The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

Conflict Resolution Skills
2025-02-18 | Online
Unhealthy and poorly managed conflict can have a negative impact on individuals and groups. People who master essential conflict resolution skills reduce the occurrence of negative conflict, leading to healthier, happier relationships and work environments. Many conflicts would not spiral out of control if people used conflict resolution techniques that are easy to learn and utilize. This workshop explores the various dynamics of conflict, including its sources and how it often escalates in predictable patterns. Participants will learn skills for responding confidently and effectively to conflict.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Understand common roots of conflict and how it escalates so that they can address it at the appropriate level and time
Use practice models for addressing conflict rooted in misunderstandings, disagreements, and different personal styles
Effectively utilize the four-part framework for conducting positive conflict resolution conversations

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Some of the Topics Included

How Conflict Escalates
Dealing with Misunderstandings
The Intention Check Tool
Strategies for Dealing with Disagreements
The Interest Check: Moving from Positions to Interest
Conflict Resolution Style Preferences
The Style Check Tool
Key Skills for Conflict Resolution
Trigger Phrases to Avoid
Strategies for Staying Calm in Conflict
The Four-Part Conflict Resolution Process

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.

Trainer: David Jung
David has provided leadership for various non-profit organizations for over 25 years. He has a degree in Philosophy, a diploma in Counselling, a Master of Arts in Christian Counselling, as well as certifications in Conflict Resolution and Mediation. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, he works as ACHIEVE’s Training and Development Specialist. In this role, David provides support to other trainers and ensures that training material reflects the current research in the field and is consistent with ACHIEVE’s core beliefs. He also works in the field of mediation where he volunteers as a Mediator for the court diversion program in Manitoba. In whatever role David finds himself, his passion for motivating people to continue their personal journey of learning and growth shines through. David believes that no matter what our role is in the workplace, we can all continue to grow in our skills to improve our own life and to help improve the lives of others. As a trainer, he is known for his dynamic workshop facilitation that combines humour and real-world application.

Whistleblower Mental Health: Toxic Tactics of Retaliation by Whistleblowing Canada Research Society
2025-02-19 12:00 - 17:00 (America/St_Johns) | Online
Jacqueline Garrick is internationally recognized as an expect on the psychosocial impacts of whistleblower retaliation. She has co-authored a book on the topic and the results of her research has been published in academic journals.
The Whistleblower Mental Health: Toxic Tactics of Retaliation by Whistleblowing Canada Research Society will review:

the whistleblower mindset
the features of retaliation that can cause moral and psychological injury
interventions and practices that enable restorative justice and healing

Time: 12 noon ET
This event will be moderated by Prof. Paloma Raggo, from Carleton University. She is a founding Director of Whistleblowing Canada.
RSVP Here
About Us
Research – Educate – Advocate
Whistleblowing Canada’s work to better understand and improve whistleblowing in Canada, in the end, depends on the political will for change. Developing the political will depends on the strength of the public will to become informed and to campaign for needed improvements.
Support a Stronger Democracy Here – Donate, Volunteer, Get Updates
Whistleblowing Canada welcomes your feedback. Please comment to: info@whistleblowingcanada.com

Communication: The Essential Skills
2025-02-24 | Online
In order to survive and thrive in the 21st century workplace, we all need to master the fundamentals of communication. Our ability to communicate effectively is directly linked to our success in meeting the needs of employers, colleagues, customers, and clients. This workshop focuses on the core skills for communicating with clarity in the workplace. Participants will hone their verbal communication strategies including speaking and listening skills. They will also learn approaches for utilizing communication technologies such as phone, email, and video conferencing more effectively. This training will give participants tools and strategies to communicate with clarity and purpose while choosing the best medium for the message.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Identify steps to improve skills to listen, speak, persuade, email, and text
Describe positive communication with coworkers
List steps for effective communication
Identify a plan of meaningful communication in one’s own work environment

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, demonstration of skills, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Some of the Topics Included

The Complexity of Communication
Communication Styles
The Importance and Role of Body Language
Skills for Connecting with Others
Strategies for Speaking Effectively
Tools for Persuading Others
Phone Etiquette
Making Email Work for You and Your Recipients
Technology and Communication

Target Audience
This is an introductory level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.

Trainer: Jessica Antony
Jessica is a communications specialist with over a decade of experience helping others share their stories, with a focus on collaborative communication, editorial development, and content creation. She has a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications and a master’s degree in Media Studies. Jessica facilitates workshops on leadership, communication skills, and content creation, and has been teaching in the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications at the University of Winnipeg since 2009. In all her work, she is committed to developing and maintaining trusting relationships, with an attention to cultural differences, working styles, and mutual goals. Jessica is enthusiastic about helping people strengthen their ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and with ease. She is a dynamic and engaging facilitator who is enthusiastic about understanding people’s communication styles and approaches to help them improve their capacity to effectively and respectfully communicate with those around them. Read blogs written by Jessica here.

Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund Online Information Session by the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
2025-02-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
On February 24th, join the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for a one-hour webinar at 6:00 pm AST to learn about the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF). This ISANS-led initiative can help immigrants with permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship obtain training and certification in their chosen fields or related fields in their new home provinces.
During this event, you will learn:

Who is eligible for the AICLF
What costs the AICLF can cover
The kinds of programs the AICLF can help pay for
How the AICLF is funded and how it is administered across Atlantic Canada
Why the AICLF is a better choice for immigrants in Atlantic Canada than funding through a private institution on their own

During and after the presentation, you can also ask any questions you might have about AICLF.
Registration and attendance details:

Register for the event by filling in this form.
The registration deadline is 5 pm AST February 21st
You will receive a link to the meeting before the event

For more information, please contact: Ken Partridge | kpartridge@isans.ca
Monday, February 24
6:00 – 7:00 pm AST

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
2025-02-25 | Online
Given that many of us spend about 60 percent of our time at work, organizations can significantly influence our sense of psychological safety. When people feel afraid to make mistakes, ask for help, or share opinions and concerns, it may mean the organization is not psychologically safe. The fear is that they will be judged, reacted to harshly, or even punished for speaking up.
A psychologically safe workplace is one where people feel comfortable expressing themselves and have the confidence to bring issues or ideas forward to both employers and colleagues, leading to a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration.
This workshop explores the key characteristics of a psychologically healthy and safe workplace, and the roles both employees and employers play in creating this environment. You will explore the 13 factors of psychological safety and practice strategies to enhance, support, and maintain psychological health in your organization.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Understand the 13 factors of psychological health and safety that impact employee well-being in the workplace
Assess the psychological health and safety factors from the perspective of your workplace environment
Identify strengths and areas for improvement in your own workplace
Develop ideas and strategies for integrating the factors of psychological health and safety into your workplace, both as a manager and an employee

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, delivered electronically.
*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

The 13 Factors That Impact Psychological Safety
Benefits of Promoting Psychological Safety
How Employees Can Support Psychological Safety
How Organizations Can Implement Psychologically Safe Practices
Assessing Your Organization’s Psychological Safety

Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop applicable to both managers and employees.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Jennifer Kelly
Jennifer is a facilitator and instructional designer with over 12 years’ experience designing and delivering in-class and online training workshops. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Communication and a Bachelor of Post-Secondary Education. Jennifer has designed and facilitated courses in core areas such as workplace psychological safety, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution. As a certified Positive Psychology Coach, she has trained in the study of workplace wellness and personal well-being. Jennifer is passionate about creating psychological safety in the workplace and believes it is what truly leads to high-performing and motivated teams. She is an energetic and thoughtful presenter who is committed to providing learning experiences that are fun, engaging, and easily applicable. Read blogs written by Jennifer here.

Representation in Mediation: How to effectively participate in the mediation process
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | 3rd Floor, Law Society Building, 196-198 Water Street, St. John’s, Canada
Seminar Overview:
This session has been developed for participants to learn about the mediation process by a trained mediator from a federal labour board secretariat, and how to effectively participate in mediation processes to improve the chances of reaching resolution. Learning may be applied to various contexts of disputes and different types of alternative dispute resolution, including settlement discussions. The session will include group discussions and the opportunity to ask questions.
Objectives:

Acquaint participants with the Board’s mandate and initiatives
Explore the benefits of mediation, roles of all participants in the process and the various steps of the FPSLREB mediation process
Discuss some of the challenges faced as representatives in mediation, and how to effectively overcome them

Seminar Presenters:
Jonathan Elston
Jonathan Elston is a Mediator and Dispute Resolution Specialist with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) Secretariat. He studied law at McGill University and has a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Governance from the University of Amsterdam. Jonathan was a lecturer in industrial relations and conflict resolution at McGill University, Carleton University and Simon Fraser University.
Registration Fee:
$28.75 ($25 + HST)
Free for those who register for the Employment Law Seminar holding on March 31st.
HST # R108086463
To register for this seminar, please click the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DT9uXVTBTNWt2zgHo9wgpg
CPD Credit: 1 hour

Digital first or people first? How the digital divide affects public legal education work - Public Legal Education Association of Canada Virtual Fair
2025-02-25 12:00 - 15:00 | Online
Public Legal Education Association of Canada Virtual Fair: Registration Now Open
The Public Legal Education Association of Canada (PLEAC) is excited to announce that registration is now open for our Virtual Fair, taking place on February 25, 26, and 27, 2025.
This three-day online event will feature two sessions each day from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST, with a short break in between. Participants will gain insights into initiatives and emerging practices from Canada, the US, and the UK, coming away with new knowledge, ideas, and connections.
The event flyer with session and speaker details can be viewed here. Speaker bios will be available on the Zoom registration pages.
To see the details below, updates, and registration links, please visit our website here.
Register now:
Day 1 – Tuesday, February 25
Digital first or people first? How the digital divide affects public legal education work

