There are three core skills courses which all devils are required to attend. If a devil does not complete these courses, they will be deemed not to have satisfied the training requirements in the Regulations as to Intrants (.pdf - 378KB) as amended December 2006 and will not be admitted to the Faculty until they have done so. The Faculty's skills courses are all built on the philosophy of 'learning by doing'. Generally there will be an introductory discussion led by an experienced practising member of the Bar, often supplemented by a demonstration, followed by practical workshops in which all devils will practice the skill. The Faculty believes that skills are best learned and improved in a supportive learning environment where devils have an opportunity to perform exercises without the pressure of a "pass/fail" approach. All performances are given an immediate review by members of the Faculty's team of skills instructors. Review is not judgemental, and is designed to highlight what has or has not worked in a particular exercise, and to explain why. Devils are encouraged to reflect on reviews of their own performance and that of their peers.

The devilling year begins with the Foundation Course, which takes place in the autumn, and lasts about five weeks. During the Foundation Course, the devils will participate in seminars and small group workshops covering communication skills, questioning skills (including examination in chief and cross examination of witnesses), and drafting skills covering both civil and criminal written pleadings. Sessions are held on the effective use of IT and of the excellent resources in the Advocates Library. Although professional responsibility underlies much of the training process, devils also participate in workshops dealing with particular problems of professional responsibility and professional ethics. Devils will also conduct motions, examine witnesses and make jury speeches in a criminal trial, culminating in an exercise involving the conduct of a complete criminal trial or civil proof.

After about three months of work with their devilmaster, the devils will participate in the February Skills Course. This lasts about two weeks, and comprises a series of performance workshops involving the use of documents in evidence, the conduct of a procedure roll discussion, workshops on judicial review, section 275 applications and working with expert evidence.

Shortly before admission, the devils attend the May Preparation for Practice Course which takes place over two weeks in May. During the May Skills Course, they will attend workshops on vulnerable witnesses, longer motions, reclaiming motions, negotiation and mediation; as well as carrying out civil and criminal appeals before a serving judge. Sessions are also arranged on the practical aspects of admission to the Bar, such as financial management, professional indemnity insurance, and the work of advocates' clerks.