Meet Our Presenters – Seminar Partners

Our Experienced Speakers

Caroline Abela Toronto, ON

Caroline Abela is a Partner with WeirFoulds LLP, where she specializes in complex business and estate litigation matters. Caroline has been named in the Who’s Who Legal for Asset Recovery and in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for practice litigation–corporate commercial. She was selected as a Litigation Lawyer to Watch in Lexpert’s 2014 US/Canada Cross-border Litigation Guide and a Lexpert Zenith Award Celebrating Mid-Career Excellence in 2018. In 2021, she was recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada as a leading lawyer in Corporate and Commercial Litigation. In 2017, Caroline was named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, whose membership is limited to one percent of lawyers admitted to practice in Canada.

Tim Allen Toronto, ON

Tim Allen is a lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP in Toronto. A skilled litigator, he provides advice and representation to employers in many areas of employment and labour law, including employee screening and hiring, human rights and accommodation, employment contracts, employment standards, and wrongful and constructive dismissal litigation. A frequent presenter and commentator on employment-related matters, include for the Human Resources Professionals his opinion has also been sought by Canadian Emplay Law Today. Tim is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, and a graduate of Queen's University, (Juris Doctor) and McGill University (Bachelor of Science).

Steve Armstrong San Diego, CA

Steve Armstrong is the founder of Armstrong Talent Development. Drawing on 20 years’ experience in leading talent-management programs and teaching professionals, Steve provides consulting and training services for law firms and other professional-service organizations. He emphasizes practical methods for improving the performance of professionals – at all levels of seniority – so that they can contribute more to their firms. For more than 20 years, he has taught writing programs for lawyers in the U.S. and Canada and for federal and state judges. With Professor Timothy P. Terrell, he is the co-author of Thinking Like a Writer: A Lawyer’s Guide to Effective Writing and Editing (3rd edition, 2008, Practicing Law Institute). Steve presents several programs in Canada in conjunction with Seminar Partners, including the best-selling Writing to Persuade, and Writing (and Editing) for Clarity and Impact half day and one-day seminars.

Jordan M. Atin Toronto, ON

Jordan M. Atin is a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Lexpert rates Jordan as one of its top recommended estate lawyers in Canada as well as being rated as a Best Lawyer in Canada. Jordan is the co-creator of eState Planner (e-stateplanner.com), will planning software that is being used by over 400 law firms in Canada. He is a Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association - Trust and Estates Section and a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Jordan was the inaugural winner of the OBA’s Hoffstein Prize in recognition of his contributions and achievements in the area of wills, trusts and estates. Jordan is a contributing author to the well-known text “Estate Litigation” and his articles are referred to in many of Canada’s leading estates texts. Jordan’s book for non-lawyers, The Family War – Winning the Inheritance Battle, has been featured on Canada AM, BNN and in dozens of Canadian and US newspapers.

Katherine Bayer Winnipeg, MB

Katherine Bayer is an Associate with Taylor McCaffrey Lawyers. Katherine’s practice of Corporate and Commercial Law primarily focuses on advising corporations and shareholders on the purchase and sale of businesses, share-holder and partnership agreements, corporate structuring governance matters and financing. In addition, Katherine has experience working with and organizing cooperatives. Alongside her work with private businesses, Katherine also works on public-private partnership developments across Canada. Although Katherine often works with larger corporations, she also assists many local small businesses, non-profits and start-ups in their endeavours.

William Bernhardt Choctaw, OK

William Bernhardt spent ten years as a litigator and partner at one of Oklahoma’s most prominent law firms. While practicing law, he received awards from Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Bar Association. Barrister Magazine named him one one of the top twenty young lawyers in America. After his Ben Kincaid courtroom drama books consistently hit the New York Times bestseller list, he left the practice of law to write and teach writing full-time. He has sold more than ten million books worldwide. In addition to his law degree, Bernhardt holds a Master’s Degree in English Literature, giving him a unique resume as the only legal writing instructor in the nation who has had academic acclaim, a successful, award-winning law practice, and numerous New York Times bestselling novels. He has twice won the Oklahoma Book Award for Best Fiction, and has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award. He is the youngest author inducted into the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame.

