Program Chairs:
Frank Addario,
Addario Law Group
Nadia Effendi,
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
How can you help give your client's leave application the best chance for success when close to 90% fail each year? What are Supreme Court of Canada judges looking for in well-written appeal facta? How can you tailor your oral advocacy to be most persuasive given the unique role of Canada’s highest court? What do you need to know when preparing for your first appearance before the Supreme Court of Canada? Join us online May 27 to hear the answers to these questions and more.
This program provides a comprehensive perspective on advocacy at the Supreme Court of Canada to help you best represent your clients before Canada’s highest court. Gain key insights on how to make your submissions effective, compelling and persuasive. Top practitioners and esteemed judges will share their strategies for effective advocacy.
Topics Include:
- A Keynote Address by The Hon. Justice Andromache Karakatsanis
- Drafting standout leave applications and strong facta on appeal
- Getting ready for your first time at the Supreme Court of Canada (it’s not so scary)
- Helping the Court see it your way during oral argument
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.
Faculty Includes:
The Honourable Justice Andromache Karakatsanis, Supreme Court of Canada
The Honourable Ian Binnie, CC, QC, Lenczner Slaght
The Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell, CC, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
The Honourable Marshall E. Rothstein, CC, QC, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Gerald Chan, Stockwoods LLP
Shantona Chaudhury, Pape Chaudhury LLP
Michael Feder, QC, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Janani Shanmuganathan, Goddard Shanmuganathan LLP
Sharlene Telles-Langdon, Justice Canada
1:00 – 1:05
Opening Remarks
Nadia Effendi, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
1:05 – 1:25
Keynote Address: Written Submissions – Your Silent Advocate
The Hon. Justice Andromache Karakatsanis, Supreme Court of Canada
1:25 – 2:25
Getting Leave and What to Do When You Get There
The Hon. Justice Andromache Karakatsanis, Supreme Court of Canada
The Hon. Marshall E. Rothstein, CC, QC, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Michael Feder, QC, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Moderator: Nadia Effendi, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
2:25 – 2:35
Break
2:35 – 3:25
Your First Time at the Supreme Court of Canada? It’s Not So Scary
Gerald Chan, Stockwoods LLP
Shantona Chaudhury, Pape Chaudhury LLP
Janani Shanmuganathan, Goddard Shanmuganathan LLP
Moderator: Frank Addario, Addario Law Group
3:25 – 3:35
Break
3:35 – 4:25
Helping the Court See It Your Way
The Hon. Thomas A. Cromwell, CC, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
The Hon. Ian Binnie, CC, QC, Lenczner Slaght
Sharlene Telles-Langdon, Justice Canada
Moderator: Frank Addario, Addario Law Group
4:25 – 4:30
Closing Remarks
Frank Addario, Addario Law Group
Great, candid insights on SCC advocacy
"Great, candid insights on SCC advocacy. The frank comments from former SCC judges on the court process and how it operates was a highlight!"
A privilege to hear from SCC judges and experienced SCC counsel
"Thank you – this was a unique and fascinating session. It’s rare to have the privilege of hearing from former SCC judges and such experienced SCC counsel in one thorough afternoon of CPD on SCC advocacy. Bravo!"
Great demonstration of advocacy at the SCC
"Exceptional speakers, Lots of great practice tips from senior members of the bench and bar. Great demonstration of advocacy at the Supreme Court of Canada."
Eligible CPD Hours:
This program contains 1 hour of Professionalism content, and 2 hours and 30 minutes of Substantive content.

This organization has been approved as an Accredited Provider of Professionalism Content by the Law Society of Ontario.
For information on CPD requirements and accreditation across Canada,
please click here.
Pricing:
TAS Members: *Discounted Rate: $191.25 + Tax | Regular: $255.00 + Tax
Non-members: *Discounted Rate: $266.25 + Tax | Regular: $355.00 + Tax
*The Advocates' Society is pleased to offer a 25% discount on this program for all lawyers who practise as sole practitioners, or in firms smaller than 5 lawyers, and government lawyers (including lawyers who work for legal aid clinics).
Join us today.