12:00 PM–1:15 PM EST: Reflections on engaging with the digital divide

Register here

1:45 PM–3:00 PM EST: Reaching people on both sides of the divide

Register here

Day 2 – Wednesday, February 26
Community justice help: keeping community front and centre

12:00 PM–1:15 PM EST: Learning from initiatives in other jurisdictions

Register here

1:45 PM–3:00 PM EST: Community justice work on the ground

Register here

Day 3 – Thursday, February 27
Learning as we go: what makes for effective PLEI evaluation

12:00 PM–1:15 PM EST: Learning as we go: what makes for effective PLEI evaluation

Register here

1:45 PM–3:00 PM EST: Building an evaluation catalogue: starting with what we know

Register here

Registration is free, and everyone is welcome to join one or all sessions. If you are unable to attend, all sessions will be recorded and posted on our website.

COWA 2025: Is Diversity Still Relevant in the Legal Industry?
2025-02-25 18:00 - 21:00
COWA 2025: A legal event bringing together law firms, GCs, and legal leaders to discuss equity, inclusion, and the future of diversity

Location

Albany Club

91 King Street East Toronto, ON M5C 1G3

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

Event lasts 3 hours

We are excited to announce the next event in the COWA series. The event title is Championing One With Another (COWA): Is Diversity Still Relevant in the Legal Industry?
This impactful event, organized by Blink Equity in partnership with ZSA Legal Recruitment and The Albany Club, brings legal professionals, thought leaders, and advocates together to foster meaningful conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the legal industry.
As the official venue sponsor, The Albany Club is adding the event to their Capitalism, Diversity, and Inclusion series and opening attendance to their highly esteemed club members, making for a unique and exciting networking experience.
What to Expect:

Panel Discussions: Gain actionable insights from leading voices in DEI.
Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers, senior leaders, and industry changemakers.
Key Highlights: Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the legacy and contributions of Black leaders in the legal field.

Featured Guests and Speakers:
Confirmed Speakers and Panelists include:

Rustam Juma, General Counsel Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.
Warren Bongard, President, ZSA Legal Recruitment
Safiya Adenekan GCU.D, Chief Compliance Officer, Canada at Cash App & Afterpay
Kamika McLean, Business Executive, Lawyer, Community Leader
Pako Tshiamala, CEO, Blink Equity

First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR) Open House
2025-02-26 - 2025-02-27
The First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR) and Angie Derrickson, FNLGR Registrar, are pleased to announce the upcoming First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR) Open House.
The Lands Advisory Board and First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, in partnership with the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA), are collaborating to develop the new FNLGR. This registry aims to establish a First Nation-controlled, independent land registry for Operational First Nations under the Framework Agreement and participating Self-Governing First Nations. With initial operations planned for late 2025, the registry’s development has greatly benefitted from input provided by First Nation Land Offices, especially those who use the current system daily.
Three regional open house sessions will be hosted to engage land governance professionals, legal experts, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders. These events will highlight the progress of the registry, showcase its enhanced capabilities, and provide opportunities for attendees to offer feedback to further support land governance and economic development on First Nation lands across Canada. Additionally, the sessions will present the initial draft regulations governing the registry’s operations, a topic of particular interest to legal and financial professionals.
Event details are as follows:
FNLGR Open House (West Region)
Includes British Columbia and Yukon Territory
Date: January 29–30, 2025
Location: River Rock Resort & Casino
Length: 2 days
FNLGR Open House (Prairie Region)
Includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Date: February 5–6, 2025
Location: Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Calgary
Length: 2 days
FNLGR Open House (East Region)
Includes Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador
Date: February 26–27, 2025
Location: Courtyard Toronto Downtown
Length: 2 days

Community justice help: keeping community front and centre - Public Legal Education Association of Canada Virtual Fair
2025-02-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Online

Accident Benefits 2025: What’s New? What’s Important?
2025-02-27 | Online
What You’ll Learn
Who Should Attend
Faculty
Pricing and Group Rates
Financial Assistance
CPD and Accreditation
FAQs
Client and Technical Support

Register

The ESSENTIAL annual event for everyone working in the Accident Benefits field.
Get fully current on key recent decisions and developments.
Expert practitioners, medical experts, judges and adjudicators will give you valuable perspectives on the latest key developments and pressing issues and address the key caselaw, administrative/procedural developments, and best practices that you need to succeed in this demanding and fast-moving area of law.
Designed to provide realistic solutions to the issues you can expect to face regularly, don’t miss this opportunity to get full up-to-date in an area still undergoing significant transformation.

Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

An expert faculty, reflecting both applicants’ and respondents’/insurers’ perspectives, will cover:
Top cases from the past year
Criterion 4 of the CAT determination
AI and Accident Benefits practice: real-life experiences and recommendations for using AI tools
Important MIG updates
Ethics in Accident Benefits cases: situations that arise with clients, opposing parties, and the tribunal
Judges’ panel discussion on Appeals and Judicial Reviews from the LAT
Applying the Charter and Human Rights Code to SABS Litigation

Seminar on Personal Prejudices and Cognitive Biases [2025 Edition]
2025-02-27 | Online
Location: Online

Download program

OVERVIEW
Understanding unconscious cognitive biases and prejudices is essential to promoting fair outcomes. This seminar aims to raise judges’ and administrative decision-makers’ awareness of prejudices and unconscious cognitive biases and to propose strategies to prevent them from having an impact on their decisions.
The program aims to provide participants with tools to recognize personal prejudices and unconscious cognitive biases that interfere with the decision-making process, help judges and administrative decision-makers to address these biases and prejudices, and encourage them to suspend their judgment and maintain deliberative engagement until the end of the decision-making process.
Several strategies are offered during this training, including checklists to detect biases, decision-making matrices, and breakdowns, sequencing the reception of information in a manner that reduces the effects of these biases and prejudices and considering an outside view in evaluating the facts and law.
Topics Overview:

What are personal prejudices and unconscious cognitive biases and why should adjudicators care about them?
How does the decision-making process unfold?
What are the instances in which these biases and prejudices present themselves in the decision-making process?
How can we reduce the inﬂuence of prejudices and biases on adjudicators?

Bilingual program with simultaneous interpretation.
Participation in this program is approved under Section 41 (1) of the Judges Act.
Schedule: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)

CO-CHAIRS

The Honourable Justice Peter Lauwers, Court of Appeal for Ontario
The Honourable Justice James W. O’Reilly, Federal Court, CIAJ’s Past President
The Honourable Justice Daniel W. Payette, Superior Court of Québec

REGISTRATION
This program is for judges and administrative decision-makers only. To register, please contact the Project Manager of Judicial Programs, Vicki Gondek:
Tel.: 514-731-2855, extension 6
Email: vicki.gondek@ciaj-icaj.ca

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Inability to attend may result in a registration being transferred to a colleague of the same organization up to 7 days before the Event. The request must be made in writing.
Cancellation incurs processing fees as follows: $100 for cancellations 30 days or more before the event and 50% of the registration fee for cancellations 7 days or more before the event. No refund will be extended for cancellations made less than 7 days before the event.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Workplace Mental Health
2025-02-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Homewood Health, your Professionals’ Assistance Program provider, would like to invite you to an exclusive and interactive webinar hosted by Dr. Sandra Primiano, who will discuss how to better support workplace mental health.
Thursday, Feb 27, 2025
10:00AM EST | 1:00 PM EST (French) | 4:00 PM EST
Join Dr. Primiano as she shares the latest data, trends, and proven strategies to optimize employee or member well-being in their personal and professional lives.
Following the webinar, all attendees will receive a free downloadable resource for managers on mental health strategies.
Simply click here to save your spot for Homewood Health’s first webinar of 2025 (attendance is limited).

Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
2025-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Dealing with issues related to mental health in the workplace can be challenging and difficult to navigate. It is essential that organizations have the capabilities to manage mental health because early identification and support typically leads to continued productivity and retention of employees. This workshop provides a roadmap to help managers participate in conversations with employees who may require support when experiencing difficulties related to mental health. Participants will learn strategies for creating a more inclusive work environment that reduces stigma surrounding mental health.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

List the common mental illnesses that people may experience in the workplace
Explain how to engage employees in need of support when experiencing mental health difficulties
Apply practical strategies to reduce stigma
Design workplace policies that address the rights and responsibilities of employee and employers to create an inclusive workplace

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, delivered electronically
*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Why Mental Health Matters
A Review of Common Mental Illnesses
Myths About Mental Illness
Best Practices in Workplace Mental Health
Tips for Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Concerns
How to Approach Someone About a Mental Health Concern
Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
What is Reasonable Accommodation?
Return-to-Work Considerations

Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop for human resources personnel, leaders, managers, and supervisors, and anyone who may need to appropriately respond to staff with mental health concerns.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Janelle Jackiw

Janelle has Master’s degrees in both Criminology and Educational Psychology. Her broad range of experience includes working in front line and leadership roles in both government and social service organizations. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, she provides counselling in private practice, works for the Ministry of Justice, and is a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina. Janelle values workplaces and organizations that respect the importance of partnerships and innovation. She believes people’s passion for the work they do is developed by encouraging leadership at all levels. Janelle is an energetic presenter who enjoys delivering training workshops that are relevant and practical to individuals’ work and personal lives. Read blogs written by Janelle here.

Learning as we go: what makes for effective PLEI evaluation - Public Legal Education Association of Canada Virtual Fair
2025-02-27 12:00 - 15:00 | Online

2024 Trusts & Estates Litigation: Key Cases & Critical Changes
2025-02-27 13:30 - 15:00 | Online
Thursday, February 27, 2025

Learning Options:
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.

Lawyers in other mandatory CPD jurisdictions may count their attendance towards their CPD requirement/plan.
Seminar Partners is an Accredited Provider of Professionalism Content by the Law Society of Ontario and a pre-approved CPD Provider of the Law Society of British Columbia.
*The circumstances under which CPD credit will be recognized for watching archive programs vary by province. If you are viewing the recording of the live webinar, please verify with your law society the circumstances under which they will recognize CPD hours for the recording.