Susan Blackwell Etobicoke, ON

Susan Blackwell is the Founder of Blackwell Family Law. She has worked as a family lawyer for over 20 years, beginning as a junior lawyer at Torkin Manes. Since starting her own part-time practice as a freelance family lawyer, she has worked together with other lawyers on family law files on a case by case basis and as family duty counsel for Legal Aid Ontario. Her practice includes providing unbundled and limited scope family law services directly to individuals. She appears regularly at the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court and has assisted with matters at the Court of Appeal. Susan is a contributing author to Lexis Practice Advisor Canada and has co-authored a number of papers presented at continuing legal education conferences.

Rachel Blumenfeld Toronto, ON

Rachel Blumenfeld is a partner with Aird & Berlis LLP (Toronto), and a member of the firm’s Estates & Trusts, and Tax Groups. Her practice focuses on trusts and estates, personal tax planning, charities and not-for profit law. She advises clients on tax, trusts, estate planning & administration, preparation of wills, power of attorney documents, business succession, and insurance planning. Rachel holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation and is recognized by Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal, Expert Guides and Lexpert® as a leader in her field. She is a long time member and current National Director of STEP Canada. Rachel frequently writes and speaks for legal and other audiences on topics involving tax and estate planning, life insurance, and business succession planning and charitable giving.

Jenny Bogod Toronto, ON

Jenny Bogod is a passionate litigator whose litigation practice at Rosen Sack LLP focuses on estate, trusts and capacity litigation as well as professional negligence. Jenny represents dependants, estates, beneficiaries and persons whose capacity is being questioned by others in connection with Will challenges, Will interpretation applications, power of attorney disputes, dependant support claims and guardianship applications. Jenny is also designated as Preferred Counsel by the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company, the professional liability insurer for lawyers in Ontario. She acts as defence and repair counsel in connection with solicitor negligence matters related to estates and trusts, family law, civil litigation and real estate. Jenny regularly speaks and writes about estates related topics, including for the Law Society of Ontario, the OBA, Advocate Daily, CanLII Connects, and OBA Section Insider: Elder Law.

Alex Boland Kelowna, BC

Alex Boland is a lawyer in the Kelowna office of Connect Family Law. Alex advises and supports families across the full spectrum of family law issues, from dealing with complex property holdings in multiple jurisdictions to parental alienation. Alex helps his clients resolve their issues using a variety of approaches, including collaborative family law, negotiation, mediation, and litigation. After graduating from law school, Alex served as a law clerk at the BC Supreme Court, and once called to the Bar, joined the family law group at Farris. Alex has appeared before the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia, and the Federal and Supreme Court of Canada. His advocacy experience also includes representing clients in various alternative dispute resolution forums. Alex is a contributor to Lexis-Nexis's British Columbia Family Practice Advisor and the contributing editor to Carswell's Evidence in Family Law publication.

Lisa M. Bolton Toronto, ON

Lisa M. Bolton is a lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP (Toronto), one of Canada’s leading employment and labour law firms representing employers. Lisa is an accomplished litigator with significant experience acting for organizations of all sizes, operating in a variety of industries. Her expertise includes Civil Litigation; Wrongful Dismissal Litigation; Employment Contracts; Executive Compensation; Workplace Contracts; Employment Standards; Human Rights; Attendance Management; Privacy; Grievance Arbitration, Strike Preparation and Management Training. Former General Counsel of a public multinational technology company, Lisa’s understanding of and appreciation for the client perspective enables her to help clients manage risk through a variety of business solutions and, where appropriate, use litigation to advance business goals. Lisa is a frequent speaker at national and local conferences, and is widely published on a variety of matters relating to employment and labour law, including in HR Reporter, Canadian Safety Reporter, Franchise Voice, Canadian Employment Law Today, Daily Commercial News, Inhouse - Canadian Lawyer, and other publications. She has a law degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph.

