ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS

TO SERVE YOUR FAMILY LAW CLIENTS?

LEARN COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE SO THAT YOU CAN

HELP YOUR CLIENTS RESOLVE THEIR FAMILY LAW ISSUES

DURING THE PANDEMIC.

COURTS ARE CLOSED SO LEARN A NEW WAY NOW. WHAT BETTER TIME?

TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS:

"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

Student Requirements

Working webcam on tablet, laptop or desktop computer

Must attend all sessions in person

Must complete one hour of homework each week

Must have video and audio turned on throughout sessions

Strong and reliable internet connection sufficient to use video/audio

Course Outline

We will be following the approved curriculum of the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals for Basic Training which is outline below.

Overview of the Collaborative Process

Conflict Theories, Strategies and Communication Styles

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

Protocol Training/Choreography of Collaborative File

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 what

Further preparation and further meetings

Option generation and evaluation

Settlement and drafting of agreements

Terminating process (do’s and don’ts)

Final team debrief

Get Your “Shift” Together - Team, Neutrality and Building a Collaborative Practice

Settlement Advocacy

Ethics

Neutrality and Team

Self Care

Interplay of Neutrality & Advocacy

Impasse Strategies

Building a Collaborative Practice