Live webinar with chat
includes 60 day replay
9:00 am – 10:30 am (Pacific)
10:00 am – 11:30 am (Mountain)
11:00 am – 12:30 pm (Central)
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Eastern)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Atlantic)
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Newfoundland)
*This program features real-time video of the presenter with synchronized presentation slides, and a chat feature that allows for live Q & A. SK attendees please verify whether you align with Central (MB) or Mountain (AB) time based on season and location.
Live webinars allow you to view faculty, see their presentation slides, and ask questions by chat. You will need a current web browser (Chrome (Chrome works best), Safari, Firefox), a wired (better than wireless) connection to the Internet of at least 2 Mbps. You can test your internet speed/bandwidth here. If you miss the live program, you can access the archive, at your convenience, for 60 days.
This program is designed for new and experienced civil litigators, general practitioners whose work includes civil disputes, and recently called lawyers seeking practical advocacy skills.
With claims now reaching $50,000, lawyers are increasingly litigating matters in Ontario Small Claims Court that would once have proceeded in Superior Court. Despite the higher stakes, many of the familiar procedural guardrails remain absent or significantly relaxed. The result is a litigation environment that can be unpredictable, where the outcome often depends less on process and more on adaptability. This highly practical program with experienced Small Claims Court counsel Jonathan Kleiman examines the realities of litigating in today’s Ontario Small Claims Court. Jonathan will address how to build strong cases without traditional litigation tools, adapt advocacy techniques to a less formal forum, navigate broad judicial discretion, and respond effectively to procedural surprises. By the end of the program, you will be able to:
While the program is presented from an Ontario perspective, many principles and techniques discussed will be of interest to lawyers in other jurisdictions. Lawyers who approach Small Claims Court the same way as Superior Court often leave frustrated – learn how to rethink your approach and improve outcomes.
Jonathan Kleiman is a Toronto business lawyer with over 20 years experience. He has conducted nearly 100 Small Claims Court trials. Jonathan has extensive experience with contract disputes, shareholder matters, and commercial litigation, appearing in Small Claims Courts throughout the region from Mississauga and Brampton to Cobourg and other Ontario communities. Jonathan brings a practical perspective to Small Claims Court advocacy, sharing insights gained from years of experience preparing cases, appearing at trial, and navigating the unique demands of this forum. He regularly shares insights on case preparation, advocacy strategy, procedural decision-making, and the practical realities of representing clients in Small Claims Court. Jonathan earned his B.A. from McGill University and his J.D. from Queen’s University.