Loretta Bouwmeester, KC Calgary, AB

Loretta Bouwmeester, KC is a partner at Mathews Dinsdale in its occupational health and safety (OHS), employment, privacy and workers' compensation practices. Loretta has defended employers and prime contractors in regulatory proceedings and appeared before the Alberta Labour Relations Board and all levels of court in Alberta. She has also carried out many complex and sensitive workplace investigations as a neutral investigator and acted as a legal advisor on others. She has been listed as a leading OHS practitioner in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and by Chambers and Partners for Employment & Labour Law. She is designated as a Best Lawyer for her workers' compensation board practice. Loretta is a frequent speaker and writer, and a co-Author of LexisNexis’ Disability Management Compliance Manual. She is also a current, and multi-year, contributor to Practical Law Canada – Employment. Loretta is called to the Alberta, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories Bars.

Craig Brody Philadelphia, PA

Craig Brody is a technology trainer with over 20+ years teaching basic and advanced Excel commands. He has trained thousands of lawyers and other professionals on how to effectively use Microsoft Office and other software programs to improve work productivity and efficiency. He is a frequent presenter for American bar associations, and leads training workshops at The Wharton Business School and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In addition, he publishes his own training materials and provides software consulting and programming services to law firms and others.

Shelley Brown Toronto, ON

Shelley Brown is a Toronto lawyer who has practiced almost exclusively in the areas of employment and human rights law for over thirty years. A member of the Steinberg, Hope, Title & Israel law firm, Shelley previously worked as in-house counsel to Prudential Insurance of America in Canada, and was the Director of Human Resources and Ethics Officer for Prudential Canada. Shelley has extensive experience and knowledge relating to human rights, wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, appropriate notice, restrictive covenants, and nonsolicitation agreements, and his unique background gives him deep insight into the challenges and stresses of both employers and employees when confronted with complex workplace issues. He has an LL.B. from McGill University, and an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the Quebec Bar in 1981, and the Ontario Bar in 1983. Shelley is a frequent presenter for law, human resources, and cannabis related groups, and has commented in or been interviewed on marijuana in the workplace by The Globe and Mail, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, Employment Law Today, HR Reporter, Trucking HR, WeedStar TV, What She Said Talk Radio, and Lift News, among others.

Lou Brzezinski Toronto, ON

Lou Brzezinski is a partner in the Commercial Litigation Group of Blaney McMurtry LLP. He practices in all areas of business reorganization, insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy. He has consistently argued complex cases before all levels of courts and tribunals, including the Supreme Court of Canada, Court of Appeal for Ontario, Federal Court of Appeal, and Divisional Court. Lou has acted for creditors, debtors, court-appointed monitors and trustees in bankruptcy, including for a number of high profile insolvencies in Canada. Lou also has extensive experience in the investigation of fraud on behalf of major financial institutions and with Canada’s largest security and investigation agencies. A prolific speaker and writer, Lou has taught and led numerous seminars on fraud investigation, insolvency, and internet issues, including for the University of Toronto and for the graduate law program at Osgoode Hall, Toronto. Lou has contributed to Credit Manager's Guides on Bankruptcy and Insolvency in Canada; Privacy Legislation; Cross-Border Insolvency; Reading and Understanding Contracts; and the Construction Lien Act. His opinion on issues of bankruptcy and insolvency is regularly sought by the mainstream media, including the Globe & Mail, Financial Post, and CBC News.

Kathleen Butler Victoria, BC

Kathleen Butler is a tax lawyer with Dwyer Tax Law in Victoria, British Columbia, where she focuses on tax and estate planning strategies. Kathleen makes use of numerous planning tools, including various types of living and testamentary trusts, corporate reorganizations, wills, probate bypass structures, family shareholder agreements for family corporations, income-splitting strategies, and advance positioning to take advantage of post-mortem planning strategies. Kathleen is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and an Executive Member of the Wills, Trusts and Estates Subsection (Vancouver Island), Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch). Before deciding to focus on tax law, Kathleen had 20 years of experience in corporate and business law (including private-public partnerships). She obtained her Masters in Tax Law from Osgoode Hall (York University, Toronto) in 2015. Kathleen is a frequent speaker on tax and estate planning matters to business and professional groups.

Lynne Butler St. John’s, NL

Lynne Butler is a lawyer, mediator, and writer. She graduated from UBC Law School and was called to the Bar in Alberta in 1986. After more than 20 years, thousands of wills drawn and hundreds of estates probated, Lynne joined the estates department of a leading trust company for a further seven years. She now practises law in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, working exclusively in wills, estates, probate, elder law, and trusts. Lynne has been interviewed by Global TV, BNN, CBC Radio, the Wall Street Journal, the Globe & Mail, the Vancouver Province, the Edmonton Journal, the Toronto Star and the Montreal Gazette, among other media. She is the former co-host of The Law Show and is the author of ten books about estate planning. She was the reviewer for Newfoundland and Labrador for LexisNexis Drafting Wills in Canada: A Lawyer's Practical Guide, 3rd Edition. She has chaired the Wills and Estates Section of the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar Admissions Course since 2019.

Naomi Calla Toronto, ON

Naomi Calla is a lawyer and workplace investigator, and founder of Calla Legal (Toronto, ON). She opened Calla Legal to focus her practice on workplace investigations, and leverage her significant litigation and employment-law experience to conduct insightful, results-oriented and efficient workplace investigations. Naomi conducts investigations into a range of issues such as complaints of harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, workplace violence, conflicts of interest and policy or code of conduct breaches. She has extensive experience conducting workplace investigations across many sectors, including finance, healthcare, insurance and not-for-profit. In addition to her investigation practice, she offers training in harassment, workplace violence, human rights, and conducting investigations, and also provides policy development services to public and private clients. Prior to opening Calla Legal, Naomi practiced for over a decade in the labour and employment department of a leading, national full-service Canadian law firm, acting for clients in both the public and private sector in a wide range of matters. It was there she developed a particular focus on human rights litigation and workplace investigation, regularly appearing before the Ontario courts, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Ontario Labour Relations Board, grievance arbitrators and other administrative bodies. Naomi is a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Ontario Bar Association, Labour Relations Section. She is a graduate of McGill University and earned her LLB at the University of Windsor.

Tamara Cherry Toronto, ON

Tamara Cherry is the founder of Pickup Communications, public relations consulting firm. An award-winning print, digital and broadcast journalist, the bulk of her career was spent as the Crime Specialist for CTV News Toronto. Before joining CTV, Tamara reported on crime for the Toronto Sun and Toronto Star newspapers. Tamara has interviewed thousands of crime victims and received several awards for her coverage of high-profile crimes. Her exposés about human trafficking within Canada led to her becoming the first civilian recipient of the Peel Regional Police Chief’s Certificate. In 2019, she received a prestigious Best Local Reporter nomination at the Canadian Screen Awards. Tamara assisted in the development of the Victimology program at Durham College, where she created and continues to teach the Victims and the Impact of the Media course. She routinely aids in media training of police officers across Ontario and has also presented to Crown attorneys and front-line service providers. Integrity, compassion and professionalism have earned Tamara respect across the police, victim services and criminal justice communities, as well as among her journalism peers.

Mark J. Cochrane Vancouver, BC

Mark J. Cochrane is a family law litigator practicing with Gordon J. Kopelow Law Offices in Vancouver since 2007. Mark has conducted successful trials in Provincial Court and BC Supreme Court, as well as successful appeals before the BC Court of Appeal Appeal involving such matters as property division, retroactive child support, and changes in child custody. With psychologist Dr. Gordon Cochrane, Mark has been a co-presenter of CLE seminars relating to the cross-examination of psychological and health care experts. In addition to practicing law full-time, Mark is a faculty member in the English Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He has published in a number of areas.

