Chaired by: Max Hufton, Partner, Sound Law, Squamish BC
Andrea Lim, Associate, Dutton Brock LLP, Toronto ON
CDL's 24th Annual General Meeting & Conference.
Program Highlights This Year Will Include
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Diversity In Leadership
Opening Remarks by Malcolm Mercer, Treasurer, Law Society of Ontario
Toyja Kelley, DRI President, Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, Baltimore MD
Christina Cook, Wilder Wilder & Langtry, Winnipeg MB
Moderated by Audrey Ramsey, Blouin Dunn LLP, CDL Board Member and CDL Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair
The panel will provide an overview of diversity and the Legal Profession across Canada and the USA as well as an open discussion of their personal reflections, the development of diversity in legal associations in leadership and membership, and examine the business case for diversity in law firms.
A First Class Defence: Defending Class Action Proceedings​
Scott R. Campbell, Partner, Stewart McKelvey, Halifax NS
This presentation will provide a high level “nuts and bolts” assessment of procedures and general strategies for defending class action proceedings. It will also include a review of recent trends, along with an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Wellness & Mental Health In the Legal Profession
Susan Gunter, Partner, Dutton Brock, Toronto ON
Doron Gold, The Lawyer Therapist, Toronto ON
Legal professionals are at a increased risk of mental health and addiction concerns. They face pressure to perform at a high level, client and firm demands, career fit, conflictual relationships and financial or family pressures. Guarding their confidentiality to protect their professional standing can keep them from seeking the help they need. This interactive presentation will provide an insight on how to address issues of mental health and addiction.
AB From Sea To Sea: A Look at Accident Benefits Claims Across Canada
Catherine Korte, Partner, McCague Borlack, Toronto ON
First Party Accident benefits exist in almost every Canadian jurisdiction. This presentation and paper will focus on how different systems operate, the benefits available, and practice tips that can be applied across provincial borders. Comparisons between jurisdictions and unique facts about the different systems will also be presented.
Evaluating the Impact of Being “Fair but Firm”
David Owen, Director, Director, Large Complex and Specialty Claims, Economical, Mississauga ON
Litigation management presented a problem; the company was developing an unwanted reputation, adjusters felt unsupported and counsel had concerns for consistency. Fair but Firm addressed these issues. Fair but Firm posits, where we are fair in our position on liability or our valuation of a settlement we remain firm, even when maintaining our position will result in a trial. This presentation will walk through the two components of Fair but Firm – trials and negotiations, the history of the process, the role of a litigation panel and its composition, the successes and failings, and the calculation of the benefit of the approach.
Electronic Evidence and Data Sources
Roger Chown, Partner, Carroll Heyd Chown, Barrie ON
Useful sources of data for your cases: where to look, what to ask for, how to ask for it. There is so much data out there that can be useful in our cases, and Roger will provide creative suggestions on what exists, what to ask for, and how to ask for it.
Experts: Managing the Courts’ Expectations for Reports
A National Panel featuring:
Michelle Kelly, Partner, Cox & Palmer, Halifax NS
Jennifer Hunter, Partner, Lerners LLP Toronto ON
Alison Hopkins, Partner, Sound Law, Squamish BC
Constantly changing expectations on submitting expert reports are affecting defence litigation from coast to coast in Canada. This program involves insightful discussions regarding discrepancies of expectations from either side of the bench, and how to strategize in managing your defence in conjunction with expert reports.
5.5 CPD Credits – with 1 hour Ethics & 1 hour EDI Credits in Ontario, 2 hours of Ethics in BC and SK
Consider attending the 3rd Annual CDL Women's Caucus Luncheon on June 5! Details HERE
! CDL is holding a room block at One King West Hotel for $259. Attendees should Quote: Canadian Defence Lawyers when booking your hotel room reservations@onekingwest.com or call 416-548-8100 The cut-off date is May 27, 2019 – availability and rate is not guaranteed after this date.