Mock Trial

The Insurance Institute of Sussex is delighted to announce that it will be giving members an opportunity to experience first-hand the different stages involved during a civil County Court hearing. Taking the form of a mock trial, this daytime event will use a typical public liability claim to illustrate the errors and problems that can and do arise before and during a trial.

Led by Kelvin Farmaner and Sarah Wheadon from Trethowans and Adrian Posta from Guildhall Chambers, attendees will be walked through the different stages of a trial as they listen to the evidence presented and consider the likely outcome before judgement is passed. They will also be given an opportunity to consider what each side could have done differently to improve their chances of winning their case.

Reserve Your Place Now
We are still putting together the finer details for this prestigious event, which is being held at Balcombe Place - an impressive Grade 2 Victorian country house, located just a few miles outside of Haywards Heath - but you can reserve your place today by clicking on the Book Now button below.

This event is free to all CII/PFS members (non-members £25) and will provide 3 hours of CPD. You will need your membership number at the time of booking in order to benefit from the member rate.

It will be of interest to insurance professionals who want to learn more about the court process. Claims or complaint handlers and others involved in the decision making process will find this event particularly beneficial as they are given an insight into how actions taken by them in the early stages of a case can have a significant bearing on the outcome should it go to trial.

Please note that this event is currently scheduled to start promptly at 10.00am on Tuesday 18 June and registration will open at 9.30 am. Refreshments (tea/coffee) and a light buffet will be provided during the day.

Please note: There are two steps at the front entrance to the building. If you require step-free/wheel chair access, please state this on your booking form so we can arrange for the rear entrance to be open.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the event, you will have learnt

• that not everything at court is perfectly choreographed

• that work undertaken during the life of a case can mean the difference between winning and losing

• to consider what could be done differently to improve your chances of winning a case

• to take this back to your desk and bear it in mind when dealing with your own claims in the future

About The Event Leaders

Kelvin Farmaner - Partner & Head of Insurance and Regulatory, Trethowans LLP
Kelvin is an experienced litigation Lawyer and Solicitor - Advocate (Higher Courts Civil Proceedings) and in addition has a niche expertise and understanding of the insurance sector. He is a member of FOIL (Forum of Insurance Lawyers) and currently sits on FOIL's "European Issues" Sector Focus team. Kelvin has published articles in various regional publications as well as in trade journals.

He acts for Domestic and European Insurance companies mainly in connection with defending motor claims cases. He has also established a niche practice in relation to claims involving animals having acted for the successful party in the leading case of Mirvahedy v Henley which was decided in 2003 in the House of Lords (the case in which the court defined the responsibilities of keepers of animals under Section 2 of the Animals Act 1971).

Sarah Wheadon - Partner – Regulatory, Trethowans LLP
Sarah is a regulatory solicitor and Higher Court Advocate. Sarah advises businesses on compliance with regulations covering areas such as health and safety, data protection, environmental, bribery, food safety and consumer protection. She also advises on contentious competition issues and challenges to procurement processes.

She defends businesses and individuals being investigated for breaches of regulations by enforcement authorities such as the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Trading Standards. She represents clients at interviews under caution, in criminal proceedings and at inquests. Sarah’s practice also includes defending clients charged with motoring offences. As well as compliance and defence work, Sarah also regularly prosecutes for the RSPCA and is experienced in animal welfare law.

Adrian Posta - Barrister - Guildhall Chambers
Adrian was called to the Bar in 1996. He undertakes personal injury and fatal accident work on behalf of claimants and defendants in a range of fields including employers' liability, occupiers liability and road traffic claims.

Adrian is frequently instructed to provide early written analysis of liability in claims involving multiple parties and to undertake early projections of potential quantum in complex or high-value claims (in writing or in conference).