What: Training for legal professionals on human rights strategic litigation and trial advocacy.
When: November 13-16, 2026
Where: Cape Town, South Africa (Scalabrini Centre
47 Commercial Street, Cape Town CBD 8001, South Africa
Cost: Free of charge. Competitive selection with 50 places available.
Application deadline: October 1, 2026 or when capacity is reached. Applicants will be informed of their selection by October 20.
PILnet invites lawyers from across Africa and beyond to apply for an intensive, in-person training on Human Rights Strategic Litigation and Trial Advocacy. This four-day program is designed to equip legal practitioners with the practical tools, strategies, and confidence needed to drive impactful public interest litigation.
Held in Cape Town immediately following the PILnet Global Forum, this training brings together a dynamic cohort of legal professionals committed to advancing justice and protecting human rights
Why Apply?
This is more than a training—it’s an opportunity to:
- Sharpen your courtroom skills with hands-on trial advocacy exercises
- Strengthen your litigation strategies for real-world human rights cases
- Join a network of public interest litigators working across jurisdictions
- Gain practical insights from leading global experts in trial advocacy
The program will be delivered by faculty from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), a U.S. based, globally recognized leader in experiential legal training.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from:
- Lawyers engaged in public interest law, human rights, or pro bono practice
- Public defenders and practitioners working on civic space, environmental justice, or community-based litigation
- Legal professionals committed to using law as a tool for social impact
- While the training is primarily intended for lawyers based in Africa, we do welcome applications from lawyers based in other regions.
A total of 50 participants will be selected, ensuring diversity across regions, gender, and career stages.
What You’ll Learn
This highly interactive, skills-based training covers:
- Case theory development and litigation planning
- Opening and closing statements
- Examination-in-chief and cross-examination
- Making and responding to objections
- Working with expert witnesses
- Ethical considerations in strategic litigation
- Practical advocacy drills and simulations with expert feedback
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on:
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest and pro bono work
- Relevance of current or intended practice areas
- Availability to attend the full training
- Contribution to diversity and inclusion
- Potential to apply training toward meaningful legal impact
This training is delivered in partnership with:
