Welcome to the Advocacy Club
The Advocacy Club was founded in 2007 to train articling students and junior lawyers in the arts of civil advocacy. Since then, it has expanded to include hundreds of participants from many law firms and governmental organizations. The Club's sessions are based on these principles:
- Trainees learn more by doing than by listening to lectures.
- Junior advocates benefit greatly from networking with other like-minded professionals.
- Collegiality, professionalism, and competence are interrelated and form the foundation for a successful career in law.
For more information, watch the Advocacy Club's promotional video here.
Advocacy Club Holiday Social - Dec 6 at Alora in Ottawa's Byward Market
The Advocacy Club Holiday Social, sponsored by Nelligan Law and RSM Canada (forensic accountants), is December 6, 2023.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 6th, 6:30 pm until close
WHERE: Alora, 34 Clarence St., Byward Market, Ottawa
WHAT: Our annual Holiday Social is an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and celebrate the season before the holiday break. Appetizers and cocktails will be served. We encourage junior and senior lawyers/paralegals as well as students to attend.
REGISTRATION: Tickets are $50 + HST. Space is limited so please email kelli@black-law.ca to reserve your spot before purchasing a ticket at this link.
ATTIRE: Holiday cocktail attire and/or ugly holiday sweaters are encouraged. The choice is yours!
OTHER: Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Social Committee should you have any questions. The Social Committee is Kelli-Anne Day, Victoria Boddy, Ainsley Shannon, & Mona Mikhael.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 6th, 6:30 pm until close
WHERE: Alora, 34 Clarence St., Byward Market, Ottawa
WHAT: Our annual Holiday Social is an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and celebrate the season before the holiday break. Appetizers and cocktails will be served. We encourage junior and senior lawyers/paralegals as well as students to attend.
REGISTRATION: Tickets are $50 + HST. Space is limited so please email kelli@black-law.ca to reserve your spot before purchasing a ticket at this link.
ATTIRE: Holiday cocktail attire and/or ugly holiday sweaters are encouraged. The choice is yours!
OTHER: Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Social Committee should you have any questions. The Social Committee is Kelli-Anne Day, Victoria Boddy, Ainsley Shannon, & Mona Mikhael.
Announcing Sponsored Advocacy Club Boot Camp in October!
The Cub ran three boot camps this fall. Two were in-person, sponsored by Emond Harnden (September) and Nelligan O'Brien Payne (October). As well, we ran a boot camp on Zoom for a Winnipeg law firm for 7 participants. Contact us if you want to participate in a future session, on Zoom or in person.
Recent Feedback:
"[The] advocacy bootcamp is an essential ingredient in a young lawyer's training. With a masterful command of the techniques taught and top-notch oration skills, [it] teaches practical skills that are immediately applicable in any litigator's practice."
"I'm amazed by how much I learned in such a short time. I gained practical knowledge and tools to be a better advocate for clients. This Advocacy Club Bootcamp is definitely a worthwhile investment."
"The Advocacy Bootcamp challenged me and allowed me to learn much about how I currently conduct my legal practice and how it can be improved. The instructors pushed us and helped us reflect on our advocacy skills and how to improve them. I highly recommend taking this course."
"Outstanding!"
Recent Feedback:
"[The] advocacy bootcamp is an essential ingredient in a young lawyer's training. With a masterful command of the techniques taught and top-notch oration skills, [it] teaches practical skills that are immediately applicable in any litigator's practice."
"I'm amazed by how much I learned in such a short time. I gained practical knowledge and tools to be a better advocate for clients. This Advocacy Club Bootcamp is definitely a worthwhile investment."
"The Advocacy Bootcamp challenged me and allowed me to learn much about how I currently conduct my legal practice and how it can be improved. The instructors pushed us and helped us reflect on our advocacy skills and how to improve them. I highly recommend taking this course."
"Outstanding!"
WikiHow Event Announcement - Courtroom Etiquette
On October 19, 2023, the Advocacy Club staged its second WikiHow, this one on "Courtroom Etiquette". At this workshop, led by members of our local judiciary, 34 participants learned the practical nuts and bolts of how to navigate the courtroom and the Ottawa courthouse. A networking social followed, hosted by the CCLA, with light refreshments.
Thanks to Victoria Boddy, Kelli-Anne Day and Ainsley Shannon for their leadership and organization.
Thanks to Victoria Boddy, Kelli-Anne Day and Ainsley Shannon for their leadership and organization.
Advocacy Club @ Law School on Zoom - Fall Semester 2023 is in the books.
