How to Draft Effective Affidavits and Witness Statements

This program is delivered by TEN The Education Network partner – The College of Law.

For further information and to view the full program description please select the Further Information and Purchase" button above.

Looking to build a solid foundation of your litigation skill? This half-day webinar will teach you to prepare concise and persuasive affidavits and witness statements.

Understand the fundamentals of: 

• Taking a witness statement/affidavit
• Substance of an affidavit
• Basic evidentiary issues
• Form and presentation
• Drafting skills
• Procedural requirements; and
• How to use an affidavit in a variety of legal circumstances

Facilitated by: 

Paul Venus, Partner in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Group.

AGENDA

1.30pm:  Login and welcome

1.35pm: Steps in taking a witness statement/affidavit
- Preparation and planning the contents
- Interviewing the witness
- Use of IT solutions – the future of giving evidence and false testimony

2.50pm: Stretch break 

3.00pm: How to develop the correct presentation 
- Detailed checklists of what to include
- Headings and prescribed forms
- Different requirements in State and Federal court
- Alterations, signing clauses, annexures

3.30pm: Drafting issues 
- Learn the style and content for different types of documents and their purpose
- Form and presentation

4.00pm: Stretch break

4.10pm: Taking an affidavit and procedural issues  
- Blind or unable to read
- Language difficulties
- Procedure

4.30pm: How to use an affidavit 
- Inclusion of evidence
- Cross-examination
- Use in interlocutory proceedings
- Using statements and affidavits to draft pleadings

5.00pm: Q&A and Close