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Testimonials

We invited John to deliver an advocacy 'boot camp' to our junior counsel, assisted by senior counsel from the Trade Law Bureau. Over the course of two afternoons, John addressed a range of advocacy issues including case analysis, cross-examination, the examination of experts and closing statements. John's course helps young counsel understand that effective advocacy is a skill that anyone can learn, based upon careful planning. We used the experience as a kick-off for further in-house events, and encourage  counsel to follow up with future Advocacy Club training. Overall, John's course was a great learning and team-building exercise, that really fills a gap in oral advocacy training in Ottawa.

Christophe Douaire de Bondy
Senior Counsel and Deputy Director,
​Trade Law Bureau, Government of Canada

Trial advocacy is all about matching case analysis with interview techniques.My teaching philosophy is "learning by doing." Club members practice what we preach. They quickly gain confidence in their abilities and  begin to develop their unique "voices" and interview styles. This is fundamental to learning the art of asking strategic questions that will result in persuasive advocacy.

I write to share another major success story that I couldn't keep to myself. I am primarily an administrative lawyer, and I typically have several appearances in various Tribunals and Boards every month. For that reason, I get to use and hone the skills I learned at the Advocacy Club Boot Camp very frequently. Since taking the course, my effectiveness has increased substantially. I look forward to deepening my skills by taking the advanced courses as soon as I can.
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My latest success was an appeal to the Workplace Insurance and Appeals Tribunal. The hearing was this morning. I was very well prepared. The facts were very compelling, and so my job was simply to present them effectively. I had also prepared closing submissions. They weren't needed.

After conducting two direct examinations and finishing the presentation of evidence we took a five minute break. The Vice Chair was visibly moved during the presentation of evidence. When we resumed, the Vice Chair stated that I was obviously very well prepared, and that he was prepared to find in our favour. The WSIB had obviously "dropped the ball". There was only one minor outstanding issue he wanted to hear my thoughts on, but otherwise he didn't want to hear any submissions on the law or on prior Tribunal decisions, so my eight tab book of authorities went to waste. The facts were compelling, but that was only evident because I presented them in the way I learned from the Club. My client is extremely relieved and elated.

Daniel Tucker-Simmons, Lawyer

I just completed a two-day boot camp put together by the Advocacy Club. It was held at our offices for about 12 articling students/junior associates. It was a very interesting, EXTREMELY useful and practical session – probably the best PD session in which I have ever taken part. It was also a great opportunity to network with other local members of the bar and to interact with the instructors, who shared their insight and knowledge. I think it would greatly benefit the student program to have our articling students (and associates) participate in some of the Advocacy Club programming from time to time.

Jason Mercier, Lawyer

I recently completed the Advocacy Club Boot Camp with John and had an amazing experience. The Boot Camp helps bridge the gap between law school and real-life litigation. I have learned many practical techniques from John and Juliette that I am certain will serve me well in my practice. I cannot recommend the Advocacy Club enough!

Alexander Nguyen, Lawyer

John Hollander's "learn by doing approach" was definitely the highlight of the course. The ability to practice the techniques and receive immediate constructive feedback was invaluable. This was definitely the best CPD course I have taken so far. It has made me rethink how I ask questions and approach my files. 

Charlotte Porter, Lawyer

Uncontested Trial this morning in Superior Court. First time I had to gown, too. Here is what transpired:
Mario Giovane: “Your Honor, if it pleases the Court, I have prepared a timeline, or chronology, from the date the Agreement was signed up until today.”
Madam Justice Baltmon: “Mr. Giovane, I just love when counsel prepare these things. Gosh, it makes life so much easier. Yes; please pass it up. Excellent. Okay, so how can I help you today?”
Thank you, John!

Mario Giovane, Lawyer

A major contributor to the effectiveness of the Advocacy Club is its modest size: each participant has ample opportunity to fully engage in each exercise. This translates to a level of attention from John, whereby a participant receives meaningful, individualized feedback in a “safe” environment. The techniques learned are invaluable, and I would recommend both the introductory and advanced sessions of the Club to any aspiring litigator.

Natalie Scott, Lawyer

Law school provides students with substantial knowledge of the law. It does not provide them with the skills required to advocate effectively on behalf of and against real people – and advocacy is very much a people business. John Hollander’s Advocacy Club program is the essential basic training every lawyer should complete as a bridge between theory and practice. Your clients will be better served if you’ve sharpened your tools in the controlled environment of his workshops, prior to stepping inside a courtroom.

Sig Pantazis, Lawyer

John’s training session on impeachment created a great opportunity to think about the reason – not simply the opportunity – to impeach. How to use an inconsistent statement is a choice based on the consequences as well as the circumstances. Playing out the range of consequences in this group environment spelled it out for all participants. The expectation that we would share choices about examination opened up many great litigation discussions among participants. We saw clearly how different choices prompt different consequences.

Margot Leduc Pomerleau, Lawyer

John Hollander's teaching methods provide a rare opportunity to practise asking various types of questions geared at obtaining strategic information. Participants train in a fail-safe environment, and gain the confidence that only comes from practical experience. As a result, I am much more confident and have a greater appreciation of the art of strategic questioning.

Stephanie V. Lewis, Lawyer
 

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