Testimonials
What people learn from Advocacy Club training sessions
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.
John Hollander, Advocacy Club Founder
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.
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.
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 and EXTREMELY useful and practical session – probably the best PD session in which I have ever participated. 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. Compared to other PD programs, this one is local to Ottawa, which is definitely an added benefit because it affords young and seasoned professionals from the area to interact while honing their advocacy skills.
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.
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 re think how I ask questions and approach my files. Furthermore, although I did not attend law school in Ottawa, the Advocacy Club has enabled me not only to expand my contacts, but also to develop friendships within the Ottawa Bar.
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: “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
John, I want to thank you for the training session last week. I found it to be really useful. I have a couple of discoveries this week and I'm looking forward to putting a lot of the things you taught us into action. Thanks again!
Dawn Baglole, Lawyer
Your January term course has been the most stressful, yet the most useful and fun, in all my three years in this Faculty. I deliberately held off on the course until my final year because I hate public speaking and I was terrified. I'm not sure if I'll ever go into litigation, but I'm now intrigued by litigation – so much so, I have dropped Advanced Tax and added Advanced Litigation for next semester! I look forward to using the skills you taught me (and the useful resources you supplied) to help me with Advanced Litigation. Also, an opportunity has come up for an articling position that is heavily focused on advocacy, so if I do get the position, you may have one more member in your club!
R, University Law Student
This was an excellent advocacy seminar/tutorial all around. Great mixture of hands-on exercises and guidance/instruction on preparing for and conducting all types interviews and examinations. Looking forward to the next series
Stephen P. Shaddock, 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
The course allowed me to develop skills that, as a young litigator, I would not have been exposed to until I was further along in my career. The hands on aspect simulated courtroom like conditions while the focus on small group interaction allowed me to develop contacts and friends within the Ottawa bar.
Andrew Christie, Lawyer
John’s Advocacy Club provided me with many invaluable opportunities, including the chance to test-drive different advocacy techniques and to receive feedback from different perspectives. This experience has improved the confidence I have in my abilities to think on my feet and to strategize. These are skills I will use every day, both at the office and in court.
Anastasia Semenova, 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
This informative and very hands-on session provided me with essential tools that will enable me to better approach the challenge of how to impeach a witness. It also gave me insight into strategies about whether or not counsel should impeach a witness in different circumstances.
Sherri A. Anderson, Lawyer
I trained with the Advocacy Club while I articled. My first language is French, and by the end of my articling year, not only had I learned valuable litigation skills, my spoken English had significantly improved. I also gained confidence, and by the time I had my first small claims court trial, I knew had the skills to run it on my own. All of the Advocacy Club sessions have been informative, and the practical exercises help participants to think quickly, to structure arguments during mediations and to cross-examine witnesses effectively.
Dani Grandmaitre, Lawyer
I completed my articles at a large corporate law firm, where I gained little to no litigation experience. Subsequently, I moved to a litigation law firm. Thankfully, John Hollander's Advocacy Club gave me the essential foundations to succeed as a litigator. This course is an absolute “must” for any potential litigators out there. I wish it was taught at law school.
Andy Singh, Lawyer
John's methods allow for the student to learn by doing, not just by seeing. With the hindsight of a seasoned litigator, he provides you with all the tools necessary to forge your own path and to develop your own style.
Karen J. Borovay, 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
John Hollander's training program, "Advocacy Skills," has been an asset not only in my work environment, but in my everyday life. It has taught me what questions to ask in order to gather the appropriate and relevant information; how to phrase the question; and how to think on my feet when doing so.
Marie Clemens, Lawyer
John is a great teacher and mentor. In my profession, I need to obtain as much information as possible from the person I'm interviewing. John taught me how to properly conduct an interview to get that information.
Tamara Hisko, Lawyer