Seminar Overview
Join us for a family law update being presented in collaboration with the Canadian Bar Association – Newfoundland and Labrador branch. In the first segment of our seminar, Keri-Lynn Power will discuss the mandatory dispute resolution requirements under the Divorce Act as well as other considerations in family mediation and arbitration, including screening for domestic violence and selecting the right neutral. Keri-Lynn will then provide a caselaw update, reviewing recent decisions from all levels of court. Finally, Justice Michelle Coady will share the do’s, don’ts, best practices, clarifications, and practical tips for navigating the complexities of Family Court. Her valuable insights will provide attendees with a judicial viewpoint and a deeper understanding of the nuances involved in family law proceedings.
Seminar Presenters
Justice Michelle Coady
Born and raised in St. John’s, Justice Coady’s first formal education was in nursing. Initially, she attended St. Clare’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1992. While nursing part time, she furthered her education at the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Nursing, where she received her Bachelor of Nursing in 1995.
Justice Coady became a student at Dalhousie in the fall of 1995 and was awarded her Bachelor of Laws in 1998. She completed articles at O’Dea, Earle Law Offices in St. John’s and following her call to the bar, remained at that firm as an associate where she enjoyed a rewarding general practice. In 2007, Justice Coady joined The Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission as a staff solicitor.
During her time with the Commission, Justice Coady practiced primarily in the areas of family and criminal law. She was the first defense counsel in the Family Violence Intervention Court and recently completed three years as duty counsel at the Supreme Court Family Division in St. John’s. Most recently, Justice Coady held the position of Deputy Area Director with the St. John’s Office of the Legal Aid Commission.
Justice Coady was appointed to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Family Division) in March 2019 and assumed the role of Senior Administrative Judge of the Supreme Court Family Division in March 2022.
Keri-Lynn Power
Born and raised in Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, Keri-Lynn has a Bachelor of Law (with Honours) and Masters in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent in Canterbury, the National Accreditation Certificate from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, an Executive Certificate in Conflict Management from the University of Windsor Law School- Stitt Feld Handy Group, a Certificate in Mediation from the Harvard Mediation Institute at Harvard Law School, and a Certificate in Trauma Informed Advocacy from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
She is the current Chair of the Family Law Section for the Canadian Bar Association-Newfoundland and Labrador Branch and has served in the same for the past 7 years and is actively involved with the National Executive. She is the Chair of the Pharmaceutical External Audit Appeal Board, a Review Panel Member of the Medical Care Insurance Act, Disciplinary Panel Member for the College of Massage Therapists, external counsel for the Miawpukek Band, and spent 12 years as an adjudicator for the Human Rights Commission.
Keri-Lynn spent time clerking with the Department of Justice, has coached people on alternate dispute resolution courses, and has been in private practice since 2006 at Regular Power Clarke Lawyers where she enjoys a very diverse practice with a focus on family law, personal injury litigation, aboriginal law, and real estate. She was named as one of Canada’s Top Lawyers this past year in Real Estate.
Keri-Lynn has spent time presenting on various Family Law Matters across Canada to lawyers, the public and other stakeholders. In her spare time Keri-Lynn sits on the Law Society Honours and Awards Committee, the Bar and Bench Committee, Daybreak Parent Child Centre Board of Directors, volunteers with Lakecrest Independent School and has over two decades of service with Scouts Canada. Keri-Lynn and her husband Toby are also kept busy with their various business interests and being the parents of two young daughters.
Registration Fee:
$172.50.00 ($150.00 + HST)
Registration Fee for CBA Members:
$115.00 ($100.00 + HST)
HST # R108086463
* Registration includes sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments for in-person attendees.
CPD Credit: 3 hours