"I am taking the current training by zoom for collaborative family law. I can unhesitatingly recommend this mode of training. Once a student has tried this method it is pointless going back to the old system of in person or live training. This is the way of the future. Covid or non-covid. There is good accountability because you know exactly who is attending. the camera is always on. Everything is on time. There is absolutely no wastage of time. So for example if you have to have a separate group discussion you are quickly clicked on to a breakout room in literally a second. Just like the live breakout rooms you have the exact replica here and you can safely participate within that separate group.There is ample opportunity to participate and see each and every speaker as well as potential participants who want to speak because they can raise their hand or they can participate on chat saying they want to say something. There is a lot of time for interaction as well because of the chat option to either publicly or privately chat. So there should be absolutely zero hesitation in using this method of training. I was also hesitant initially but quickly became a convert after the first day itself." Ram
“I found the online collaborative training by Zoom to be a great experience. The format was a mix of lecture, breakouts facilitated by experienced coaches and self-reflective homework. I would strongly consider taking further training through this format.” Taylor
"The CP Training by Zoom has surpassed my expectations. I was skeptical as to whether the on-line experience would be as effective as an in-person training but there are clear advantages to the zoom format. For example, we do a lot of small group work. At in-person trainings, time is wasted when moving to smaller groups away from the whole as people find a group, find a space and settle in. With zoom, the trainer breaks us into groups instantly and the on-screen experience with 2 or 3 other people is very effective. As well, we are interacting with a greater variety of people each day as the tendency to sit with the same people each day is removed and groups are randomly generated for us. Presentations also work extremely well with Zoom as documents / power points and videos are immediately available on screen with no concerns about audio and other issues. Zoom also allows for written questions and comments to be posted during a presentation which can be managed and answered by the Instructors efficiently and where appropriate. All in all, very impressive and a very positive experience." Emily
"I have immensely enjoyed the Collaborative Training by Zoom. The format was easy to use and made it very easy to participate. The timing made it a great fit to allow me to continue to practice in the afternoons, while participating in the training in the mornings. The coaches provided excellent training and provided ongoing tips on how to handle different situations in a file when we all went into our separate “zoom rooms” for the role play. I recommend this training to anyone who wants to explore Collaborative Family law ." Kathy
"Initially, I had doubts about completing the Collaborative Law training using Zoom but, now that I’m two- thirds of the way through I find my concerns are waylaid as all the expectations that one has in relation to taking a course have been met. The material has been clearly presented in an upbeat, welcoming format. The breakout rooms, consisting of coaches and smaller groups of students, have been very effective for completing tasks, holding discussions and role playing. Students can easily ask questions by raising hands or utilizing the “chat” feature. We’ve been provided with informative videos and useful templates that can be carried over to our own practice". Kimberley
"Collaborative Training by Zoom offers curious litigators the opportunity to learn and practice a new way of approaching family law. As a litigator, I view files with a clear goal in mind. The collaborative approach has allowed me to take a step back and look towards my clients' various interests and work towards a more amicable, and client driven, resolution. Leaving a busy practice and family obligations to travel to another city centre for an intensive course wasn't in the cards for me - the course, offered online via Zoom, was completed in half-day modules from the comfort of home. The breakout sessions allowed for more intensive role-play and the opportunity to network with colleagues. The coaches were able to field questions before/after class and made themselves available when I had follow up questions. Highly recommended if you're looking to reshape your family practice." Robert
"I have always heard about collaborative training and often enquired about options for doing parts one and two of the training. They were always in locations that were a bit far and would require an overnight stay in a hotel which is difficult to manage with a full practice and a young family. When I found out about the full training via zoom, I was really excited about it; not to mention the two options for an information session prior to the program. In my opinion, zoom is the most efficient way to do this program. We all participate during the sessions and we see everyone in the program. We also have the opportunity to ask questions using the chat feature which the very experienced instructors answer in a timely fashion incorporating real life practical tips from their own case files. The instructors manage the time well and the online training allows everyone to return to their screens after the break without too much delay. The program also starts on time and ends on time. On one occasion, I had to step away briefly to attend an urgent teleconference and I gave the instructors prior notice of this. I was thrilled that the coach for that day offered to connect with me after the class and spend some time with me going through what I missed on the day. I was able to ask questions and receive very practical answers in what amounted to a one on one session. The break out sessions also ran like a well oiled machine. No one had to get up and go anywhere. We were automatically sent to the break out rooms and we were automatically brought back to the main sessions in a timely fashion. I am very happy that I am doing this course remotely during the pandemic as opposed to taking the course in two parts and potentially having to travel quite a distance to take this training. It was well worth it." Susanna
The Collaborative Approach
Brief History
Stu Webb
Key Elements - two lawyers, disqualification clause
Process Overview - importance of addressing emotional, financial and legal issues
Different CP models - lawyer only, full team, partial team, and others
CP in Dispute Resolution Continuum
Advantages of disadvantages of different process options
The Participation Agreement
The Collaborative Professionals:
● Family Professional
○ neutral facilitator, divorce coach, process manager, parenting mediator
○ introduction to parenting plans, helping with emotional journey and focus on neutrality issues
● Financial Professional
○ neutral financial, financial settlement projections, business and income valuator
○ introduction to divorcemate - Financial Statement, Net Family Property, support calculations, budgeting and focus on neutrality issues
● Legal Professional
○ lawyer
○ settlement advocacy, legal advice, team work, option evaluation, documenting agreement
The Role of the Law
Introduction to Evolution/Paradigm Shifting for each professional
Conflict theories and models, conflict styles, power imbalances
Conflict resolution strategies such as principled negotiation, interest based negotiation, insight, narrative, transformative
Communication, Listening Skills, Questioning
Emotional agility / techniques to manage strong emotions and high conflict personalities
Initial Consultations
Screening
Process choice
Process design
Case management
Interests
Engaging other spouse
Engaging other reluctant lawyer
Assembling the team
Team preparation
Client preparation
Agenda setting
First meeting considerations - potential red flags, urgent issues and dynamics
Progress notes
Financial Disclosure
Debrief by team
Introduction of legal model and role of model - when and who
Further preparation and further meetings
Option generation and evaluation
Settlement and drafting of agreements
Terminating process (do’s and don’ts)
Final team debrief
Settlement Advocacy
Ethics
Neutrality and Team
Self Care
Interplay of Neutrality & Advocacy
Impasse Strategies