TLA closes out 2023 with some excellent educational sessions

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The year is quickly coming to an end but there is still time to take advantage of some of the excellent educational programs offered by the Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA), says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang.

“We support our members through the three pillars of knowledge, advocacy and community and our educational programs are a reflection of that,” Rataic-Lang tells LegalMattersCanada.ca. “We take pride in the depth and diversity of these programs and they are always well received. We are closing out the year with some strong sessions and excited about what is coming in 2024.” 

She says educational forums give lawyers of all experience levels the chance to learn new skills while earning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. They are also a chance to network with colleagues, Rataic-Lang adds.

“It wasn’t too long ago that we were forced to isolate because of the pandemic,” she says. “The professional life of a lawyer can be somewhat solitary so a sense of community is important. We are social beings after all, and everyone can benefit from staying connected.”

Examining key criminal cases

Those looking to get up to date on the latest criminal law Charter cases are invited to attend The Charter: Recent Key Criminal Cases, presented by TLA’s Criminal Law Committee. This Zoom session will be held on Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and contains up to 1.5 hours of substantive CPD content.

Rataic-Lang says these are decisions that could make or break a case and this forum has something for criminal defence lawyers and prosecutors at any level of experience.

Superior Court of Justice Philip Campbell, defence lawyer Kim Schofield and Assistant Crown Attorney Pamela Larmondin will dive into recent significant Charter decisions in the program, which will be moderated by Zachary Kerbel, Assistant Crown Attorney, Guns and Gangs Unit.

Tickets are $59 plus HST, $109 for non-members and $30 for licensing candidates and new calls. Tickets are free for undergraduate law school students. For more details, click here.

Family/estate law forum

On Nov. 23, the association’s Family/Estates Committee presents When Worlds Collide: Corporate Issues, Matrimonial Breakdown and Death. 

The panel will feature Ontario Superior Court Justice Fred Myers and senior family and estates lawyers Gary Joseph and Clare Burns.They will focus on how to tackle corporate issues in family and estates matters. The program will be moderated by Kristine Anderson of Fern Law.

The forum runs from 5:30 to 7:30 at the TLA Lawyers’ Lounge, 361 University Ave. Light refreshments will be served at a networking reception following the session.

Registration costs $59 plus HST, $109 for non-members and $30 for licensing candidates and new calls. Tickets are free for undergraduate law school students. For more details, click here.
December kicks off with Top 6 in 60: Six recent cases from the SCC you should know about in 60 minutes or less.

“The Supreme Court of Canada releases some interesting and significant decisions each year,” says Rataic-Lang. “Keeping up with the latest rulings can be a challenge. In a busy practice it can be difficult to find time to read the latest complex, foundational judgments from our highest court.

‘This is a popular program each year’

“We are offering what we believe are the top six judgments and we examine all the practical implications, focusing on what people need to know,” she adds. “This is a popular program each year.”

Speakers include Earl A. Cherniak, LLD, K.C., partner at Lerners LLP, and Ian Kasper, of Kapoor Barristers, who will provide helpful takeaways that members can incorporate into their practice. 

The Zoom session will be held on Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and contains 60 minutes of substantive CPD content.

Tickets are $59 plus HST, $109 for non-members and $30 for licensing candidates and new calls. Tickets are free for undergraduate law school students. For more details, click here.

Rataic-Lang says the TLA is working in partnership with the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT). to present Trauma-Informed Lawyering 101 on Dec. 6.

Trauma can take many forms

“Trauma can take many forms and by adopting trauma-informed principles, participants will become more compassionate and competent lawyers,” she says.

At the one-hour virtual lunch and learn training session, running from noon to 1 p.m., participants will learn:

• The fundamentals of trauma-informed care and practice.
• How trauma can affect your clients’ interactions with the legal system.
• Practical strategies to create a safe and supportive legal environment.
• Techniques for enhancing client trust and communication.

WomanACT project coordinator Premila Chellapermal, who has worked in the violence against women sector in multiple jurisdictions and projects including in the criminal justice and legal sector, shelter services, and crisis and community services, will lead the discussion. 

Tickets are $59 plus HST, $109 for non-members and $30 for licensing candidates and new calls. Tickets are free for undergraduate law school students. The program contains one hour of EDI Professionalism. For more details, click here.
Rataic-Lang says those interested in any TLA program but cannot attend can register to receive a Vimeo recording.