WHAT THEY DON’T TEACH YOU AT LAW SCHOOL IX: IF THEY SAY IT’LL BE “GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR YOU” – WATCH OUT…

Here we have most (but I can’t guarantee all) of the tweets given on what they don’t teach you at law school. You will see it is an eclectic mix.  The advice given can be world weary but, for the most part it is not cynical.

(It may make more sense to start at the bottom of this post and follow the timeline upwards).

“Never, EVER lose to a litigant in person. If you do, don’t tell a soul. Not even your Mum.”

We start off with a very common theme – the need to be nice to court staff.

.@tonylaw67 Judging from the number of tweets I’m going to have to do a whole section on “advocacy & the usher”.
11:17 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet always take time to chat to the usher. Judges sometimes tell them their thoughts on your case. Besides, it’s polite.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall

               
@CivilLitTweet @snigskitchen Always allow people to underestimate you. Cultivate it even.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:11 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@Greekbluenose @CivilLitTweet Is that better or worse than losing when the other side hasn’t turned up? Asking for a friend.
@Prufcbarrister @CivilLitTweet this is my biggest bugbear. If I had £1 for every time I’ve arrived as court opens & waited 90 mins for oppo!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:22 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@dlsmithies @CivilLitTweet agreed. Would rather be two hours early than 2 minutes late.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:22 AM – 14 Jan 2017

@CivilLitTweet and oppo won’t arrive until 2 minutes before hearing due.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:02 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               

@bobbidog @CivilLitTweet @MAM12CP yes, this. Also don’t despair that 90% of prep was waste with hindsight.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:00 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet When they say “this’ll be good experience for you”: watch out! Awful task on the way.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:49 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
What they don’t teach you in Law School: turning the other cheek https://t.co/fdO3tfPmoj
9:47 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@GazWeetman @MAM12CP @CivilLitTweet but when it said nude/pink Gaz, it meant just your lips!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:46 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@njohnston1275 @CivilLitTweet Or turning up without any of the relevant papers?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:45 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet @MAM12CP serious tip – you can never over prepare for advocacy the Judge will always think of that tricky question…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:45 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@DghSpanishWelsh @CivilLitTweet or use work (plausibly) to contrive only seeing each other when you actually want to…?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:44 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@Sarah_Zenith @CivilLitTweet Privatisation of public inefficiency, i.e., let the cost of under resources fall elsewhere
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:44 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Red Lippy for mean XX and gentle nude/pink for closing speeches. Genuine tip given to me as a pupil! #lawschool ?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall

               
@CivilLitTweet Regardless of merits, litigation is often a fool’s game.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:00 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet If you’re just starting (and male), silk ties will get ruined by bundles & people borrowing for meetings. Have cheap backups.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:00 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet At the start, pay can be crippling low. Paying bills, rent, trains(!), education loans etc. will be harder than you think.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:00 AM – 14 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Don’t be the lawyer that thinks for them to succeed, others have to fail. Give everyone in the firm room to do a good job.
@DghSpanishWelsh@WGAbroad & if you have two barristers in the household?
11:27 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet most important: choose your spouse very carefully. Your career will demand as much of them as of you.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:26 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@WGAbroad@CivilLitTweet advantage of practice in Cardiff is that chambers rideable ?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:14 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet “the judge is just reading your papers now” is roughly equivalent to “your call is important to us and will be answered soon”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:11 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet The client that says “I don’t care how much it costs – it is the principle” will always complain how much it costs.
@CivilLitTweet the one question you wish you’d asked your client? The answer will come, unbidden, from smthing unrelated in crossexamination
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:03 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet@CrimBarrister@MAM12CP Oh, & a spare white normal collar. Having spares at all times almost guarantees you’ll not need them.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:02 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@tealovinglawyer@DghSpanishWelsh Now you tell me..,
11:02 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@DghSpanishWelsh@CivilLitTweet don’t be retweeting that. My team will see 😉
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:01 PM – 13 Jan 2017

 

