On 1 December 2025, during the inaugural London Arbitration Week, GAR Academy ran an Advocacy Skills Workshop with the support of ArbitralWomen. The workshop opened with remarks from moderator Steven P. Finizio (Partner, WilmerHale), followed by a masterclass on cross-examination delivered by a distinguished faculty of international arbitration practitioners: Werner Eyskens (Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP), Douglas Harrison (independent arbitrator), Elijah Putilin (independent arbitrator, Putilin Dispute Management), Sibylle Schumacher (Partner, Pinsent Masons) and Marion Smith KC (Barrister, 39 Essex Chambers). 

Each speaker explored a different dimension of cross-examination in arbitration, with topics ranging from maintaining credibility and control in cross-examination, to adapting to varying tribunal styles and preferences, to strategically handling prior inconsistent statements. The panellists shared their respective strategies for cross-examination and as well as their top tips and personal experiences, underscoring that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to cross-examination. A recurring theme was the importance of crafting a coherent and persuasive narrative through questioning, while remaining agile in response to witness answers and focusing only on what truly advances the case.

Following a short networking break, the participants (who ranged from more junior solicitors to senior lawyers and in-house counsel) worked in teams on a playful but challenging scenario: Little Red Riding Hood bringing a claim in tort for trespass to the person against Mr Wolf. The attendees, who were divided into counsel for Ms Hood and Mr Wolf respectively, performed spirited cross-examinations before the room, receiving constructive and insightful feedback from the panel after each round. The exercise featured tricky witnesses, tough questions and plenty of humour – but above all, valuable learning opportunities for all the attendees. Everyone walked away with sharper skills, a refined arsenal of cross-examination techniques, and a healthy respect for the strategic complexities of even the most whimsical disputes.

A huge thank you to GAR Academy Live for organising an excellent and very memorable masterclass on the art of cross-examination. 
 
ArbitralWomen received a complimentary ticket to attend the Workshop.