Technical Information:
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.

Who Should Attend
This webinar is ideal for lawyers specializing in estate litigation, wills and estates practitioners, and any legal professionals who want to stay informed about the latest developments in trust and estate law.

About the Program
No time for a full day trusts and estates conference? No problem! Get up to speed on the newest principles shaping estate planning, administration and litigation with our 2024 trusts & estates litigation update. Designed specifically for busy lawyers looking for a condensed analysis of the most significant cases of the last year, this 90-minute presentation will provide up to date knowledge and practical insights to help you succeed in today’s fast-evolving legal landscape. Experienced estates litigator Kim Gale will review key cases from multiple provinces relating to:

limitation periods for trust claims
rectifying wills
resulting trusts v. gifts
discoverability in will challenges
solicitor-client privilege
disclosure issues

Some of these decisions may already be having an impact on cases you see every day. Don’t miss this chance to find out what last year’s biggest trusts and estates cases do (and don’t) mean for your clients!

Meet Your Presenter

Kim Gale is the founder and Principal Lawyer at Gale Law in Toronto, Ontario. A trained mediator with an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, Kim is committed to resolving conflicts through effective communication and negotiation. Kim’s practice has a strong focus on estate litigation and includes a wide variety of matters from will challenges to guardianship disputes. Kim has appeared at all court levels and argued successfully before the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. Kim’s litigation skills earned her a 2024 nomination for Litigator of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards. Kim was also recognized by Best Lawyers 2025 for her excellence in Trusts and Estates. Additionally, Gale Law was named among the Best Law Firms for 2025 by Best Lawyers. In addition to her legal practice, Kim serves as Vice Chair of the OBA’s Elder Law Section and is a frequent presenter on estates law topics, including as an Instructor for Emond Publishing’s Bar preparation course in Estates.

Search and Seizure Law in Canada
2025-02-28
What You’ll Learn
Who Should Attend
Faculty
Pricing and Group Rates
Financial Assistance
CPD and Accreditation
FAQs
Client and Technical Support

Register

Get your essential annual update in this key area of criminal law.
Join a faculty of leading experts for incisive analysis and lively discussion of current, critical issues.
Those involved in criminal and quasi-criminal law across the justice spectrum need to keep current on search and seizure law. OsgoodePD offers this premium program featuring major topic updates and practical approaches to meet the challenges.

Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

Critical case law update (Bykovets)
Privacy at the border (Simmons, Canfield, Pike)
The latest with regulatory searches
Section 490 of the Criminal Code
Nuts and bolts of warrant drafting and the latest developments
Search issues relating to Artificial Intelligence

Who Should Attend

Law enforcement officers
Regulatory investigators
Crown and defence lawyers
Corporate lawyers specializing in regulatory, quasi criminal and criminal work
Judges

Expert Evidence 2025
2025-03-04 | Online
Be an expert in managing expert evidence!
Can’t make the webinar or rebroadcasts? Want online CPD available 24/7?
Subscribe to Courses On Demand, our comprehensive online resource with 1,500+ videos and 5,400+ papers from CLEBC courses. This course will be added to Courses on Demand approximately 30 days from the original course date.
Who should attend: This program is designed for civil and criminal litigators—plaintiff civil, defendant civil, Crown counsel, and criminal defence counsel
Learning level: Fundamental/Intermediate
Expert evidence is prevalent in BC civil and criminal proceedings. Developments in the law and procedure relating to reports by experts have heightened the importance of the court exercising its gatekeeping function and raised the threshold for admissibility. As a result, disputes at trial respecting the admissibility and weight of expert evidence are now common.
This course will survey the recent developments in the law and provide in-depth analysis and guidance on the selection and instruction of experts, how to avoid common pitfalls in the preparation of reports, challenging expert reports, and the direct and cross-examination of experts at trial. You will be provided sophisticated and practical instruction from different perspectives on all aspects of expert evidence.
We recommend that you have your copy of Expert Evidence in BC Civil Proceedings – 6th Edition. If you do not have this valuable resource, you may purchase a copy at the same time as you register for the course. Please Contact Customer Service to order.
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)
Course Chairs
Theresa Iandiorio, KC — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Attorney General, Vancouver
Michael Parrish — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver

Intellectual Property for Litigators 2025
2025-03-05 | Online
The IP essentials that every litigator should know!