               
@CivilLitTweet@CrimBarrister@MAM12CP … Copy HC rules; copy Circuit rules; spare set tabs in rules. One in, one out, for each item. 2
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:58 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@DghSpanishWelsh@CivilLitTweet might be a pet peeve of mine!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:58 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Very good tip! Goes for all levels. https://t.co/Zd12OZ82Aq
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:58 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MAM12CP@CivilLitTweet@CrimBarrister it fell over inside the machine at the principal reg. ?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:58 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet A solicitor one.Pagination & bundling is the devil’s work.Every case has missing or double printed… https://t.co/RrakmbBjHm
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:58 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet@CrimBarrister@MAM12CP My brief bag consists of: wig, wrapped in gown; collarbox with 3-4 collars, two sets tabs, studs; …
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:56 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet if you receive a stupid letter/email, draft your reply, print it, wait 24 hours & then re-read & edit it before sending.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MAM12CP@CivilLitTweet@CrimBarrister Get coffee on the way to court and be careful not to put through xray security with your bags.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet assume any letter or email you send will be read in open court. #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Oh & I go all the way to London only to see Leeds barrister in same court. @StirredNtShaken
10:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@timoconnorbl@CrimBarrister@MAM12CP Spare set in my wig tin (learnt from experience).
10:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CrimBarrister@CivilLitTweet@MAM12CP And, if a barrister: always, ALWAYS, spare front and back studs.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:49 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               

So now I have to work out an easy way to get all these useful tweets onto the blog. @legalcheek you know how to do it…

1

@CivilLitTweet Exercise when you can. There’ll be times when you can’t, but don’t let that be an excuse. It’ll keep you sane.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:38 PM – 13 Jan 2017


10:35 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet strong cases will go wrong.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:34 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet if another lawyer asks your advice, give it. Well.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet take the heat out of disputes.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               

@CivilLitTweet you will think of better points/questions/arguments after the case has finished

               
The court had none of the essential papers, or the application (filed in August).
10:23 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I had no idea it was possible to function on 2hrs sleep a night when I was a student #ThoseWereTheDays
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:21 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Today. Got up at 5.00am for a hearing listed at 10.00 (that actually started at 2.00).
10:21 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I don’t want to scare them off the profession entirely!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:20 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet your first day in court will be scary and you won’t know what to expect – remember for clients it’s almost always like that
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@AndrewMcCosts@ClarionCosts@suefox2410 Unless there’s a Part 36 offer…
10:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet … and you’ll keep checking limitation dates like you’re checking if you turned the gas off (i.e frequently)
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:17 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet always charge something; never fall out with anyone; never interrupt someone signing a doc; never advise friends/family
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:17 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@SianGough 10 hours – luxury…
10:16 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet You won’t be the only lawyer at court whose had a grand total of ten hours sleep all week
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:16 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Sometimes #law is not the answer… https://t.co/lT2UNL7a6R
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:05 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet procedure and procedural law firms a massive amount of your day to day work in normal practice
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
10:05 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MAM12CP@CrimBarrister@CivilLitTweet I carry valium…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:55 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
I am hoping to gather up all these pearls of wisdom on starting practice into a blog post (with acknowledgements).Is this OK with everyone?
9:55 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
What happens when you tweet too early in the morning https://t.co/fdO3tfPmoj
9:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
How long have you got. Take responsibility. In the real world firms won’t carry you. #toughlovehttps://t.co/OOiLQXmWv1
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:53 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Churchill knows best: “courage is what it takes to stand up & speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down & listen”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:52 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Is basic accounting and marketing on the list?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:51 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CrimBarrister@MAM12CP@CivilLitTweet your best friend will always be the usher. ALWAYS BE NICE TO THE USHER!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CrimBarrister@CivilLitTweet or sobbing witnesses/Ds/family etc OR your nose will run just as you rise to your feet…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MAM12CP@CivilLitTweet Yes, 2 handypacks minimum (very often the court bogs will have run out of loo roll & will be worse than at school!)
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CrimBarrister@CivilLitTweet AND TISSUES!!!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MAM12CP@CivilLitTweet Totes! And I’d add to that: also carry headache pills, Strepsils & alcohol hand gel!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet wear comfy shoes for schlepping,ALWAYS go the loo when you can and carry mints. #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet you will not be taught how 2 fix the photocopier @ #lawschool but boy you’ll learn when you need that engagement letter out!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall

@CivilLitTweet Which is not to say it’s not a great profession. All worth it, for the right people. But know what you’re getting into.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@reedmj@CivilLitTweet And that’s just your colleagues…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@mediatelegal@CivilLitTweet Also doesn’t help when they think “I only said that because my lawyer told me to” gets them out of jail.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet never give your significant other an ETA for your return home. It will never be accurate.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:19 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I find people know you have to be smart (they often overestimate that bit) and you have to work hard… https://t.co/xgcmwl1x63
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:56 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet It’s emotionally hard work. Tough decisions under pressure, often made alone. Dealing with scared /… https://t.co/oR8DwxjGsv
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:54 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@mediatelegal@CivilLitTweet Primarily when in the middle of their evidence when you can’t talk to them.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:54 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Read this by @Wigapedia. https://t.co/41ht7LlPiI
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:54 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Fact https://t.co/KCuMUGVo79
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:51 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet be prepared for a client to perform a complete about turn on a crucial fact in your carefully prepared case.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:46 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet If you have a full day in Court ahead, always make sure you have decent breakfast; even if you have to force it down
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet That extra 15 mins sleep is not worth having to conduct your con in a busy waiting area because all… https://t.co/5oa9inEhUp
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet #lawschool Elizabeth and I wrote something along these lines – out of print but prob 2nd hand avail… https://t.co/eYvIdUXcwg
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@tealovinglawyer@CivilLitTweet read the white book… cover to cover
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@pibarrister@CivilLitTweet and don’t drink to much coffee / water
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I once saw counsel park next to a parking attendant outside Court and ask how much the fine was before leaving her car…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:36 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@andrewmckie@CivilLitTweet But do drink enough. There’s a Nobel Prize for whoever can come up with a ‘time in Cour… https://t.co/OFKpKYBKP7
Retweeted by Gordon Exall

               
@CivilLitTweet spelling! Read, re-read and read again!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:31 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@giles_morrison@Adam_Creme@maxschofield@HampshireLawyer The Boys are Back in…,
7:31 PM – 13 Jan 2017

 

               
@CivilLitTweet you have to get off the fence. We are paid to give advice!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
5:50 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet do not ask your supervisor a question without at least trying to figure it out yourself first
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
5:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet what you learn on the LPC has zero resemblance to any day at work!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
5:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
A real star of the Bar whose efforts over the years have made a more secure future for so many badly injured claima… https://t.co/CTO035b0Zz
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
5:26 PM – 13 Jan 2017
How to manage stress so that it doesn’t become a health riskhttps://t.co/AIEDne1qyehttps://t.co/DwDvxb2qCD
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
4:39 PM – 13 Jan 2017

 

               
@MattJEJackson@CivilLitTweet@alistair_sloan Beware of fruit of the poisoned tree – paper clock parking schemes. @CarlisleCC@EdenCouncil
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
3:12 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet There are more crimes against espresso coffee committed in the court cafe than you’ll find in Smith & Hogan #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
3:12 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               

017


3:12 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@arryTuttle@CivilLitTweet DJ “no, you cannot have indemnity costs” Counsel “but muuuuuuuum”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
3:12 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Physio’s: Surely we can come up with a #physioschool equivalent? What do you know now that wasn’t covered at uni?… https://t.co/8xY1CY5WjF
Retweeted by Gordon Exall1:38 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               

1:37 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
               
@CivilLitTweet if the District Judge is in fact your mum, still call her Ma’am but ask for indemnity costs against the other side
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:37 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
               
@JohnHyde1982@MoJGovUK@trussliz you could have met the frontline staff at my busy local mags court, but the MOJ shut it. 11 miles away now
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               

1:33 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
When u r instructed 2b at ct 4 hrs away by 9am + u r : ct won’t be open & client won’t b there for an hr despite living local #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:32 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet when addressing a female District Judge, the correct address is “Ma’am” and not “Mum”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:30 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet How best to quickly achieve the client’s desired outcome cf. raising interesting legal issues (the latter needed sometimes!)
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:30 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet In my defence, that was the very best I could do with the facts!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:30 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
The ‘quick, agreed, half hour directions’ hearing will finish around 8pm #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:28 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
If you want your case to settle find an extortionately expensive car park & pay in advance for the whole day #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:28 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
If u decide to be organised and prep ahead and spend all day prepping u can be sure second u finished case will settle/be vacated #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:27 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
If you tweet something at 4am at least five other lawyers will have replied by 4.10am #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:27 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Ha ha. Yes! Or send an e mail thinking they’ll read later.https://t.co/j3J98zfYgW
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:27 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet No matter how bad your Relief app is, submitting that the rule is more honoured in the breach than i… https://t.co/Tz1PzXn8RB
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:21 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
               
@ReasonAboveAll You could be more sinned against than sinning…
1:18 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Never quote Shakespeare if the judge won’t recognise it. Explanations ruin the impact!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:17 PM – 13 Jan 2017
@CivilLitTweet Your insurance company file handler (your side or opposing) will not know of the existence of the CPR.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
1:13 PM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I used to do Northampton to Newcastle when I had a boss who refused to pay for hotels even for 10am starts.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall

 

