Event Calendar

Presented by Canadian Defence Lawyers and OTLA

The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and the Canadian Defence Lawyers (CDL) are jointly presenting a continuing professional development program for members of both associations, led by Conference Chairs Laurie Tucker (Burn Tucker Lachaîne P.C.) and Andrea Lim (Dutton Brock LLP).

This in-person conference brings plaintiff and defence counsel together for shared learning, practical discussion and the exchange of diverse perspectives on issues affecting the personal injury bar. In addition to high-quality education, the program offers meaningful networking opportunities that support stronger professional relationships across both sides of the practice.

Join us for a program focused on professional growth, constructive dialogue and collaborative engagement. Space is limited—register today to take advantage of the early bird rate.

CPD
This program contains 0.25 Professionalism Hours.
This program contains 0.25 EDI Professionalism Hours.
This program is eligible for up to 5.0 Substantive Hours.
 
Conference rates
Early Bird Rate: $515.00 + HST
Available until January 9, 2026
Regular Rate: $566.50 + HST

CONFERENCE CHAIRS


This year’s OTLA-CDL Joint Conference, Complimentary Perspectives: Navigating Changes to Come, brings together leading voices from both the plaintiff and defence bars to explore significant legal developments shaping personal injury practice. The program features: 

• Broker liability insights from seasoned defence and plaintiff counsel.
• Civil Rules Review updates, including anticipated impacts on personal injury litigation.
• Top cases in tort and accident benefits, highlighting emerging trends and key decisions.
• A detailed review of the July 1, 2026 AB reforms, with practical guidance for both sides.
• Panels on civility, professionalism and EDI, offering strategies for maintaining high standards across the bar.
• Specialized sessions on sexual assault civil litigation, discoverability, Tavern liability and recreational vehicle cases.
• Joint plaintiff–defence discussions on common trial preparation and discovery challenges, featuring judicial and practitioner perspectives.
   

Together, these sessions provide a balanced, practical, and forward-looking examination of the issues that will shape personal injury litigation in 2026 and beyond.

The following is a list of speakers and moderators contributing to this year’s program:
 

Grant Bodnaryk, Dearden & Associates Liane Brown, Oatley Vigmond LLP Suzanne Clarke, Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP Sandra DiMeo, Ferguson DiMeo Lawyers Katherine DiTomaso, Stieber Berlach Chris Dunn, Dutton Brock LLP Laura Emmett, SBA Lawyers LLP The Honourable Regional Senior Justice Mark Edwards, Ontario Superior Court of Justice Nital Gosai, Gosai Law Susan Gunter, Dutton Brock LLP Laura Hillyer, Martin & Hillyer Associates Eliane Lachaîne, Burn Tucker Lachaîne PC Andrea Lim, Dutton Brock LLP

Teri Liu, Dutton Brock LLP Bronwyn Martin, Moodie Mair Walker LLP Teresa-Anne Martin, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General Matt Miller, Dolden Wallace Folick LLP Linda O’Brien, Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lisa Pool, CDL President Jay Ralston, Murray Ralston PC Philippa Samworth, Dutton Brock LLP Joanna Sweet, Greg Monforton & Partners Mary-Anne Strong, Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers Maura Thompson, Shillington McCall LLP Laurie Tucker, Burn Tucker Lachaîne PC Adam Wagman, Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP

Sponsorship
CDL and OTLA are finalizing sponsorship opportunities for this joint program. Further information will be provided shortly.
 
Program format
This is an in-person program with limited seating, early registration is recommended. 
 
Registration for OTLA Members
Members of OTLA can complete their registration by clicking HERE.