Hints and tips

Some hints and tips for a successful telephone hearing!

1. Always book your hearing as far in advance as possible.
2. Ensure that you advise all parties that you have booked the telephone hearing.
3. Be ready to start the conference at least ten minutes before the start time.
4. At the time of the hearing, ensure that you are sitting at the number you have said you wanted to be called at. If possible, try to make this a number that doesn’t accept unexpected public incoming calls directly, such as conference phone in a meeting room.
5. Listen to the operator. They are there to help. They will advise that your conversation is being recorded, and how to ask for assistance should it be needed.
6. Be prepared. Judges often say that many advocates prepare a little less for a telephone hearing than they would for an in-person hearing.
7. If you want to use a speaker phone, make sure you know how to work it before the telephone hearing begins
8. Always supply the operator with an alternate contact number if you have one, such as a direct line and a switchboard,