Emily Windsor’s Tips for Being a Good Barrister in Front of The Judge — CEOWORLD magazine

Stepping before a judge requires more than legal knowledge-it demands a carefully honed approach to advocacy. Through decades at the Bar, barrister Emily Windsor, with experience as a judge, has perfected strategies that turn good barristers into exceptional ones in the courtroom. Her insights offer a roadmap for advocates looking to make powerful impressions on the bench and secure better outcomes for their clients.

Trust forms the foundation of a barrister’s relationship with the court. Emily Windsor emphasises that barristers must maintain unwavering honesty while balancing client interests. Barristers must never forget their overriding duty to the court, maintaining the highest ethical standards at all times.

Barristers often come under extreme pressure from clients to make particular points or arguments. But Windsor reminds us that “you must be very strict with yourself,” in maintaining professional standards at all times while managing your responsibilities to your lay client.

Trust isn’t built overnight. It grows through consistent demonstration of integrity in every interaction. While flashy advocacy might win momentary attention, a judge will remember and value the barristers they can rely on for honest, straightforward submissions in relation to the facts and law.

Consistent truthfulness creates a foundation for lasting judicial respect. Windsor stresses that “memories are long, and integrity matters” in legal circles.

Preparation That Gets Noticed

Want to impress a district judge? Master every detail of your case. Know the law cold. Understand the procedural rules. Memorise the facts of key authorities. Judges immediately spot who’s done their homework and who’s winging it.

Emily Windsor observes that some specialist advocates even learn the specific preferences of different courts. Judges notice-and appreciate-when advocates understand their tribunal’s particular style.

In our digital world, preparation means technical readiness too. Emily Windsor cuts through the noise on remote hearings: “Clear audio is actually more important than perfect video. Judges can tolerate video glitches, but if they can’t hear submissions clearly, the hearing becomes impossible.”

Experience consistently shows that preparation pays dividends. Well-prepared counsel complete cases more efficiently, and build stronger relationships with the judge.

Speaking Their Language

Judges sit for long days, and have to absorb huge amounts of information, while churning out judgments. Making your advocacy stand out requires laser-focused communication tailored specifically to how judges process information.

Ever noticed how your speaking pace quickens when nervous? Emily Windsor advises a deliberate approach to pacing and structure. This technique is particularly important in virtual hearings where slight delays occur, giving judges natural openings to ask questions.

Structure makes or breaks complex arguments. Windsor recommends clear signposting, explaining key points systematically. Such straightforward framing helps judges follow your reasoning, especially during remote hearings where the communication can be more challenging.

Precision matters when referencing materials. Be extremely specific when directing judges to authorities or evidence. Tell them exactly where to look-page numbers, paragraphs, specific passages-so they can follow along effortlessly. This attentiveness to detail demonstrates both preparation and consideration for the court’s time, two qualities judges universally appreciate.

Thriving in Digital Courts

Courts now operate both in-person and online-and savvy barristers excel in both environments. Emily Windsor offers practical guidance on navigating this hybrid reality.

Know when virtual works and when it doesn’t. Windsor dispels the uncertainty: “Short hearings, one- or two-hour hearings, and case management hearings, things not involving witnesses work very well online a lot of the time.” On the other hand, she acknowledges that witness evidence is often much easier to handle in a courtroom setting.

Also, consider planning for tech problems before they happen. Windsor suggests establishing clear protocols for handling disruptions right at the start of hearings. What happens if someone loses connection? How will document sharing work? Addressing these issues proactively demonstrates professionalism that judges value.

Remember that reputations build over entire careers. Her own path-staying with one set of chambers since the mid-1990s-shows how consistent, quality advocacy creates lasting judicial respect. “The common career trajectory is to join a set of chambers at 25 and leave at 70. And I think that’s what most of my colleagues are doing,” she explains.

Successful advocates blend traditional values with contemporary skills. They maintain integrity and meticulous preparation while adapting to technological advances. These fundamentals create the foundation of trust and credibility essential for courtroom success. Master these principles, and you’ll find judges increasingly receptive to your submissions-the ultimate goal in advocacy.

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Originally published at https://ceoworld.biz on August 29, 2025.