Can’t make the webinar or rebroadcasts? Want online CPD available 24/7?
Subscribe to Courses On Demand, our comprehensive online resource with 1,500+ videos and 5,400+ papers from CLEBC courses. This course will be added to Courses on Demand approximately 30 days from the original course date.
Who should attend: Lawyers who seek a comprehensive introduction to IP matters, including corporate counsel, in-house counsel, corporate solicitors, and general civil litigators. This course will also be of interest to litigators seeking an update on current issues and strategies in IP litigation.
Learning level: All levels
Different forms of intellectual property dictate different strategies for litigation. When an intellectual property issue arises, will you be prepared to give your clients the litigation advice they need?
At this course, you will gain a solid grounding that will permit you to evaluate, advise on, and manage an intellectual property claim. You will learn the essential characteristics of the different classes of intellectual property and their implications for litigation.
You will come away from this course with appropriate litigation strategies to protect your client’s IP interests and to avoid pitfalls in managing these IP files.
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)
Course Chair
Christopher S. Wilson — Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver

Women in Leadership Discussion Panel
2025-03-07 12:00 - 14:00
The Canadian Bar Association – Newfoundland and Labrador Branch (CBA-NL) invites you to join us in celebrating International Women’s Day with an inspiring panel discussion on women in leadership.
Moderated by Raylene Mackey, Chair of the Women’s Forum Section, this event will feature trailblazing women who have navigated challenges and accelerated their careers in law. Their experiences will inspire, educate, and empower us to continue advocating for greater representation of women in leadership.
Why Attend?
✔ Gain insights from accomplished women in leadership✔ Find inspiration to advance your career and champion gender equity✔ Connect with like-minded professionals committed to progress
Our Esteemed Panelists:

Lynne Vicars – Canadian Bar Association National President
Jennifer Mercer, QC – Associate Chief Judge, Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
Allison Whelan, K.C. – Managing Partner, Stewart McKelvey
Carey Majid, K.C. – Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission

Event Details:
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: EIX – Emera Innovation Exchange Building Lunch: Provided Fee: $15 for CBA members | $50 for non-members
Spaces are limited! Register today by emailing Robyn at cba-nl@cba.org.

Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund Online Information Session by the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
2025-03-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
On March 10th, join us for a one-hour webinar at 2:00 pm ADT to learn about the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF). This ISANS-led initiative can help immigrants with permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship obtain training and certification in their chosen fields or related fields in their new home provinces.
During this event, you will learn:

Who is eligible for the AICLF
What costs the AICLF can cover
The kinds of programs the AICLF can help pay for
How the AICLF is funded and how it is administered across Atlantic Canada
Why the AICLF is a better choice for immigrants in Atlantic Canada than funding through a private institution on their own

During and after the presentation, you can also ask any questions you might have about AICLF.
Registration and attendance details:

Register for the event by filling in this form.
The registration deadline is 5 pm ADT March 7th
You will receive a link to the meeting before the event

For more information, please contact: Ken Partridge | kpartridge@isans.ca
Platform: Microsoft Teams

Secrets of Chambers 2025
2025-03-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Online
Your comprehensive guide to success in chambers!
Can’t make the webinar or rebroadcasts? Want online CPD available 24/7?
Subscribe to Courses On Demand, our comprehensive online resource with 1,500+ videos and 5,400+ papers from CLEBC courses. This course will be added to Courses on Demand approximately 30 days from the original course date.
Who should attend: Junior to intermediate litigation counsel. Experienced litigation counsel who seek a comprehensive refresher on chambers practice will also find this program valuable.
Learning level: Fundamental/Intermediate
This course is CLEBC’s comprehensive introduction to civil chambers practice. The program is geared towards junior counsel who seek an introduction to—and experienced counsel who seek a wide-ranging refresher on—preparation for and conduct of, chambers hearings.
This course will blend substantive legal principles with practical practice pointers. A popular returning feature will be the View from the Bench, wherein members of the judiciary share their observations concerning the most common problems plaguing counsel and how these problems can be remedied.
You can expect to come away with a collection of superb practice tips that you can apply immediately to enhance your effectiveness in chambers. The previous edition of this program in March 2023 received rave reviews.
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 3 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)
Course Chairs
Andrew P. Morrison — Shields Harney LLP, Vancouver
John Douglas Shields — Shields Harney LLP, Vancouver

Defamation, Privacy and Media Law 2025
2025-03-13 | Online
Law, practice, and the anti-SLAPP revolution
Thursday, March 13, 2025
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
via webinar only
Can’t make the webinar or rebroadcasts? Want online CPD available 24/7?
Subscribe to Courses On Demand, our comprehensive online resource with 1,500+ videos and 5,400+ papers from CLEBC courses. This course will be added to Courses on Demand approximately 30 days from the original course date.
Who should attend: Civil litigators and media industry personnel
Learning level: Intermediate/Advanced
Defamation law has long been known as a byzantine maze of technical rules and historical anomalies. The rise of online platforms, social media, cross-border publications, and anti-SLAPP laws has made defamation, privacy, and media law more challenging than ever.
This one-day program is aimed at demystifying the law and highlighting the newest developments and practical considerations facing counsel.
Anti-SLAPP laws are vital to anyone commencing or defending any action involving expression and will be explored both in law and practice. We will examine key battleground areas that drive successful or unsuccessful defamation actions.
The course will also explain the specialized test for defamation injunctions, untangle the confusing area of qualified privilege, and highlight significant changes on the horizon as reforms in the UK and Australia make their way to Canada.
This year’s program will feature leading counsel on these and other key issues in this important and rapidly evolving area of law and practice.
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)
Course Chair
Daniel H. Coles — Owen Bird Law Corporation, Vancouver

