Program Chairs:
Peter Henein,
Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP
Risa M. Kirshblum,
Lenczner Slaght
Take the fear out of working with expert witnesses! Learn how to work with experts from A-Z.
The plenary program will be held on May 2, 2024 and the
learning-by-doing skills workshop will be held on May 3, 2024. There are two registration options: (1) plenary + workshop or (2) plenary only (see below for more information).
Plenary Details | Thursday, May 2, 2024, 1:00PM to 4:30PM (ET) - Via Zoom
Working with expert witnesses is minefield of ethical and practical problems. Learn how to navigate the tricky terrain of experts, from deciding whether to retain an expert, to drafting your initial retainer letter, to preparing your witness for examinations, to qualifying and examining a witness at trial.
Topics Include:
- How to decide if you need an expert in the first place
- Get the best expert to support your case.
- Properly qualify your expert at trial.
- Effectively use expert reports at trial.
- Instruct experts on report preparation.
- Conduct a successful expert examination.
- Navigate difficult ethical issues involving experts.
Workshop Details | Friday, May 3, 2024, 1:00PM to 4:30PM (ET) - Via Zoom or In Person (Toronto)
Participants of the plenary session are also eligible to join us for our hands-on skills workshop. We have two registration options available -- in person, at our office at 250 Yonge St. in Toronto, or remotely by Zoom.
The workshop is your chance to practise and refine your examination and cross-examination skills in a supportive environment, and to learn the basics of qualifying a witness. You will get practical, individualized feedback from our trained instructors. You will also learn from your peers as you work through the interactive exercises in small groups. Please also note that the workshop requires advance preparation based on a mock case file, which will be provided to you in advance of the workshop.*
*Note that while this program is available across Canada, the case file and exercises will based on the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure.
Registration includes educational 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.
Junior members (under 5 years of call) who joined The Advocates' Society in 2023 or who join in 2024 and who register for the plenary session of an Essential Advocacy Skills Workshop program in the 2024 calendar year can attend that program’s skills workshop for free.
This is a pilot initiative designed to engage Junior members in their first year of membership in the Society. The pilot does not apply to Student members or Junior members who joined The Advocates' Society prior to January 2023.
*Due to ongoing concerns with COVID-19, this program may be delivered entirely online. We will keep you informed as public health regulations continue to evolve.
Please review the system requirements to view a Zoom webinar here.