Saturday. For criminal practitioners, this includes a jury whose deliberations are filmed and provided to the advocate for invaluable insight.
Coaching: Professional voice and performance coaching is available throughout the week.
Faculty & Facilities
The Faculty consists of domestic and international senior juniors, Silks, and Judges who have undergone specific teacher training for this course.
Accommodation: Participants are provided with a single en-suite room and three meals a day in the College Hall.
Social: Members of the Faculty host pre-dinner drinks most evenings at the Lamb and Flag or the college bar.
Dress Code: Casual for most days, with smart clothing required for Friday and a dark suit for Saturday's mock trial. A banquet is held on Friday night (lounge suit, not black tie).
Fees & Scholarships
2026 Course Fees:
Crime: £2,000 (inclusive of VAT)
Civil: £3,200 (inclusive of VAT)
Solicitors / Overseas: £3,800 (inclusive of VAT)
Scholarships:
Inns of Court: Funding for up to five members practising in publicly funded work.
Confirmed: Inner Temple / Middle Temple / Lincoln’s Inn /
Criminal Bar Association (CBA): Full or partial funding for up to five members in publicly funded work.
Key Deadlines & Application
Scholarship Application Deadline: 25th May 2026.
General Application Deadline: 25th May 2026.
Payment Deadline: 10th June 2026 (Instalments are permitted if indicated on the form).
Overseas Applicants: Please apply via your local Advocacy Training Council.
[Download the Course Application Form]