Trauma-Informed Leadership
2025-03-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
A compassionate and trauma-informed approach to leadership is essential for creating healthy workplace cultures. Trauma is prevalent in our world and has an impact on many of the people we interact with, including staff and colleagues. Based on our book, A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces, this workshop explores how to lead with a trauma-informed approach and provides five key principles that trauma-informed workplaces embody. By embracing these principles, organizations can contribute to the positive transformation of individuals and relationships affected by trauma, while at the same time creating the conditions that lead to high levels of employee engagement and organizational success. Every organization, from any sector, can benefit from becoming trauma-informed.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Discuss the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals and organizations
List five key trauma-informed principles
Describe practical strategies for implementing each of the five trauma-informed principles
Assess their own organization for areas of trauma-informed strengths and weakness

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

Trauma’s Ripple Effect
The Impact of Trauma in the Workplace
Characteristics of a Trauma-Informed Leader
5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces – Promote Awareness, Shift Attitudes, Provide Choice, Foster Safety, Highlight Strengths
Steps for Implementing Principles

Target Audience
This is an intermediate-advanced level workshop for leaders, managers, supervisors, and anyone providing leadership within an organization.
Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer
Nathan Gerbrandt, CTRI Director
Nathan is the Managing Director of ACHIEVE’s partner organization, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI). He holds a Master of Social Work degree and is a Registered Social Worker. Prior to working with CTRI and ACHIEVE, Nathan coordinated service delivery and rehabilitation planning for repeat offenders with a diagnosis. He has refined skills in risk management and collaborative treatment planning for people in conflict with the law. In addition, Nathan possesses specialty in the areas of disability services, case management, and working with people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. He is passionate about sharing the message of the importance of trauma-informed care. Nathan is co-author of A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces. He believes that any service delivery requires the promotion of a sense of safety, trust, and choice for individuals and an approach of compassion and collaboration. Nathan is an engaging presenter who uses an interactive style to maximize the learning potential of participants.

Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Challenging Discussions
2025-03-19 | Online
Whether sharing bad news with a client, providing corrective action, or talking with a colleague about an uncomfortable issue, difficult conversations are typically stressful and often take a large mental and emotional toll. Many people avoid difficult conversations for these reasons, or find themselves ill prepared when they must have them. Yet, the ability to handle difficult conversations respectfully and professionally is one of the most important skills for success in the workplace. This workshop will review the key elements of preparing for, conducting, and concluding difficult conversations. Participants will leave with a set of tools to help ensure that difficult conversations are productive, professional, and respectful for all involved.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Describe how to prepare for the next difficult conversation you encounter
Identify when and how to conduct a difficult conversation
List some tools to help you in your difficult conversations

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Types of Difficult Conversations
Our Natural Responses to Difficult Conversations
Determining if a Conversation is Necessary
How to Stop Avoiding the Interaction
How to Prepare for the Difficult Conversation
Key Skills and Strategies for Engaging
What to Do If They Won’t Engage
Concluding the Conversation
Keys for Delivering Bad News
How to be Open to Receiving the Difficult Conversation

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop applicable to both employees and managers.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Andrew Wychnenka
Andrew is a conflict management professional with over a decade of experience in delivering conflict management services such as mediation, coaching, and training in a variety of sectors. He is passionate about helping people understand conflict and find solutions to problems that seem insurmountable on their own. He has a bachelor’s degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and Psychology and holds a Chartered Mediator designation through the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada. He has conducted over 100 mediation processes in court, family, workplace, and community settings, and has over 18 years of service as a leader in the Canadian military, which includes a deployment to Afghanistan. He also spent five years as a conflict management expert for a government department where he offered internal mediation services, training, and group processes. Andrew believes that a having a mindset that focuses on seeking understanding is the key to resolving conflict. As a facilitator, he is passionate about making the content of a workshop relatable through practical examples and dialogue among participants.

Business Law Lunch and Learn: Mastering Advanced Strategies for Streamlining Transactions with Closing Agendas
2025-03-19 12:30 - 13:30
Business Law Lunch and Learn
Closing Folders: Mastering Advanced Strategies for Streamlining Transactions with Closing Agendas
Join the co-chairs of the Business Law Section, Cassidy LaCosta and Christina Driscoll for the second session in our two-part Lunch & Learn series, where we’ll explore advanced strategies for leveraging closing agendas to enhance transaction management. Building on the foundational concepts from the first session, this deep-dive will focus on fine-tuning closing agendas to ensure smoother, more efficient transactions. Learn how to track critical milestones, manage outstanding tasks, and keep all parties aligned throughout the closing process. We will explore advanced tips and tricks for getting the most out of Closing Folders, the cloud-based legal document management system introduced in the first session. Discover how to maximize its features for more efficient document handling, secure signature collection, and seamless collaboration, ensuring that your transactions run smoothly from start to finish. This session will build on the tools from the first session, helping to fully harness the power of Closing Folders to optimize your closing process.
Event Details:
Location: Cox & Palmer Office 235 Water Street, Suite 1100 or virtual
️ Lunch: Provided
Fee: FREE for CBA members | $50 for non-members
Register online by clicking here.
Email Robyn with any inquires.

