Regular readers know that I am more than a little ambivalent about Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College. I doubt it can or will survive Spence's retirement, and I've noted with a chortling, irresponsible sort of glee what appears to be strains of hypocrisy evident in the institution. But even so, I cannot deny the power of what is taught there. I learned alot and made good friends. I miss the place, really. But I won't go back. It is not what it once was.
Comes now news of something new under the Sun.
Three TLC expatriates have formed a group called the Three Sisters. Led by former TLC executive director Joane Garcia-Colson, the group is now offering seminars of its own. There is a boot camp for women only, and, I learned last night, there is now a program for men and women scheduled for the fall.
A friend forwarded me the email announcing the new program. He'd go if I went; what fun, he said.
The announced faculty include Garcia-Colson and a group of other TLC ex patriates, including former board members Charles Abourezk and Carl Bettinger. It looks like a good group, although I am wary that all of the faculty have in common a former tie to TLC. Will there be a work group on detoxification from the Kool Aid at Thunderhead.
I suppose I was not altogether surprised that I did not receive an invitation to attend. As I keep telling folks close to the college and those still associated with it, I generally don't play well with others.
I know some folks reluctant to attend TLC are looking for a place to go to sharpen their lawyering skills. Herewith, a reprint of the announcement of the new Three Sisters program this fall. I encourage folks to register. Tell 'em Norm sent you.
The Art of Telling Our Clients' Story
Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2010
Hyatt Suites
Palm Springs, CA
When:
September 30, 2010 at 03:00 PM
-to-
October 03, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Add to my calendar
Where:
Hyatt Suites, Palm Springs, CA
285 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Driving Directions
Host Hotel:
Hyatt Suites, Palm Springs, CA
285 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this hotel has been completely remodeled and all rooms are suites. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and several great restaurants are within walking distance. We have negotiated a discounted room rate for the nights of 9/30, 10/1 and 10/2 with the Hotel for attendees of the Art of Telling Our Clients' Story of $116 per night single or double occupancy. There are a limited number of rooms available at this discounted rate!
To reserve a room, please call Hyatt Hotel Reservations Toll Free at 1-800-233-1234. The group name is: 3 Sisters Story Workshop.
Faculty who are scheduled to participate include:
Joane Garcia Colson
Fredilyn Sison
Mary Peckham
Carl Bettinger
Charles Abourezk
Additional faculty to be announced
What others say about us:
"Getting to work with the '3 Sisters' was a life changing opportunity for me, personally and professionally. I highly recommend taking an opportunity to work with them." Ken Adair, OK
"A human being is nothing but a story with a skin around it". - Fred Allen
From the time we were able to experience the world around us, we did so through stories. All of us have story receptors that allow us to more easily track, process and understand material that is presented in story form. As tellers, we need to learn how to structure and tell our clients' stories so that the receiver-be it opposing counsel, the mediator, judge or jury-can accept our clients' story as the only one that matters. This means we must learn something about where story comes from; the role of the teller; the classical structure of a story; the characters; and, the universal truths, which all compelling stories must offer.
Stories connect people and affect how we experience the world. This means we need to learn about the people who hear our clients' stories. What bonds us to them and vice versa? We don't want to flood them with so much information they can't take it all in, but we also don't want to leave out what they consider important. The nature of stories can make the difference between joy and pain, loss and victory. By focusing our attention on learning our clients' stories, we can ensure that the story that needs to be told, is told. By examining group process, we can ensure that the story gets heard. At the same time, we enrich our professional lives by seeking the most artistic and creative way to find, understand and tell our clients' stories.
During this workshop we will:
Practice deep listening skills
Explore the impact of stories on our lives
Re-visit old memories and experience them from
different perspectives
Practice being present as your clients' story unfolds
Analyze the clients' social atom
Choose stories that support our clients
Discover your innate capacity as a storyteller
Draw on images and memories in shaping narrative
Learn how to 'embody' those stories, and
Cultivate and enhance the bond that forms between teller and listener
You will learn how to tell your clients' story at:
Depositions
Mediation/Arbitration
Trial
Tuition is $775 (and includes 3 Continental Breakfasts, 1 box lunch and a T-Shirt. Tuition does NOT include room & board.) If you register and pay in full by June 1, 2010, tuition will be discounted to $695.
Register Now!
PROGRAM SCHEDULE DETAILS
The program begins with registration on Thursday September 30 at 3:00 p.m. followed by a welcome session at 4 p.m. The workshop ends on Sunday, October 3 at noon.
You will have your evenings free to enjoy the company of the other participants, spend time with your family, explore historic Palm Springs or indulge in a relaxing dinner at one of the local restaurants.
An application for MCLE Approval from the State Bar of California is pending.
Do not hesitate to contact us at info@the3sisters.org with any questions you may have.
We hope to see you in the fall in beautiful Palm Springs, CA!
http://www.the3sisters.org