The seventh iteration of this successful course completed November 28 with 15 eager participants from uOttawa, Metropolitan Toronto and Lakehead law schools. The course presents basic advocacy skills from experienced litigators, trainers and Advocacy Club members. Break-out sessions led by civil litigators - all Club members - allow participants to practice the techniques taught in the session.
Although a Zoom event, the networking opportunity is invaluable. An unexpected benefit is how much the course improves participants' ability in their other courses, whether advocacy-oriented or not. Another benefit is how impressive the course completion looks on a resumé. Some homework is involved, less than 60 minutes per week, but the payout is huge.
There is no charge for this course. The Advocacy Club members for these sessions are MBC Law's Matthew Benson and Chelsea Sexton, Gowlings' Alice Mihaelescu, Nelligan's Alana Guy, and Melanie LaBossiere of Winnipeg's Thompson Dorfman Sweatman. Contact me to register for the Winter Semester 2024 - nine Tuesday evenings to start January 30 and end March 26, from 7:00-8:30 PM (Eastern) on Zoom. Read the PDF promo here. Note there is no time off for reading week, as each law school has a different one.
If you work in a law firm or for an employer who hires summer interns/articling students, you would be well-served to solicit talent among these motivated advocates-in-waiting. Please let us know here, and we can share your position details with the participants.
Testimonials from recent participants:
“Who, what, when, where, why, and how; the ‘why’ and ‘how’ this is essential to improving your legal advocacy skills is just one of the things the boot camp will teach you. It’s a great way to continue or preview what you’ll learn in trial advocacy classes and an opportunity to meet other students and practicing lawyers with an interest in litigation. I love it because it got me out of legal theory for a while and put the practical back into law. You won’t regret it.”
Nicholas Cheung, 3L, uOttawa
“The Advocacy Club is a must-do for law students who want to become litigators. Not only does it teach you the essential litigation skills you will never learn from law school, it also provides valuable networking opportunities that set you up for success!”
Chloe Wang, 2L, Toronto Metropolitan University
“Thank you for this experience. While I was nervous to start the boot camp, I could not be more thankful for my experience. I will carry the skills I learned into my articling experience and practice. Not only have I gained more confidence in public speaking, but I have also enjoyed being challenged to think on my feet and present my ideas effectively and concisely. Further, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet more colleagues and work with amazing mentors. I look forward to retaking the boot camp during my articling term.”
Regan Robinson, 3L, uOttawa
“Just closed the books on an enriching chapter at the Advocacy Club – the ultimate blend of education and mentorship! Heartfelt appreciation to our exceptional mentors for their dedication and expertise. To my fellow law students: seriously, consider joining the Advocacy Club! Not only did we dive deeply into litigation techniques and refine advocacy skills, but it’s also a stellar launchpad to broaden your legal network. The connections made here are invaluable for your future career. Gratitude to everyone who makes the Advocacy Club the go-to hub for legal growth and community.”
Rui Zhang, 2L, uOttawa
“I just wanted to thank you for running the Advocacy Club! As a 1L student, learning about interviewing techniques, direct/cross-examinations, and public speaking at the beginning of my law school journey was extremely useful. I’ve already been able to apply what I learned to several school assignments, and I feel well-equipped and excited to tackle my mock trial in 2L! The opportunity to network with other lawyers was also invaluable.”
Alexandra Bula, 1L, Lakehead
“This course is an incredible opportunity to extend your legal education beyond the classroom. Whether you pursue a career in litigation or not, this course teaches you fundamental skills that will serve you in every area of practice. Through this course, I became a more confident public speaker, learned how to think clearly under pressure/on the spot, and learned (most importantly) how to get to the point. The Club is also an incredible opportunity to interact with practicing lawyers who are happy to provide invaluable advice and guidance. I would recommend this Club to anyone”.
Alexandra Weir, 1L, uOttawa
Although a Zoom event, the networking opportunity is invaluable. An unexpected benefit is how much the course improves participants' ability in their other courses, whether advocacy-oriented or not. Another benefit is how impressive the course completion looks on a resumé. Some homework is involved, less than 60 minutes per week, but the payout is huge.
There is no charge for this course. The Advocacy Club members for these sessions are MBC Law's Matthew Benson and Chelsea Sexton, Gowlings' Alice Mihaelescu, Nelligan's Alana Guy, and Melanie LaBossiere of Winnipeg's Thompson Dorfman Sweatman. Contact me to register for the Winter Semester 2024 - nine Tuesday evenings to start January 30 and end March 26, from 7:00-8:30 PM (Eastern) on Zoom. Read the PDF promo here. Note there is no time off for reading week, as each law school has a different one.