               
@PaulLawBlacks@CivilLitTweet Also applies in journalism, Paul. Add to that court staff (front of house and back office), on whom we depend.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:58 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@Neil_Wilby@CivilLitTweet sad to say, as a young solicitor who knew everything, this was a lesson learned the hard way!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:58 AM – 13 Jan 2017

l
11:51 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@PaulLawBlacks@CivilLitTweet Every Christmas box of chocolates dropped into secretaries and receptionists is an investment.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:50 AM – 13 Jan 2017
@CivilLitTweet always treat receptionists and legal secretaries like the gods amongst mere mortals that they actually are #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:46 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Clever arguments are all very well but sometimes nothing more than polite persistence will do it! #negotiation
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:42 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
I was outdoor clerk, 19 and did most of the court appointments PTR’s, directions hearings/ taxations. Sure beat wor… https://t.co/2CQ4ljNsph
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:42 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet If you suspect you might be floating, if there’s any way you can justify a court translator, you won’t be floating for long.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:40 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Dark chocolate covered gingers from Tesco have been working best so far.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:31 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MattJEJackson Nice?
11:30 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Best not to try on the Legal Advisers as it might look like actual bribery.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:30 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet If you regularly prosecute in the same magistrates’ court, there are two groups of people who are open to bribery on Fridays.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:30 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet The other people in the CPS room and the ushers. Bribery with biscuits is the preferred form.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:30 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Never, ever be anything less than lovely to anyone. Except your oppo if necessary.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:25 AM – 13 Jan 2017
               
@CivilLitTweet due to either a wheelie bag or carrying a bag, you will end up walking a bit like Quasimodo, but in a suit.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:23 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet@robinthemint play nice with the court staff from usher to chief clerk at all times…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
11:23 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
These tweets on what #lawschool should teach you by @CivilLitTweet makes for some fun, light-hearted Friday reading: https://t.co/ksjNzcoKmB
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@CivilLitTweet Once flew from Cardiff to Newcastle for an all day DA. Only one DJ available to do 4 all day DAs. Heard at 2pm..adjourned.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:43 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@Leisha007 On my way….
9:39 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Definitely practising what I preach. Travelled 200 miles. Arrived early, & I am in very large “floating list” #lawschool
9:37 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet early morning finishes as well.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:35 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Your advocacy skills will be more strenuously tested discussing “brew rounds” with colleagues than in Court.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:35 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet that cases are won or lost on the facts and this is not mentioned in judgments, which are all about law not conflict of facts
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:34 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet if something is premised with ‘this will only take 5 minutes…’ it will absolutely not #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
9:21 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               

8:42 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet And you may be required to find other “economic opportunities” outside of law. Bit like doctor = mechanic!!!
@BPTC_Lecturer@JJ_brum@EmmaDixon_EU@KMarysiaW@CivilLitTweet – despite being a tag, finish all questions with “Innit?” Or “Ya get me?”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:41 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@Defencebrief@Sarah_Zenith@CivilLitTweet All permitted by the HCJ I might add. Witness read lips and could faintly hear me & Pros.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:40 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
? It’s unnecessary garnish. Content & intonation should make it abundantly clear you are putting something of import https://t.co/veZiv2q696
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:35 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@EmmaDixon_EU@KMarysiaW@CivilLitTweet absolutely!! Although “I put it to you” is out of fashion.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:30 AM – 13 Jan 2017
Went to BIRKENHEAD CC in 1980! God have I really spend nearly 4 decades in this bloody industry!!!! https://t.co/PLYHB6UQLy
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:28 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@timoconnorbl@CivilLitTweet good description of (Taxing) Master Martyn. Thin lipped smile while he savaged your beautiful bill
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:24 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@RhysTaylor32 There is definitely some kind of law of physics at play here..,
8:23 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@Sarah_Zenith@CivilLitTweet I showed up to court with a cold so bad I was almost completely deaf. HHJ was deaf so… https://t.co/xhh1KbveSV
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:22 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Send your client out of the court building to get a coffee or have a smoke to ensure you get called on immediately #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:22 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet When you see someone – colleague or judge – who you may think is a harmless old buffer smiling gently, be very, very afraid.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:20 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet …the Leeds case will either prove intractably complicated and take 2 hours, or it will be stood down.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:20 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet if your clerk sends you to do a 1st-on-at-10 in Leeds and then a 2pm in Sheffield, assuring you the Leeds case is swift…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:20 AM – 13 Jan 2017

8:20 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet A bad cold is not an excuse for failing to attend a hearing: childbirth & death are (possibly).
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@Sarah_Zenith & “we’ll definitely use you in future” after a winning trial means you will never see that person ever again…
8:16 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Little correlation between quality of yr performance in crt & chance of repeat instruction from person sitting behind you.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:14 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
               