Charles Craver Washington, DC

Charles B. Craver is one of North America’s most popular CLE lecturers. He is a member of the American Law Institute and the Freda Alverson Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School where he teaches two different courses on legal negotiating. Professor Craver has taught negotiation skills to over 95,000 lawyers and professionals throughout the United States, and in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Austria, England, Germany, Turkey, and China. He is the author of leading negotiation texts, Effective Legal Negotiation and Settlement (7th ed. 2012), The Intelligent Negotiator (2002), The Art of Negotiation in the Business World (2014), and coauthor of Legal Negotiating (2007) and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Advocate’s Perspective (4th ed. 2011).

David A. Crerar Vancouver, BC

David A. Crerar is a partner in the Vancouver office of Borden Ladner Gervais. He practises in the area of civil and commercial litigation, with a focus on media law and defamation, shareholder disputes, protection of trade secrets, Internet litigation, and banking and pension litigation. He serves as the Firm's National Leader for its Defamation and Media Group. David has served as a Professor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law, lecturing in civil procedure, since 2004. He is a co-editor and author of The Civil Litigation Process, the most widely-used civil procedure text in Canadian law schools, and of the award-winning book British Columbia Business Disputes. He is also the author of Mareva and Anton Piller Orders in Canada: A Practical Guide (Irwin law, 2017). He is a prolific author and speaker on a wide variety of legal topics, including banking law, class proceedings, media and defamation law, Internet law, injunctions, and civil procedure. David is named, based on peer reviews, in The Best Lawyers in Canada, (Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Media and Defamation Law), 2018 (and since 2014), The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (Litigation - Defamation and Media Law), 2018, and as a "Litigation Star" (British Columbia) in Benchmark Litigation – The Definitive Guide to Canada's Leading Litigation Firms and Lawyers, 2018 (and since 2014). He has an AV 4.5/5 "Preeminent™" rating (Commercial Law; Litigation; Libel, Slander and Defamation) in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings. David is Vice -President (from 2017) of the Canadian Media Lawyers' Association/Ad IDEM.

Professor Rob Currie Halifax, NS

Rob Currie is Professor of Law at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, where his teaching areas include Canadian, International and Cross-border Criminal Law; Civil Procedure; Evidence; International Law; and Advocacy. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in Nova Scotia and the Federal Court. In 2017-2018 he served as Special Appeals Counsel at Nova Scotia Legal Aid in Halifax. He is a member and former Director of the Law & Technology Institute, and a former co-Editor of the Canadian Journal of Law & Technology. His 2010 book, International and Transnational Criminal Law, was short-listed listed for the Walter Owen Book Prize for Outstanding Legal Literature in 2011. The 3rd edition of that book (now co-authored with Joseph Rikhof) was published in 2020. Professor Currie is also a co-author of the Annual Review of Criminal Law (Thomson Reuters). He has authored and co-authored numerous articles and comments and his scholarly work has been cited at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. In July 2021 Professor Currie was designated a Dalhousie Distinguished Research Professor, in recognition of his contributions to research and scholarship. He is a frequent contributor to CPD and judicial education seminars and is a past recipient of the Dalhousie Law Students’ Society and Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Justin de Vries Toronto, ON

Justin de Vries is the Principal of de Vries Litigation LLP. He was a partner at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (now Dentons LP) and a partner and counsel at Hull & Hull LLP. Justin has appeared before all levels of the Ontario Court and the Federal Court and has litigated and mediated a wide range of estates matters, including contested wills and will interpretation, passing of trustees’ and executors’ accounts, estate administration and probate applications, trustee disputes/variations of trusts, and powers of attorney and guardianship disputes. Justin is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and is a frequent speaker on estates-related topics, including for the Law Society of Upper Canada, the OBA, and the Estate Planning Council of Canada. He is also a prolific writer, with articles in Estates & Trusts Pensions, Gift Planning in Canada and other publications. Justin has been recognized by Lexpert, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and Chambers and Partners, and has been listed in Best Lawyers in Canada each year since 2010.

