At Best Solicitors, we understand that going to court can be daunting for anyone, but particularly for children, survivors of domestic abuse, or those with communication difficulties. Vulnerable witnesses often face unique challenges in giving their best evidence. How their voices are heard can make all the difference to the fairness and outcome of a case.

That is why Martyn Wood, our Director of the Family and Child Care Department, has completed the Law Society’s Advocacy and the Vulnerable training and examination. This nationally recognised programme equips solicitors to question and support vulnerable witnesses in a way that protects dignity, reduces distress, and ensures reliable evidence is presented to the court.

For our clients, this training means more than a certificate. It means you can expect advocacy that is not only robust and effective, but also sensitive, trauma-informed, and consistent with what judges and courts now require. In practice, that translates to clearer evidence, fairer proceedings, and stronger results.

Why this training matters for clients

The justice system recognises that vulnerable witnesses, whether children, survivors of domestic abuse, or people with additional needs, cannot always be questioned in the same way as others. A traditional cross-examination style risks creating confusion, distress, or unreliable answers.

Courts now expect advocates to use approaches that are carefully structured and respectful while still testing the evidence. The Law Society’s programme is designed precisely for this purpose, and because HMCTS has confirmed it as an approved provider, clients can have confidence that our approach meets national standards.

For you as a client, this means:

• Better overall outcomes, as cases are presented in a way that balances fairness with effectiveness.

• Less stress for vulnerable people giving evidence

• Clearer, more reliable answers for the court to consider

• Compliance with judicial expectations, which strengthens how your case is received

How this training improves our advocacy

Clear and fair questioning
A central part of the programme was learning how to draft questions that are straightforward, respectful, and tailored to the needs of the witness. This reduces misunderstandings and helps to draw out reliable, focused evidence that supports your case.

Collaborative scrutiny of questions
Through peer review, we have sharpened our ability to spot pitfalls such as leading language, compound questions, or unnecessary complexity. This ensures we avoid those errors and present cases to the highest professional standard.

Applying the “20 principles of questioning”
The training introduced a structured framework of twenty principles covering tone, sequencing, vocabulary, and pacing. These principles give us a practical toolkit for handling even the most sensitive questioning, ensuring that the process is fair, clear, and consistent with best practice.

Respectful and effective cross-examination
Cross-examination is often the most stressful part of proceedings for vulnerable witnesses. We now use methods that are both effective and respectful, such as when to use written questions, when to simplify structure, and how to remain focused on the real issues in dispute. Safeguards that protect dignity and strengthen evidence The programme reinforced the importance of following the safeguards agreed at ground rules hearings and throughout the trial process. Respecting these boundaries helps protect vulnerable witnesses while also strengthening the reliability of their evidence.

Why this is especially important in Family Proceedings

The value of this training extends beyond criminal cases. In family law, new rules prevent one party from directly cross-examining the other where allegations of domestic abuse have been made. In such circumstances, a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR) steps in to ensure questioning is carried out fairly and respectfully.

Because Martyn Wood, our Director of the Family and Child Care Department, has completed the Law Society’s course, clients can be reassured that Best Solicitors has the specialist knowledge required to act in this role. Whether a case involves children, allegations of abuse, or other vulnerabilities, you will have access to advocates who understand how to question in a way that protects dignity while still advancing your position.

What this means for our clients

The real value of this training is not academic; it is practical. Here is what you can expect if we represent you:

• Greater accessibility and fairness: the questioning strategies we use protect dignity and reduce distress, making it easier for vulnerable people to take part in proceedings
• Consistency with judicial expectations: using written questions and structured approaches demonstrates professionalism and strengthens your case
• Transferability to family proceedings: in cases involving domestic abuse or other forms of vulnerability, this training supports our role as QLRs and ensures your case is handled in line with best practice
• Better outcomes: by protecting witnesses and improving the reliability of evidence, the court is better able to reach a fair and just decision

For anyone facing difficult proceedings, whether in criminal, youth, or family courts, this means one thing above all: your case will be heard fairly, clearly, and with the respect you deserve.