The institute's workshops are open to all legal practitioners who are, or intend to become, advocates. Workshops are structured to assist people at their own level. Emphasis is placed on pre-trial preparation peculiar to the advocate's role, on the development of case strategy and on courtroom skills. Competence and confidence are increased. All workshops involve: * Introductory lecture on the approach to good advocacy * Workshop sessions comprising analysis, preparation and performances * Demonstrations by instructors * Group and video reviews * Overview sessions General skills workshops are suited to beginners and advocates with some experience who want to develop their skills further. These workshops deal with advocacy skills in examination, cross examination, addresses, applications, legal argument and the plea in litigation. Subjects addressed include: * Methods of preparation * Structure of argument and evidence * Evidence in chief and cross examination * Addresses * Legal argument * Development of communication skills Advanced workshops focus on specific skills including: * Appellate advocacy * Jury advocacy * Examination and cross-examination of expert witnesses; and * Advanced trial techniques In all workshops there is an emphasis on communication skills. In this, the Institute is assisted by Dr Ken Byrne, a forensic psychologist who has made a special study of effective communication in the courtroom. Workshops are usually conducted in court rooms. They are presented at weekends or in twilight sessions, and as intensive workshops over a number of days. Each year a timetable of workshops is set and published through the Law Councl of Australia and its constituent bodies journals. It is also available from the Institute and here. Over 20 workshops are offered each year. Due to limited resources the Institute was initially not able to offer in-house workshops. Its first obligation was to train teachers and offer workshops open to all members of the profession. Since 1995, whilst maintaining its open programs, the Institute has conducted training for organisations such as the offices of Directors of Public Prosecution, Government Solicitors offices, Legal Aid and private firms of solicitors.