Vincent Denault Montreal, QC

Vincent Denault is a lawyer and certified fraud examiner, member of the Bar of Quebec and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He holds a Bachelor’s degree of Laws from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) and a Master’s degree of Laws from the same university where he studied the impact of witnesses’ nonverbal behavior during trials. Vincent Denault is also research assistant at the Communication and Health Research Center of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), PhD student and lecturer at the Department of Communication of the Université de Montréal, co-director of the Center for for Studies in Nonverbal Communication Sciences of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute Research Center and author of the book Nonverbal Communication and Witnesses’ Credibility published by Yvon Blais Editions. Funded by the Quebec Research Funds – Society and Culture (FRQSC), Vincent’s research focuses primarily on issues related to the credibility assessment, deception detection and nonverbal communication during trials. He is the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award (2016) of the Nonverbal Division of the National Communication Association.

Jeffrey Dessau, CPA, CA Toronto, ON

Jeffrey Dessau is a partner with Yale PGC, a progressive mid-sized accounting, audit, taxation, and business advisory firm, serving the Greater Toronto area. For over 20 years, Jeff has enjoyed working with entrepreneurial companies looking for sound business advice. He has more than 25 years of experience in providing advice on accounting, personal wealth preservation, taxation, and succession planning to business owners, with experience in industries such as real estate, software development, biotech, retail and wholesale distributers and not-for-profit organizations. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

Heather Devine Toronto, ON

Heather Devine is a Partner in the Toronto office of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, and one of Canada’s leading Defence lawyers and Advocates. A ‘fixer’ in the field of commercial litigation for businesses and insurers, she develops and implements the strategy, budgeting and case management of complex litigation for private and public, national and international clients. As a commercial litigator, Heather has defended product liability claims regarding pipes, medical devices, lighting fixtures, transformers and aerospace materials, among others. She has also litigated claims involving property management issues, condominium law and commercial tenancy. Heather has appeared in all levels of Provincial and Federal Courts, in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. In 2009, Heather learned to fly single engine planes. Her love, and admiration of aviation led her to an interest in Transportation law. Since 2013, Heather has been included in the peer reviewed publication Best Lawyers® in Canada for Transportation Law. She advises brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, 3PLs and 4PLs on all aspects of supply chain logistics and the movement of goods locally and internationally. Most recently, Heather has expanded her focus to assist clients with contracts and agreements to minimize their risk. She 'Canadianized' the TIA shipper-broker, broker-carrier agreements as part of her work on the Transportation Intermediaries Association Contract Committee. Heather is a frequent writer and presenter for the transportation industry and legal profession, and is the 2019-2020 President of the Canadian Transportation Lawyers Association.

Sean Dillman Victoria, BC

Sean Dillman was called to the British Columbia bar in 2016. Before entering the world of law, he studied computer engineering technology, worked in web-development, and was a technician at IBM. Throughout his legal career, Sean practiced as a barrister and solicitor. In 2018 he opened a law firm with a colleague where he continued his practice and was a co-managing partner. Sean now consults on technology and trains lawyers on best practices for using IT in legal practice. He regularly speaks on technology-related topics to law firms, law schools, bar associations and CLE providers.

Roger Dodd Valdosta, GA / Jacksonville, FL

Roger Dodd is an internationally-known trial attorney, author, lecturer, consultant and renowned expert on cross-examination techniques. His focus is on serious or catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, trucking cases, aviation accidents, and medical malpractice. In addition to his practice in Valdosta, Georgia, Roger is senior partner of Spohrer & Dodd of Jacksonville, Florida. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1991, he is co-author of LexisNexis’ best selling title ever: Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques along with Media Skills: the Lawyer as Spokesperson (LexisNexis, 2008). Roger has been named a Georgia “Super Lawyer”. He is a frequent guest and commentator on Court TV, Good Morning America and numerous local Fox, CBS, NBC and ABC affiliate stations. Roger delivers several programs a year in Canada in conjunction with Seminar Partners, including Advanced Cross-examination Techniques, and Media Skills: The Lawyer as Spokesperson.

