Seminar Overview
This seminar will provide insights into becoming and being a neutral decision maker from an administrative law perspective.
There is no single road map for lawyers who want to become a neutral decision-maker or an independent adjudicator. Being a neutral is an uncertain and unfamiliar role for many lawyers. This CLE seminar will provide attendees with insights into how lawyers become neutral adjudicators and what it is like to act in a neutral role. This seminar will use a panel discussion format with the presenters responding to various questions from the moderator. The topics to be canvassed will include:
In-person attendance is strongly encouraged where possible. Attendees are invited to stay after the seminar for a reception with refreshments.
Seminar Moderator
Hon. David Conway, Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Trial Division)
Justice David Conway is a graduate of McGill University (B.A.) and the University of New Brunswick (LL.B.). He articled with Lerners LLP in London, Ontario, before being called to the Bar in Ontario and the Bar in Newfoundland and Labrador. Justice Conway spent his legal career working in-house as a labour lawyer with the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador until 2017, when he was appointed as the Chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. Following the completion of his term as Chairperson of the Labour Relations Board he acted as a labour arbitrator, a neutral adjudicator and independent legal counsel until his appointment to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023.
Seminar Presenters
Sheilagh Murphy, K.C., MacNab, Fagan & Murphy
Sheilagh Murphy is a partner with MacNab, Fagan & Murphy and a seasoned practitioner in labour, employment, and civil litigation. Called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1999, she has had a diverse legal career that includes serving as Chair of the NL Labour Relations Board from 2009 – 2017 and providing neutral adjudication services as an arbitrator, mediator, and workplace investigator. Sheilagh is an external adjudicator for the Canada Industrial Relations Board, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, and a member of the NL roster of labour arbitrators.
A dedicated volunteer, Sheilagh served as President of the Canadian Bar Association NL Branch (2006), held leadership roles with the CBA’s national committees, and served on the Board of the Canadian Bar Insurance Association (Lawyers Financial) from 2007-2021 (Chair 2017-19). She is currently a member of the NL Labour Management Arbitration Committee, a Governor of the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hon. David Orsborn, Benson Buffett PLC Inc.
The Honourable David B. Orsborn is Counsel with Benson Buffett PLC and a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. With a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades, including 27 years on the bench, five of which were as Chief Justice, he brings extensive experience in judicial dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution. David has served in key roles for several prominent commissions, including Chair of the Royal Commission on Hospital and Nursing Home Costs (Newfoundland), Chair of the 2020 Statutory Review of the NL Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Associate Counsel to the Royal Commission on the Ocean Ranger Marine Disaster, Co-counsel to the Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution, and Member of the Triennial Commission on Federal Judges’ Salaries and Benefits. An award-winning legal scholar and sought-after speaker, he continues to contribute to the profession through his expertise in fair and efficient dispute resolution.
Christopher Peddigrew, K.C., Peddigrew Wade Law
Chris Peddigrew, K.C. graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) Honours degree in 1999, and in 2003 graduated from Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law. In 2004, Chris was called to the Bar in this Province and became a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time, Chris has been in private practice, currently as a partner in the firm Peddigrew Wade. Chris’ practice is focused primarily in the areas of labour and employment law and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. Chris is an Arbitrator on the provincial roster of labour arbitrators and a Vice-Chair with the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. In addition to his labour and employment law work, Chris also practices in the areas of personal injury, business law, real estate transactions, and general litigation.
Chris has volunteered with a number of community organizations over the years including Chair of the Board of the St. Patrick’s Mercy Home Foundation and a Director with Choices for Youth. Chris is currently an Advisory Board member with the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart and Stroke Foundation and a volunteer coach with Avalon-Celtics Minor Hockey Association.
Registration Fee
$115.00 ($100.00 + HST)
HST # R108086463
To register for this seminar, please click the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zx-_boKMSHqnghD8yDmKWg
CPD Credit: 2 hours