Commercial Litigation Practice Group Leaders:
Chair: Cynthia Spry, Babin Bessner Spry LLP (Toronto)
Vice-Chair: Sînziana Ruxandra Hennig, Stikeman Elliott LLP (Toronto)
Secretary: Brent B. Olthuis, Hunter Litigation Chambers (Vancouver)
Member-at-Large: Hilary Book, Book Law (Toronto)
Member-at-Large: Chantelle T. Cseh, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (Toronto)

Program Moderator:
Hilary Book, Book Law

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Hosted by the Commercial Litigation Practice Group

Misunderstandings arising from cultural differences can have disastrous consequences in litigation. Racialized clients may encounter barriers in communicating the full context of their dispute to counsel from a different background, and may fear that the manner in which they conduct business or communicate will be misinterpreted by a judge from another community. These and other scenarios underscore the pressing need for effective advocates to be informed about any cultural differences that could impact their clients’ interests in a dispute.

Join the Commercial Litigation Practice Group for the 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Lunch, which will focus on cultural competence and client service for litigators. Our panelists will discuss how litigators can educate themselves and the judiciary about the effect of cultural differences on how clients structure their business affairs, clients’ demeanour and communication style, assessing credibility, and more.

Following the panel, join our Commercial Litigation Practice Group Leaders to continue the discussion and network in breakout sessions.

Registration includes electronic materials, which will be provided prior to the program. Registration also includes access to the live webcast recording for 30 days from the date the link is sent to you.

*Due to current concerns with COVID-19, this program will be broadcast online only.

Please review the system requirements to view a Zoom webinar here.