Frequently Asked Questions

Witness preparation reduces litigation risk through realistic, science-based preparation that transforms witness performance. We provide witnesses with the skills they need to perform effectively under the pressure of cross-examination as well as helping them to understand the process of giving evidence .

Yes. Whilst Preparing witnesses on the facts of their case is not allowed, our training provides necessary familiarisation and builds the skills witnesses need to perform at their best. We undertake cross-examination exercises not using the facts of the case, but based on personal information that the witnesses have provided themselves.

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Assurety’s approach combines three elements that set our training apart.

Real play, not role play
Our cross-examination practice is as close as possible to the real thing, based on actual events not artificial role-plays, and bespoke to each witness

Unmatched barrister expertise
Every session is led by a leading KC or senior barrister with extensive cross-examination experience.

Multi-disciplinary insight
Barristers work alongside communications specialists and performance psychologists who are specialists in behavioural change.

Every session is delivered by a leading barrister, either a King’s Counsel or senior junior barrister with extensive courtroom experience.

Many also sit as judges, arbitrators or mediators, bringing real insight into what effective witness performance looks like. We also always have a Communications Expert or Performance Psychologist in the session, ensuring we have a behavioural change expert alongside our legal expertise.

Our training is designed to replicate the pressure of cross-examination as closely as possible without touching on the facts of the case. By using personal material, provided by the witnesses themselves, our cross-examination practice replicates the emotion and pressure of the real thing. Our leading barristers construct bespoke forensic questioning sessions  and we use with video playback and detailed feedback to analyse performance, identify risks and build new habits.

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Witness preparation can benefit:  

   
• First-time witnesses unfamiliar with court
   
• Senior professionals or executives unused to forensic, challenging questioning
   
• Key witnesses in high-stakes litigation
   
• Individuals likely to face prolonged or adversarial questioning
 

The appropriate level depends on:

• The importance of the witness to the case
• The litigation stakes
• The witness’s experience and confidence

Solicitors often select a mix of training levels across a case to balance depth of preparation with efficiency.

Yes. Our assessment sessions allow solicitors to observe how a potential witness performs under sustained questioning before final decisions are made on the level of course required and / or whether to rely on them at trial.

After each session you will receive a written report providing insights into how the witness performed under questioning and highlight areas where further preparation may be beneficial.

This can help solicitors make more informed strategic decisions.

Giving evidence can be an intensely stressful experience.

Performance psychologists help witnesses recognise how they react under pressure and develop techniques to remain calm, focused and confident during questioning.

This psychological insight allows witnesses to strengthen their performance in ways that traditional legal training alone cannot achieve.

Sessions vary depending on the programme, from 3 hours to bespoke multi-session programmes.

Yes, up to 3 witnesses can attend sessions together. In doing so they will benefit from learning from each other, but equally the session will be less focused around their individual needs. They will also need to be comfortable being cross-examined on personal topics in front of their fellow participants.

Yes. All discussions and materials used during the training are treated with strict confidentiality.

No. All cross-examination uses material provided by the witnesses and unrelated to the case to ensure fully bespoke and ethical preparation focused on skills rather than substance.

The appropriate course depends on what is at stake in the case or for the witness, the importance of the witness and their level of experience. Solicitors often select a mix of training levels across a case and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Our Assessment also helps decide which level is right for your witness