About AdvocacyTutor.com

Sonia Simms

BSc. Hons Social Sciences

CPE (Common Professional Exam)

LLM (Human Rights Law)

Accredited Advocacy Trainer (National Institute of Trial Advocates)

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Authority

Accredited Mediator (ADR group)

Member of the Criminal Bar Association

Door Tenant Farringdon Chambers

I am the founder of AdvocacyTutor.com. I am a Barrister and was called to the Bar in 1993. I spent a number of years at the Criminal Bar representing clients charged with all manner of offences, from unlawful abstraction of electricity to Murder. I appeared in courts throughout England and Wales, including the Court of Appeal, and often appeared in multi-handed trials in the magistrates’ and Crown Courts.

I currently hold a judicial position; I sit as a panel member of the Teaching Regulation Agency. The role involves hearing and determining the outcome of allegations of misconduct against members of the teaching profession.

I am a member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, and the Criminal Bar Association. I am also an accredited Advocacy Trainer; I received my accreditation from the National Institute of Trial Advocates in 1999.

In 1998 I decided to combine practice at the Bar with a career in Higher Education. I developed my teaching career at BPP Law School, where I held various roles, including Course Director of the Bar course and Head of Advocacy Skills on the Bar Course. In 2010 I was awarded the title of Associate Professor of Law.

I have over 20 years’ experience in legal education training, I have extensive experience of teaching civil and criminal Advocacy on the Bar Course, Bar Transfer Test (BTT), Higher Rights of Audience course, Legal Practice Course, and Continuing Professional Development courses, (CPD).

I also have substantial experience of course design, assessment design, and assessing candidates for all courses I have taught.

I have a passion for teaching and learning and helping others improve performance and realise their career potential, particularly in the field of Advocacy and litigation. My many years of professional practice, both at the Bar and in professional education, inspired me to develop AdvocacyTutor.com and to focus on the areas of Advocacy and Litigation.

My goal is to help individuals to master Advocacy and to enhance existing legal knowledge, in order to maximise their performance and legal career aspirations.

Why work with me?

Because I have a reputation for being an exceptional trainer. I have helped thousands of trainees to improve their Advocacy skills and enhance their litigation knowledge, including trainee solicitors, Bar School students, Solicitors, and internationally qualified lawyers. All have improved with my training.

Because my approach is grounded in practical knowledge, I have extensive court room experience. I understand your professional context and your challenges.

Because my approach is grounded in sound teaching theory. I have a teaching qualification and years of practical experience. My teaching technique has been honed through many years of working with individuals of all levels.

Because of my knowledge of assessment criteria. I have extensive experience of course design, assessment design, and assessing candidates on the Bar course, Legal Practice Course, Higher Rights of Audience Course, Bar Transfer Test.

Because I am approachable.

My experience of working with literally thousands of students and lawyers over the years has set me on a mission to maximise the career potential and performance of students and lawyers, alike. I am confident that I can help you improve your Advocacy skills and legal knowledge.

Work with me and you will benefit from…

20 years+ professional experience in Advocacy training, Litigation teaching and as a Barrister
Qualified Advocacy Trainer
Two degrees and post graduate professional qualifications
Innovative teaching content and delivery

CONSULTANTS

SOFIA GONDAL

Consultant in Legal Education and Research

Sofia is a Barrister at SG Law Chambers specialising in immigration and human rights law. She is an experienced

law lecturer and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She has a keen interest in pedagogy and teaching law in context.

After graduating in Law from University College, London, she completed an LLM in Comparative Law at the School

of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She was called to the Bar in 1994. Upon completing pupillage

in London she specialised in immigration, asylum and nationality law. She then joined the Refugee Legal Centre as

a caseworker, progressing to Legal Officer. From 2001 to 2007 she was Senior Caseworker and Immigration Supervisor at Hounslow Law Centre. Sofia also has experience as a prosecutor in the magistrates' courts.

Sofia has lectured for several years, teaching Criminal Litigation, Evidence, Advocacy and Judicial Review on the Bar Course and Criminal and EU Law on the LLB and GDL courses.

Memberships of Professional Bodies:

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Bar Pro Bono Unit Panel Member
Women's Asylum and Immigration Network
Association of Women Barristers
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

JANICE BURTON

Consultant Executive Coach

Janice is an Accredited Executive Coach, and Barrister (non practising), specialising in Employment Law.

After graduating from the University of East London she worked for the Law Debenture Trust Corporation overseeing Corporate Trusts. She was called to the Bar in 1991. Upon completion of pupillage in East Anglia and London she practised Family law and general Common Law. Later on in her career she specialised in Employment Law, advising business clients on policy and procedure as well as conducting Employment Tribunal cases.

Janice has also been involved in Bar training as an Examiner and Tutor. She taught Employment Law on the Bar Course at BPP Law School. She has also been an Examiner on the Higher Rights of Audience and the Bar Transfer Test courses. She was recently appointed as a BPTC Ethics Assessor by the Bar Standards Board.

Janice has trained as a Life and Business Coach with Topher Morrison and Tony Robbins and has been coaching individuals and couples for the past 15 years. She has also created and conducted coaching courses for the Crown Prosecution Service and other organisations, and individuals. She specialises in executive and relationship coaching. She is passionate about helping individuals to fulfil their full potential.

Janice is an Accredited Mediator with the ADR Group.