John Sloan is a plaintiff lawyer in his hometown, Longview, Texas.  He is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 40 years of legal practice under his belt and numerous multi-million dollar verdicts that delivered justice to his needy clients.  His career initially led him to try both criminal and civil cases before he decided his greatest interest was arguing for and delivering justice to those who had been wronged by another.  As you will read, his journey has been blessed with unforeseen encounters and remarkable turns that have shaped him into the man and lawyer that he is today.

John Sloan's narrative is intricately connected to that of a remarkable friend and TLC colleague, Dax Cowart. Dax’s  legacy looms large within the TLC community, even after his untimely passing. Dax, a trained fighter pilot for the US Navy, survived a devastating pipeline explosion that left him blind, without ears and fingers, and with extensive burn damage to all his internal organs.  He defied all odds to survive and from those ashes, he became a loving husband and a lawyer who served as a beacon of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.

A fellow Texan, Dax introduced John to the TLC community, sharing his own transformative experience with the College. In one poignant and heartfelt talk, Dax’s words ignited an incandescent spark within John, setting him on a path of profound discovery and transformation that included applying for and attending the 3-week College.  

In 1998, John Sloan made the pivotal decision to attend Trial Lawyers College, which would profoundly alter the trajectory of his legal career. What transpired during his time there was nothing short of transformative. John discovered that the TLC experience is not just about honing existing skills; it is about deconstructing and reimagining the very essence of trial lawyers who can then alter the practice of trial law.

One of the most profound lessons that John learned at TLC was his embrace of self-confidence. John discovered through psychodrama that he was simply good enough, not in a brash or overconfident way, but with a profound sense of self-assuredness that permeated every aspect of his personal life and legal practice. He no longer felt he had to mimic others or portray himself in ways he thought would be seen as successful.  John discovered and learned to honor his authentic self which he then shared freely in the courtroom and in his personal life.

TLC's teachings are rooted in the idea that authenticity is not just a virtue – it's a potent weapon in the courtroom. John's journey is a testament to the notion that being oneself in the courtroom is liberating and remarkably effective. Clients sensed the authenticity, which deepened the relationships between attorney and client.  John discovered this authenticity also improved his personal life and relationships.  It freed him to be the person he was destined to be – one that was good enough to face any of the challenges that life sent his way.  

At the core of TLC's teachings lies the understanding of emotional truths in cases.  Students learn that it is the emotion of a case that resonates with jurors and ultimately wins justice – not  just a recitation of the fact.  John recognized that jurors don't decide cases solely on the facts and figures; they make their decisions based on what resonates with their own experiences. The TLC Methods teaches trial lawyers how to tap into this wellspring of emotional truth and how to relate the stories of their clients in ways that bespeak truth and sincerity.  

John Sloan's legal career has been enduringly impacted by TLC, and this impact is perhaps most evident in the long-lasting relationships he has cultivated with his TLC colleagues and his clients. He shared a touching story of a client who called him decades after his lawsuit, just to touch bases with John, swap stories of their families and their lives long after the lawsuit was over.  John’s heart was touched to know that after decades, his life was blessed by deep and meaningful connections that TLC's teachings foster between attorneys and their clients. 

John's journey with the Trial Lawyers College is a testament to the transformative power of this unique organization.  Several other organizations now try to mimic TLC, but the Trial Lawyers College is undeniably one-of-a-kind.  It’s not just about winning cases, or being exposed to psychodrama.  TLC is about becoming a better person and consequently a better trial lawyer who can most credibly serve the cause of justice with unwavering dedication. TLC teaches lawyers to believe in themselves, embrace authenticity, and connect with clients, jurors and all the players in a courtroom on an emotional level. As we reflect on John's journey, we're reminded that the Trial Lawyers College is not just an organization – it offers a way of being that is more compassionate, empathetic, and effective and an advocate for the people.

Call to Action

If you seek to learn about yourself in ways that will transform your legal practice and deepen your commitment to justice, consider applying for the TLC 3-week program from June 1-23,2024.  The application deadline is April 14, 2024.  Visit https://triallawyerscollege.org/ to learn more about the 3-week College and its 2024 course calendar and how TLC training can help you embark on your own transformative journey.