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 fully explained. 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 barrister 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 - ANALYSE the issues and evidence; Stage 3 - PRESENT the argument. The manual uses a realistic set of papers which demonstrates a step-by-step approach for effective preparation in both civil and criminal cases.