1. Dress SMART.
2. Take pen & paper with you, if the
other side says something that is incorrect,
make CAREFUL note of it and when it is your
turn bring it up - DO NOT TRUST TO MEMORY -
ADRENALIN IS PUMPING, YOU WILL FORGET. Also, at
the very end, make careful note of the
outcome.
3. Keep very calm and relaxed. Take plenty
of deep breaths before you go in.
4. Never Never interrupt the other side, or
the judge, or Magistrates depending where you
are. You will be given your chance later - in
fact you will be asked if you have anything
further to say.
5. Don't mumble. Speak clearly and precisely
- no umms & ahh's, don't be flustered.
6. Don't repeat yourself.
7. Be totally objective, do not stray into
subjectivity - it doesn't help.
8. If the solicitor for the other side
attends he will almost certainly, before the
hearing, approach you on a fishing trip. Listen
politely and when asked a question, simply say
you prefer to say nothing and leave it to the
court. See Note below**
9. DO NOT accept promises of payment without going into court to be made up to Judgment.
10. Be prepared! - make careful note
of the points you wish you raise. More cases
are lost through bad or unprofessional
preparation. Assemble your correspondence files
with the most recent letters or documents at
the top.
** If a solicitor thrusts a last minute statement into your hand outside court, tell the solicitor you will be asking for an adjournment so you can consider their defence statement. Say to the judge, the defence statement was only given to you minutes before the hearing (it should have been served on you 14 days before the hearing).
Finally, Be polite throughout - no
matter the outcome and the best of luck.
