Thorough preparation is the vital first step to winning a case. This manual sets out practical advice on how to identify the relevant law and how to manage the facts in order to present a convincing case. Efficient legal research is an essential skill for the barrister. The important aspects of legal research, such as identifying keywords , ensuring research is up to date, using hard copy and computer databases, are explained fully. Another necessary skill in the preparation of a successful case is that of fact management. A legal action arises from a set of facts which must be mastered by the lawyer before a solution can be proposed. Fact management skills are explained within this manual by using the systematic CAP approach: stage 1, understand the Context; stage 2, Analyze the issues and evidence; and stage 3, Present the argument. The book uses realistic sets of papers which demonstrate a step-by-step approach for effective preparation in both civil and criminal cases.