Litigation Foundations: Perspective of a Litigated Case 2025
2025-03-20 | Online
Can’t make the webinar or rebroadcasts? Want online CPD available 24/7?
Subscribe to Courses On Demand, our comprehensive online resource with 1,500+ videos and 5,400+ papers from CLEBC courses. This course will be added to Courses on Demand approximately 30 days from the original course date.

Who should attend: This program will be of interest to law students, newly called lawyers, and mid-level lawyers
Learning level: Fundamental/Intermediate
This innovative new program will cover the conduct of a litigated case through the lens of nine elements of litigation, from pleadings at the start to taxation at the end. The nine elements will be examined and unpacked in one of three distinct practice areas: Construction Law, Employment Law, or Family Law.
This program will be a unique opportunity to hone your litigation skills by seeing them from the perspective of counsel in different working contexts. It will focus on the fundamentals of litigation and will be of interest to law students, newly called lawyers, and mid-level lawyers.
Join us for an information-packed day of litigation learning!
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)
Course Chairs
Gurminder Sandhu, KC — Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, Surrey
Thomas L. Spraggs — Spraggs & Co. Law Corporation, Coquitlam

The Notwithstanding Clause: For Emergencies Only?
2025-03-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
The Notwithstanding Clause: For Emergencies Only?
Please join us for a panel discussion regarding s. 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We will be joined by legal experts from across the country to discuss their diverse perspectives on the purpose and utility of the clause.
Moderator
Professor Wade Wright, Professor at Western University, Faculty of Law
Speakers
Senator Peter Harder, Privy Council
Dr. Dwight Newman, KC, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan
Marion Sandilands, Partner at Conway Litigation
Registration Fees

CBA Members: Free
Non-Members: $100
Plus applicable taxes

Register here.

Managing Difficult Phone Calls
2025-03-24 | Online
Handling difficult interactions on the phone is a challenging task, especially if the caller is in a heightened state of emotion. For many, the ability to navigate difficult phone conversations with respect and professionalism is an essential workplace skill. This workshop is designed to provide practical strategies for dealing with clients and customers over the phone who are in a heightened emotional state. Participants will learn over-the-phone techniques for de-escalating anger, resolving conflict, and communicating effectively.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Apply effective listening skills to enhance understanding
Support emotionally heightened clients over the phone
Problem-solve with clients for best outcomes
Demonstrate a plan for delivering bad news

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

The Complexity of Phone Communication
Qualities of a Skilled Communicator
Key Skills for the Phone – Tone, Volume, and Inflection
Communication Style Test
Practical Tips for Calming the Distressed Person
Identifying and Prioritizing Issues Raised
Delivering Bad News
Effective Notetaking
Politely Ending the Conversation

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.
Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Christina Reimer

Christina has a diverse background as a leadership trainer, director and team building and conflict resolution facilitator. With a PhD in religion, she teaches university courses on ethics, the world’s major religions, and other topics. Christina has travelled extensively and worked internationally for non-profit organizations that focus on peace-building and community development. She values workplaces that promote diversity and equity and strive to resolve corporate and interpersonal conflict in productive ways. She believes that communicating well is one of the keys to creating healthy working environments. Christina has an enthusiastic and engaging presentation style and uses storytelling and humour to make workshops interesting as well as informative.

Drafting and Reviewing Search Warrants 2025
2025-03-25 - 2025-03-26 | Online
What You’ll Learn
Who Should Attend
Faculty
Pricing and Group Rates
Financial Assistance
CPD and Accreditation
FAQs
Client and Technical Support

Register

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to take a deep dive into how to draft legally solid and successful warrants.
Court decisions continue to make apparent the importance of clear, accurate and complete warrant applications, and the dire consequences of deficient drafting.
This practical program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to draft, review, and revise a wide variety of search warrants, and to identify and develop winning strategies for defending or attacking them.

Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program. Please note the workshop will NOT be recorded.

What You’ll Learn

Practical issues in the warrant Process: Cross-Discipline Panel Discussion
Latest Hot Issues in Computer and Related Technology Searches
Review of the Foundational Principles of Search and Seizure
Warrant Writing and Reviewing 101

PLUS! Take your learning to the next level in the optional, warrant drafting workshop on March 26. Space is strictly limited to ensure interactivity (for Day One registrants only).

Who Should Attend

Law enforcement officers
Regulatory investigators (federal and provincial)
Crown attorneys and federal prosecutors
Judges, including Justices of the Peace and lower Court judges from all provinces and territories
Defence lawyers
