I am reading “War and Peace” at the moment and listening to “The Brothers Karamazov” on audiobook. And it is hard to believe that a country like Russia can produce such men as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy and then give us the sneering, psychopath Putin some 200 years later. The sensitivity of Dostoevsky’s writing,… Continue reading How did Russia give us Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and then Putin?
Author: Terry Gorry
Learning by writing-the one skill I want to keep
I am a firm believer in the idea of learning by writing. That is to say, when I try to put in my own words some idea or concept, or perhaps some aide-memoir or reminder to myself. It is a type of explanation to my dumb self. And if I cannot do it or have… Continue reading Learning by writing-the one skill I want to keep
First physical WRC hearing since Covid 19 struck
I am off to my first physical WRC hearing in something like three years today. Since Covid 19 struck the island of Ireland all the WRC hearings have been virtual and online. Leaving the office for a half or full day is a bit of a pain, to be honest. The hearing is in Carlow… Continue reading First physical WRC hearing since Covid 19 struck
How to deal with expert witnesses in court or tribunals
When you are dealing with expert witnesses in court you ought to use the language of the expert witness. This will involve reading the expert report(s) carefully, using a dictionary if necessary, and understanding what’s written. If there are two expert reports, one for each party to the litigation, it may well be the case… Continue reading How to deal with expert witnesses in court or tribunals
Closing submission or speech is 100% about persuasion
The closing submission or speech in a hearing is all about persuasion. It is not about facts, but about comment. 80% comment, 20% facts. It is about explaining why you should win based on the facts that have been established. Always write out your closing submission. Not every word, necessarily, but consider each sentence. Do… Continue reading Closing submission or speech is 100% about persuasion
Witnesses, examination in chief and 9 rules for cross examination
Always treat witnesses with respect and politeness. Your questions should be Short Seek 1 fact at a time Remember that: 1 question, 1 fact. Always. Don’t be embarrassed by silence. Don’t go “um”, “arh” etc. Don’t say “ok” or “right” to the answers. Don’t use fill-ins like “and” or “so”. 1 question, 1 fact. Cross… Continue reading Witnesses, examination in chief and 9 rules for cross examination
Making a submission to a tribunal or court
When making a submission to a tribunal-for example the Workplace Relations Commission-or court keep the following in mind: Your opening paragraph should be a summary of your position, and you should know it by heart. Rehearse it. Then give a structure for the detail you are going to provide. This is like a map for… Continue reading Making a submission to a tribunal or court
Advocacy-persuasiveness, case preparation, start with the closing speech
Advocacy is about persuasiveness. It is about selling your client’s story to the decision maker or tribunal. Persuasiveness Your personal presentation is important including good, polished shoes. Poise is another factor-hold your head up. Relish your space and own it. Make eye contact with those you are seeking to persuade and lean forward. Personality? Be… Continue reading Advocacy-persuasiveness, case preparation, start with the closing speech
Advocacy essentials-the best way to advocate for your client
Your job as an advocate at a tribunal, court, or hearing is not to establish the truth. It is to persuade the tribunal on behalf of your client. This will involve revealing evidence in support of your client’s position, and suppressing evidence which is unhelpful. But you need to avoid having a go on behalf… Continue reading Advocacy essentials-the best way to advocate for your client
Think inside the box-asking good questions and making connections between your notes
When you are making notes for your slip box or Zettelkasten system always be asking good questions and try to make connections with other notes. Try to see what is missing. Business biographies are written by the successful. The entrepreneurs who failed never get to write their book, their story. Can we learn more from… Continue reading Think inside the box-asking good questions and making connections between your notes