Advocacy begins before the hearing: prepare for the decisive questions

Illustrative photograph by Vitaly Gariev Unsplash

Prepare for the decision sought at the hearing

A client may read the case file many times and still struggle when asked: when did the amount become due, where is the proof of handover, or what is the objection to the report? Professional preparation turns general knowledge of the dispute into specific answers. It begins with understanding the hearing’s purpose and the case’s current stage.

A hearing to discuss a document differs from one examining an expert report or completing a response to a defence. Before the appointment, prepare a practical summary of the current request, the issue needing resolution, the court’s earlier directions and the other party’s latest submission. Aligning this picture with the client helps reduce surprises and identify information to confirm in advance.

Prepare a questions-and-answers sheet

For each material issue, prepare a possible question, a concise answer and a reference to the supporting document. In a monetary claim, review the amount’s basis, its due date, payments made and the effect of any contractual amendment. In a defence concerning delay, examine dates, correspondence and each party’s responsibility. Distinguish established information from an explanation needing support.

Practise explaining these points clearly without memorising a rigid speech. If information is uncertain, determine how to verify it and when it can be provided as the court permits. An accurate answer preserves consistency and avoids building a position on an estimate or unchecked memory.

• Which question remains open after the last submission?
• What is the direct answer, and which attachment supports it?
• What is the strongest likely objection, and has the submission addressed it?
• Is there a new fact, payment or settlement that the lawyer needs to know about?
• What request suits this stage, and what information is needed to make it?

Understand the hearing format and the representative’s powers

The Ministry of Justice explains that electronic litigation enables exchange of submissions and documents, responses to the judicial panel’s requests, and both written and video hearings. In written proceedings, arrange responses to the questions through the approved procedure. For a video hearing, prepare the files for discussion and check the access link, identity, connection and place of attendance.

Before the hearing, review the power of attorney or other representation document and its scope. Some evidentiary steps need specific authority, such as admissions, requests relating to oaths, allegations of forgery and acceptance of expert findings, under the procedural guidelines. Authority to settle or waive rights must also be examined where those matters arise, according to the applicable laws and mandate. Clear limits protect the client’s ability to make informed decisions affecting their rights.

Keep the discussion precise and respectful

Structure the answer by presenting the fact first, then its evidence and effect on the request. When discussing a technical report, identify the point in a calculation, assumption or document not examined, and explain its effect. When discussing a legal defence, explain its connection to the dispute and the outcome sought.

Respect the court’s management of the hearing and seek permission when clarification or a request is needed. Present an objection to evidence or an evidentiary procedure with its reasons and within the prescribed time. Deadlines and procedures differ with the type of case and step involved. Review the file’s particular directions and notices instead of assuming one period applies to every claim.

Turn the hearing’s outcome into clear next steps

Care of the case continues after the discussion ends. Review the minutes and the requests, answers and decisions recorded in them, and use the appropriate procedure if a material issue needs addressing. Update the follow-up schedule with the person responsible for each task, the required document and the deadline set by the court or law.

The client benefits from a clear update explaining what happened, what remains disputed and what is needed before the next stage, without treating every procedural step as a sign of the result. Meshaal Sulaiman Alrubaysh Law Firm & Legal Consultancy assesses the position, prepares submissions and advocacy, and follows procedures according to the nature of the case, while explaining the options and professional risk assessment to the client.

General educational content, not a substitute for advice on your facts and documents, and not a guarantee of any outcome.

Translations refer to Saudi law, consult the official legal text when applying it.