If you work in a law firm or for an employer who hires summer interns/articling students, you would be well-served to solicit talent among these motivated advocates-in-waiting. Please let us know here, and we can share your position details with the participants.
Testimonials from recent participants:
“Who, what, when, where, why, and how; the ‘why’ and ‘how’ this is essential to improving your legal advocacy skills is just one of the things the boot camp will teach you. It’s a great way to continue or preview what you’ll learn in trial advocacy classes and an opportunity to meet other students and practicing lawyers with an interest in litigation. I love it because it got me out of legal theory for a while and put the practical back into law. You won’t regret it.”
Nicholas Cheung, 3L, uOttawa
“The Advocacy Club is a must-do for law students who want to become litigators. Not only does it teach you the essential litigation skills you will never learn from law school, it also provides valuable networking opportunities that set you up for success!”
Chloe Wang, 2L, Toronto Metropolitan University
“Thank you for this experience. While I was nervous to start the boot camp, I could not be more thankful for my experience. I will carry the skills I learned into my articling experience and practice. Not only have I gained more confidence in public speaking, but I have also enjoyed being challenged to think on my feet and present my ideas effectively and concisely. Further, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet more colleagues and work with amazing mentors. I look forward to retaking the boot camp during my articling term.”
Regan Robinson, 3L, uOttawa
“Just closed the books on an enriching chapter at the Advocacy Club – the ultimate blend of education and mentorship! Heartfelt appreciation to our exceptional mentors for their dedication and expertise. To my fellow law students: seriously, consider joining the Advocacy Club! Not only did we dive deeply into litigation techniques and refine advocacy skills, but it’s also a stellar launchpad to broaden your legal network. The connections made here are invaluable for your future career. Gratitude to everyone who makes the Advocacy Club the go-to hub for legal growth and community.”
Rui Zhang, 2L, uOttawa
“I just wanted to thank you for running the Advocacy Club! As a 1L student, learning about interviewing techniques, direct/cross-examinations, and public speaking at the beginning of my law school journey was extremely useful. I’ve already been able to apply what I learned to several school assignments, and I feel well-equipped and excited to tackle my mock trial in 2L! The opportunity to network with other lawyers was also invaluable.”
Alexandra Bula, 1L, Lakehead
“This course is an incredible opportunity to extend your legal education beyond the classroom. Whether you pursue a career in litigation or not, this course teaches you fundamental skills that will serve you in every area of practice. Through this course, I became a more confident public speaker, learned how to think clearly under pressure/on the spot, and learned (most importantly) how to get to the point. The Club is also an incredible opportunity to interact with practicing lawyers who are happy to provide invaluable advice and guidance. I would recommend this Club to anyone”.
Alexandra Weir, 1L, uOttawa
Introducing the Advocacy Club Boot Camp on Substack
Announcing the Advocacy Club Boot Camp on Substack! Now you can learn the many techniques unique to the Advocacy Club in manageable, bite-sized chunks. We break our formulae into their components (much as we teach how to cross-examine) and present each as a distinct segment. The techniques of the Boot Camp are all there with far more detail than is presented in the live sessions!
The ACBC on Substack can become part of your weekly training plan. Each segment has a free blog post-sized description of the technique and behind a modest paywall, a short podcast to explain it, in most cases, a demonstration and an exercise for DIY types based on the included Donoghue vs. Stevenson case study.
The ACBC on Substack provides a holistic method to interview clients and witnesses, conduct case analysis, break the story into component scenes, prepare for and conduct direct and cross-examinations, and conduct an oral argument.
Law students will improve their performance in all courses, including trial advocacy. Articling students and junior lawyers will learn techniques they didn't learn in law school. More senior lawyers will add to their toolbox of techniques. Solicitors will learn the interview and analysis techniques they need to gather information and form/write opinions.
Applicable to all adversary systems of law and both courts and administrative tribunals. TAAS - Training As A Service. Complies with the Law Society of Ontario's requirements for substantive CPD.
Check it out here.
The ACBC on Substack can become part of your weekly training plan. Each segment has a free blog post-sized description of the technique and behind a modest paywall, a short podcast to explain it, in most cases, a demonstration and an exercise for DIY types based on the included Donoghue vs. Stevenson case study.
The ACBC on Substack provides a holistic method to interview clients and witnesses, conduct case analysis, break the story into component scenes, prepare for and conduct direct and cross-examinations, and conduct an oral argument.
Law students will improve their performance in all courses, including trial advocacy. Articling students and junior lawyers will learn techniques they didn't learn in law school. More senior lawyers will add to their toolbox of techniques. Solicitors will learn the interview and analysis techniques they need to gather information and form/write opinions.
