A typical weekend workshop commences with an introductory session on the Friday evening. The purpose is to introduce the Institute's philosophy of advocacy and its teaching method. This session is conducted by the workshop Moderator. It is followed by an analysis sessions and short individual performances of advocacy tasks. The short individual performances which are conducted in groups of eight are video recorded. Each performance is analysed and reviewed in the group. Positive, constructive instruction is provided and a demonstration given where necessary to assist participants to improve. At least two instructors work within each group. Each participant's video is viewed individually, analysed and reviewed with emphasis upon communication skills and style. Participants retain their video for later personal review. The analysis sessions are interactive and concentrate on preparation for performance, communication skills and advocacy techniques. Each participant will perform at least three advocacy tasks in a workshop. Thorough familiarity with case files and preparation in advance of the workshop are essential in order to benefit from this intensive teaching method. The workshops enable participants to improve their skills at their individual level and to gain the ability to self-assess and continue development in practice.

Much time and effort is devoted by experienced advocacy teachers to the preparation of suitable teaching materials. Materials are designed to achieve specific teaching objectives at various levels. The workshops materials are sent to the participants in advance with a guide for preparation.

Instructors qualified to teach with the Institute must be good, experienced advocates who have undergone a teacher training course provided by the Institute, which qualifies them to use the Institute's teaching methods and materials. While the Institute achieves a degree of uniformity in its teaching approach, there is strong emphasis on individual contributions by instructors. The development of individual style is thus emphasised. Judges, Senior Counsel and senior advocates from around Australia have attended teacher training workshops, which are by invitation only and are conducted by the Institute's most experienced instructors. Trained instructors give their time generously, usually without remuneration, because of their commitment to the improvement of the standards of advocacy. The Institute is grateful for this strong support by the profession and the judiciary.