The Art of Persuasion

The Trust has developed a very successful day for pupils in Years 11-13, called The Art of Persuasion, visiting schools on the six judicial circuits (regions) and showing how ‘inspiring advocacy’ works in practice.

The Art of Persuasion – how it works

In highly structured, interactive programmes, Kalisher trustees challenge pupils to stand on their feet to speak with confidence and authority, showing how exciting it is to exceed expectation, discount negative peer group opinion, and overcome social disadvantage. We have seen at first hand how young minds revel in the opportunity to demonstrate quick wits and mental agility and appreciate the benefits of a stimulating engagement that crosses ethnic, cultural, religious and social barriers.

Striving for excellence

Kalisher judges and barristers encourage pupils to strive for excellence. They ask for (and get) a reciprocal commitment, working in small groups to gain confidence and trust. We challenge pupils to listen carefully, identify pertinent evidence and respond dynamically. Putting a ‘willing’ Head/Principal on trial is followed with sketches and role plays which present a snapshot of the issues confronting a criminal barrister, from controlling distressed and emotional witnesses and dissecting confused arguments to presenting a coherent case under pressure.

How pupils benefit

By the end of the visit, pupils understand that approaching problems with a ‘legal’ cast of mind is useful across the board. As one 6th form girl wrote recently:

“It was a life-changing experience. Kalisher is a brilliant Trust enabling teenagers who might not be able to have the opportunity to meet top barristers and judges and learn from them. I have learnt that I can achieve anything and use the skills of a lawyer – or a person in court – to excel in my future”.

We do not set out on a recruitment campaign, but we pick up and support anyone wanting to pursue a career in law, whatever it is.