Applicable to all adversary systems of law and both courts and administrative tribunals. TAAS - Training As A Service. Complies with the Law Society of Ontario's requirements for substantive CPD.
Check it out here.
Advocacy Club Newsletter
Communication is a significant issue. Emails? We all get too many; worse, bulk emails are vulnerable to phishing. And who reads them, anyway? LinkedIn? We have an active LinkedIn User Group (members are invited to ask for an invite - or check their inbox for the invite they have ignored), but despite "likes" and "shares", there is a very haphazard response to these. CCLA newsletter? Many Club members, especially outside Ottawa, don't read these.
So, we started to publish the AC Newsletter in March 2022. We send it to Club 20, 21 and 22 members, AC@LS members, past team leaders, and anyone else who asks to be added to the list. If you get one and don't want it, let us know, and we will remove your name. If you want it sent to your private email, let us know. Many members have changed firms/addresses or have left the law without letting us know, so please keep us advised of changes.
The technology foundation for the AC Newsletter is Weebly/Square, which is not very robust. You may not have opted-in, and we don't know it. We apologize if you receive unwanted emails because of that and undertake to correct any problems as soon as you let us know.
You can get access to the most recent Newsletter and add your name to the distribution list on request via email to me here. Here is a link to the April 2023 newsletter, as an example.
So, we started to publish the AC Newsletter in March 2022. We send it to Club 20, 21 and 22 members, AC@LS members, past team leaders, and anyone else who asks to be added to the list. If you get one and don't want it, let us know, and we will remove your name. If you want it sent to your private email, let us know. Many members have changed firms/addresses or have left the law without letting us know, so please keep us advised of changes.
The technology foundation for the AC Newsletter is Weebly/Square, which is not very robust. You may not have opted-in, and we don't know it. We apologize if you receive unwanted emails because of that and undertake to correct any problems as soon as you let us know.
You can get access to the most recent Newsletter and add your name to the distribution list on request via email to me here. Here is a link to the April 2023 newsletter, as an example.
From Novice Lawyer to Skilled Advocate
Founded by John Hollander in 2007 in Ottawa, the Advocacy Club trains novice lawyers to become skilled advocates. It has two focuses:
By the end of the Boot Camp, junior advocates have learned to apply the techniques to most of the situations they encounter in their practice. After this initial training, Club members participate in advanced sessions that take place throughout the year. To date these sessions have included training in:
- To teach the art of advocacy through preparation, interview and examination
- To promote collegiality among advocacy peers.
By the end of the Boot Camp, junior advocates have learned to apply the techniques to most of the situations they encounter in their practice. After this initial training, Club members participate in advanced sessions that take place throughout the year. To date these sessions have included training in:
Advocacy Club Handbooks
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John has written several handbooks presenting the Advocacy Club techniques. They are available through Irwin Law Publishers and on Amazon.com at John's Author Page here.
Hull & Hull, a leading estates law firm, recently reviewed one of the handbooks in the series, The Civil Courtroom. "It is a book within Irwin Law’s Young Advocates series that I found to be more insightful today than I may have as a first year lawyer." Check out Doreen So's full review, here. |
Chat with Lawyers Podcast Series
John Hollander interviews lawyers to present an entertaining discussion of their careers and techniques. Each podcast runs less than an hour. All of the episodes feature discussions with senior lawyers about issues faced by junior lawyers when dealing with professional choices.
There are themes to the series. The early podcasts featured senior prominent lawyers discussing specific techniques in civil litigation. The series expanded to include professional issues, such as parental leave, partnership and promotion. The series took a detour to interview Great Canadians, a retired Supreme Court justice, a law school dean, the creator of the Syrian Refugee Sponsorship program and a sightless law student, all of whom have had a major impact on our legal scene.
The series currently presents Advocacy Club members discussing their experiences in trials and contested hearings. All podcasts present tips and techniques for junior lawyers to improve their practices.
All episodes can be found at: www.chatwithlawyers.ca.
There are themes to the series. The early podcasts featured senior prominent lawyers discussing specific techniques in civil litigation. The series expanded to include professional issues, such as parental leave, partnership and promotion. The series took a detour to interview Great Canadians, a retired Supreme Court justice, a law school dean, the creator of the Syrian Refugee Sponsorship program and a sightless law student, all of whom have had a major impact on our legal scene.
The series currently presents Advocacy Club members discussing their experiences in trials and contested hearings. All podcasts present tips and techniques for junior lawyers to improve their practices.
All episodes can be found at: www.chatwithlawyers.ca.