Program Chairs:
Sandra L. Barton,
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Peter W. Kryworuk,
Lerners LLP
Yashoda Ranganathan,
Ministry of the Attorney General, Constitutional Law Branch
Frank E. Walwyn, LSM,
WeirFoulds LLP
In these tumultuous times, it is critical that we preserve democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of our justice system.
Spring Symposium is the premier continuing professional development and networking event for civil litigators. The theme of this year’s conference is The Rule of Law and Advocacy – A Time of Change, Renewal and Uncertainty and we are bringing together thought leaders from the civil bench and bar to provide you with key updates on some of the most pressing issues facing our profession this year.
You will learn about:
- The top cases from the past year;
- The overhaul of the Rules of Civil Procedure;
- The rule of law and foreign interference;
- AI in business and legal practice; and
- The latest on hearsay, civility, and persuasive advocacy.
If you are a civil litigator, this is one program you can't afford to miss!
Please review the system requirements to view a webinar here.
Keynote Speaker:
Richard H. Deane Jr., Jones Day
President of the American College of Trial Lawyers
Faculty Includes:
The Hon. Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas, Ontario Court of Justice
The Hon. Justice Peter D. Lauwers, Court of Appeal for Ontario
The Hon. Justice R. Cary Boswell, Superior Court of Justice
The Hon. Justice Fred Myers, Superior Court of Justice
The Hon. Justice Marie-Andrée Vermette, Superior Court of Justice
The Hon. Mr. David M. Brown, FCIArb, Arbitration Place
Nisha Anand, Gilbert’s LLP
Beth Beattie, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office (Civil)
Patrick Brown, McLeish Orlando LLP
Tom Curry, Lenczner Slaght
Emily Y. Fan, Mintz
Dr. Trevor Farrow, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Doron Gold, BA, JD, MSW, RSW, CPCC, The Lawyer Therapist
Al Hounsell, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Susan Keenan, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office (Civil)
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Lerners LLP
Alexandra Shelley, Torys LLP
Hillson Tse, RGZ Law
Gregory Tzemenakis, Department of Justice
Dr. Robin Yap, LLB, MSc, MEd, DM, Point North
8:30 – 9:00
Registration
9:00 – 9:10
Introductory Remarks & Welcome from the President of The Advocates’ Society
9:10 – 9:50
The Year in Review: Cases in 2024
Nisha Anand, Gilberts LLP
Susan Keenan, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office (Civil)
Alexandra Shelley, Torys LLP
Hillson Tse, RGZ Law
Moderator: Yashoda Ranganathan, Ministry of the Attorney General, Constitutional Law Branch
9:50 – 10:40
The Overhaul of the Rules of Civil Procedure in Ontario and Elsewhere
The Hon. Justice R. Cary Boswell, Superior Court of Justice
Tom Curry, Lenczner Slaght
Emily Y. Fan, Mintz
Moderator: Peter W. Kryworuk, Lerners LLP
10:40 – 10:55
Refreshment Break
10:55 – 11:30
The Rule of Law and Foreign Interference
Dr. Trevor Farrow, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Gregory Tzemenakis, Department of Justice
Moderator: Sandra Barton, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
11:30 – 12:00
Keynote Presentation – Civility and Professionalism
Richard H. Deane Jr., Jones Day, President of the American College of Trial Lawyers
Introduced by: Sandra Barton, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch Break
1:00 – 1:40
Mental Health and Civility
The Hon. Justice Fred Myers, Superior Court of Justice
Beth Beattie, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office (Civil)
Doron Gold, BA, JD, MSW, RSW, CPCC, The Lawyer Therapist
Moderator: Sandra Barton, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
1:40 – 2:20
AI Use in Business and Legal Practice
Al Hounsell, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Dr. Robin Yap, LLB, MSc, MEd, DM, Point North
Moderator: Peter W. Kryworuk, Lerners LLP
2:20 – 2:35
Refreshment Break
2:35 – 3:15
Reaffirmation of the Hearsay Rule
The Hon. Justice Peter D. Lauwers, Court of Appeal for Ontario
Patrick Brown, McLeish Orlando LLP
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Lerners LLP
Moderator: Frank Walwyn, LSM, WeirFoulds LLP
3:15 – 3:55
A View from the Bench
The Hon. Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas, Ontario Court of Justice
The Hon. Justice Marie-Andrée Vermette, Superior Court of Justice
The Hon. Mr. David M. Brown, FCIArb, Arbitration Place
Moderator: Yashoda Ranganathan, Ministry of the Attorney General, Constitutional Law Branch
3:55 – 4:00
Closing Remarks
A wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom
"A wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom. A top notch program, not to be missed!"
One of the best symposiums I have ever attended
"This is one of the best symposiums I have ever attended! I learned a great deal, well worth attending."
Advocacy was the central theme
"A truly marvelous program! I appreciated that advocacy was the central theme, not any particular area of law."
Superb and inspiring speakers
"Terrific mix of formats and really practical content, plus some superb and inspiring speakers. Well done!"