TESTIMONIALS
As a repeat subscriber to CDE for my entire network of lawyers spread across multiple provinces, I can certify that this has been one of the best investments in ongoing legal education I have made to date. For a relatively low annual fee, our lawyers get unlimited access to numerous webinars on the fundamentals of criminal law, essential to everyday practice. These seminars are as insightful to seasoned lawyers as they are to junior associates. I especially appreciate not only Peter’s perspective, which I hold in high regard, but those of esteemed colleagues who Peter frequently includes in his presentations. The fact that these seminars are also eligible for mandated Professional Development in several jurisdictions makes them worth every penny.
Moreover, Peter’s Case Alerts keep our entire team up to date on the latest pronouncements from the SCC and appellate courts across the country. Since signing up for Peter’s alerts, rarely do I worry about missing out on a seminal case in criminal law. I rest easy knowing that if it’s important, Peter will likely issue an alert about it!
I have no hesitation in recommending this program not just to independent criminal lawyers, but also to larger organizations, where efficiently educating everyone on the team is essential to the competent delivery of legal services.
“I hired Peter as a consultant to assist me with preparations for a sexual assault trial. The first thing I was utterly amazed by was his ability to take down the information and distill it in a matter of minutes. We then discussed strategy and tactics. He gave me a strategy that not only had I not thought of, but I also thought it was a little out there. After much back and forth, I realized that this was the only way to run the trial, despite still having reservations about the prospect of success. I ran the trial, and it went exactly as Peter had predicted. At the outset, I was certain that my client would be convicted. To my sheer and utter delight, the judge acquitted my client. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result.
I had another trial matter a few months after that that I was also preparing for. Again, my client seemed destined to be convicted. I met with Peter to review the disclosure. We discussed the trial strategy. We both agreed that the likelihood of an acquittal was slim to none, but he gave me a lot of good ideas as to which direction to go and why. In the end, yet again, to my amazement, I secured an acquittal for the client.
I cannot express how much Peter’s assistance helped me, and ultimately, my clients. I urge criminal law practitioners, especially sole practitioners, to consider having Peter on retainer.”
I practice as a sole practitioner. Before I became aware of Professor Sankoff’s consulting service, it was difficult for me to discuss cases with complex or novel legal issues with fellow colleagues, as everybody was busy, or never had similar issues before. Professor Sankoff’s consulting service has been a lifeline to my practice. He is always approachable and can quickly offer right-on-point advice regarding legal issues and defence theories of my cases. Being able to have direct access to one of the greatest legal minds has expanded not just my knowledge but has also boosted my confidence.
Continuing Legal Education is essential if you are going to become a successful criminal defence lawyer.
In that regard, Criminal Defence Essentials are a must! His monthly seminars, case alerts and the netletter The Beacon provide criminal lawyers with an excellent review of the latest important cases, evidentiary issues that can arise during trial, and keep you on your toes to defend your client’s rights.
As a sole practitioner, I am grateful to Professor Sankoff’s program. It allows me access to a deeper understanding of criminal law through seminars and case alerts. I highly recommend CDE to all criminal defence lawyers, no matter what stage of your practice you’re in. With the Professor you will be able to keep up on the latest changes and nuances of criminal law that will set you apart.
In a recent trial, which resulted in an acquittal for one of my clients, an evidentiary issue arose on a point that had been covered by Professor Sankoff in one of his seminars. I recognized it immediately, was able to advocate on the point and, most importantly, successfully defend my client.
As a recent call who started my own firm, I am always looking for the most recent up to date legal resources. When I first started my career, I heard a presentation on hearsay by Professor Sankoff and I was hooked.
Professor Sankoff’s Case Alerts, the netletter The Beacon and his seminars, are polished, proficient, accessible and succinct presentations of complicated concepts that are easy to understand.
I have a case where a client defended a friend and Professor Sankoff’s R v Khill presentation was so informative that it saved me a ton of time in research and pointed me in the direction as to what to focus on, in regard to this particular clients’ matter.
In my estimation, this is the best product for continuing education I’ve come across since becoming a lawyer. I listen to everything this Prof says, and though I don’t always agree with him, the insights and resources he provides are invaluable.To take one example, I recently had a favourable reported decision on jury selection. My inspiration and understanding of how to proceed came from listening to the Prof. breaking down the brand-new leading case on the issue into simple parts and then employing his suggestions to take advantage of legal wrinkles.
Another example occurred in a case where the Crown tried to use bad character evidence to advance the narrative and I objected based on a recent Case Alert the Prof provided saying the Crown must first articulate the specific purpose for the use of such evidence (something Crown’s typically cannot do).
In another 276/278 application I was once again successful because of references the Prof provided. It’s very useful stuff and you need to subscribe to this Prof and take in as much in as possible.
THE HONOURABLE J.M. DONOHUE, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Sarnia (retired)
Having just left the Bench of the Superior Court of Justice this spring to join my daughter’s office, I am thrilled to be enjoying Professor Sankoff’s discussions and analysis of all the developments in Criminal Law and Evidence.