Or book a hotel for several nights https://t.co/y8S3K3MWJm
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:10 AM – 13 Jan 2017
EVERY. TIME! https://t.co/4dXBwispPc
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:09 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet A printer which otherwise works reliably will cease to function when you ask it to print your skeleton argument.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:09 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
The one time you’ve had a late night and only skim read your brief, the judge will ask you for a detailed opening #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:09 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet never assume anything!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:06 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
.@McDermottQC @CivilLitTweet@KMarysiaW@EmmaDixon_EU Yes- and rather better than the CPR the rest of us have.
@chrisdaleoxford@CivilLitTweet judges, nothing prepares you for judges. Also, metaphorically, make subtle love to the ushers
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:04 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet make the usher your best friend if you want to be at the top of the list.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@cjr1968@CivilLitTweet You will prepare, thanks to vague instructions..the case for the other side
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:02 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Far-off application dates; non-availability of court or judge; difficulty of communicating with the court; waiting rooms
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:01 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet or if you get up early to use it before you leave.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:00 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet are you not familiar with essay submission failures?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
8:00 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
If you want your case to settle find an extortionately expensive car park & pay in advance for the whole day #lawschool
8:00 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@alistair_sloan@CivilLitTweet Never, ever use on street parking. Your quick 5min CMD will be moved/delayed & you can’t return to the meter.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:58 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@EmmaDixon_EU@KMarysiaW@CivilLitTweet I say “may it please your Honour ”
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:57 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Don’t forget FIXED COSTS and the readjustment to your student loan repayment schedule…
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:57 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
The case you’ve stayed up all night to prepare for what you know will be a bitterly fought trial will settle within half an hour #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
               
@CivilLitTweet You can get an entire working day without eating. You will not get through without coffee. Never leave a coffee behind.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@CivilLitTweet Never, EVER lose to a litigant in person. If you do, don’t tell a soul. Not even your Mum.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:54 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
I know. The court closure policy seems like a huge panic. And no replacement. So great idea…remove the law.… https://t.co/A9Pqtxu9Gl
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:53 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet and it’s always on the worst weather day of the year!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:53 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@McDermottQC@EmmaDixon_EU@CivilLitTweet not in Liverpool County Court ?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:53 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@carnybull@CivilLitTweet Schroedingers Client ……
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:53 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@KMarysiaW@EmmaDixon_EU@CivilLitTweet I’ve always felt Liverpool had its own CPR …
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:53 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet If your supervisor gives you something ‘really simple , will take 5 mins as it’s all agreed’ BE AFRAID #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:49 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Costs!
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:49 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Either way, a potential stress avalanche
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:49 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@MartinSalloway1@marilynstowe@JohnHyde1982 Courts they closed decades ago are still standing empty.
7:49 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@marilynstowe@CivilLitTweet@JohnHyde1982 not yet. Mind you, nice bit of real estate: Central London, convenient for the City and West End
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@EmmaDixon_EU@KMarysiaW Controversy…
7:47 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Yes we do! https://t.co/EYn6AW627i
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:46 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet when you’re at court for something that will take less than 5 minutes, you’ll be at the end of the list.
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
@CivilLitTweet no one actually says “May it please the Court” ?#lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:44 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet 9am = client at 9.56. 9.45 = client o/s since 8.25
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:44 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Any more practical advice for law students on reality of legal practice? #lawschool
7:43 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet and always ZERO sympathy from judge ( esp if you are a solicitor) #lawschool
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:38 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@WGAbroad@CivilLitTweet yep! Today no doubt being a prime example (yes, I have a train which is running on time!)
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:38 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet and if you are late your case will have been called first
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:38 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
               
@WGAbroad@AlisonJBurge That is always true.
7:38 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet and if you’ve travelled the furthest, you will be first to arrive (@AlisonJBurge !)
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:37 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet I made the Bexley legends list the other day, I haven’t a clue what they are?
Retweeted by Gordon Exall
7:37 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
However if you are 2 minutes late the court will inevitably be running on time #lawschool
7:36 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
When you travel miles & get to court on time your case will then inevitably be delayed for several hours #lawschool
7:35 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
@CivilLitTweet Learning the best public transports routes in and out of London? #lawschool
So always have backups available. Old laptops & printers (that still work) can save a lot of hassle #lawschool
6:22 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Any piece of technology upon which you rely will fail on the evening before you have to get up early to travel far for a case #lawschool
6:20 AM – 13 Jan 2017

               
Thinking of doing a series on what they don’t teach you in Law School – early morning starts is first on the list. #lawschool