Courtroom etiquette for advocates: addressing the judge, submissions, responding to rulings, leaving court, and relations with opponents, clerks and ushers, with preparation tips
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Practice notes
Above all, be courteous to everyone at all times. Showing unfailing politeness to all concerned makes it difficult to go seriously wrong.
The judge
- Ensure all mobiles are fully switched off before the judge arrives in court.
- Rise to your feet as the judge enters; the usher or the clerk will, in any event, remind you if you forget.
- Offer a bow when they reach the bench—their desk at the front of the court—and note that the judge will return the bow.
- You should also bow once more when they stand to leave the courtroom.
- At the beginning of proceedings, the judge will indicate when they are ready to hear from someone, and they usually invite the claimant’s advocate to go first.
Addressing the judge
- For guidance on the correct forms of address for each level of the judiciary, see: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary—What do I call a judge?
- Always stand whenever you speak to the judge.
- By long-standing practice, the first advocate to address the court should state whom they represent, and give the name and client of their opposite number...
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Web page updated on 21/05/2026
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