Katrina Dunn Vancouver, BC

Katrina Dunn is an award-winning professional director, respected producer and inspiring teacher. For over a decade she has been Artistic Director of Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver, BC. Touchstone Training teaches lawyers how to dramatically improve their performance using the skills and techniques of an actor. Touchstone’s critically acclaimed workshop, The Powerful Performance: Effective Advocacy Skills for Lawyers, has helped countless lawyers and judges develop and improve their advocacy and presentation skills. She has taught theatre at the University of British Columbia and in Touchstone Training workshops for the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, BC CLE and at numerous legal conferences and events. She received her training at SFU (Dance and Theatre programs) and the National Theatre School of Canada. Katrina offers one to two day open enrolment and private in-house programs across Canada through Seminar Partners.

Stephen Easton Laramie, WY

Stephen Easton is a trial lawyer and award-winning teacher. A former U.S. Attorney for North Dakota, and past partner in the firm of Pearce & Durick, he was dean for 4 years of the University of Wyoming College of Law, where he remains a Professor of Law. He previously taught law at The University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He is the author of How to Win Jury Trials: Building Credibility with Judges and Jurors, and co-author of Professional Responsibility: Problems, Case and Materials, 3rd Ed. His articles have been widely published in the legal and popular press. Steve received his J.D. from Stanford Law School. Seminar Partners’ programs featuring Stephen Easton are presented in conjunction with the Professional Education Group.

Lisa Eisen Toronto, ON

Lisa Eisen is the Founder of Family Law: A La Carte. She has represented clients at every stage of the family law process, from providing advice to people only contemplating separation to arguing appeals of trial decisions. She has drafted agreements and every possible kind of court document. A frequent writer and speaker on family law topics, she has written content for family law legal websites, as well as various articles for Continuing Professional Development programs. She co-authored a chapter on family law in Ontario for the European Lawyer Reference, Second edition 2013. In 2011, she thought she was done with practicing law and began a coaching certification. She became certified as an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation in 2015.

Lenne’ Espenschied Smyrna, GA

Lenne’ Espenschied, Esq. practiced law in Atlanta, Georgia for 25 years, focusing on corporate and transactional representation for technology -based businesses. She is the author of two books published by the American Bar Association: Contract Drafting: Powerful Prose in Transactional Practice (ABA Fundamentals, 2015, 2nd ed) and The Grammar and Writing Handbook for Lawyers (ABA Fundamentals, 2011). After graduating from the University of Georgia School of Law, Ms. Espenschied began her legal practice at Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan; she also served as Senior Counsel in the legal department of Bank of America before eventually opening her own law office. Ms. Espenschied has taught commercial law, contracts, and contract drafting at Charlotte School of Law and at the University of Georgia. She is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars across Canada and the US. Her passion is helping lawyers acquire the skills they need to be successful in transactional practice.

Nicole Ewing Ottawa, ON

Nicole Ewing is Director, Tax and Estate Planning at TD Wealth. Nicole works closely with advisors across TD to provide advanced planning solutions to Ultra High Net Worth families and business owners. Nicole brings a wealth of experience to her role having practiced tax, estate and corporate law in leading national and boutique firms and serving in senior leadership positions within the financial sector. Nicole has completed all three levels of CPA Canada's In-Depth Tax program and holds the TEP and CLU designations. Nicole proudly serves as Deputy Chair of STEP Ottawa's executive board and as Deputy Chair of STEP Canada's Awards Committee, and won the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award - Branches & Chapters for her extraordinary voluntary contributions to STEP. A dedicated mentor, she was the recipient of the 2020-2021 Mentor of the Year Award from Brescia University College. Nicole regularly shares her expertise at events and conferences and is featured extensively in the media, providing insights to BNN Bloomberg, the Financial Post, the Globe and Mail and other outlets.

Lisa Feldstein Toronto, ON

Lisa Feldstein a health lawyer and the principal lawyer of Lisa Feldstein Law Office Professional Corporation (Toronto). She focuses on serving family members as they interact with the health care system as caregivers, decision-makers and advocates. She calls her firm’s niche Family Health Law™. Lisa has advocated for clients before the Consent and Capacity Board, the Health Services Appeal and Review Board, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. In addition to practicing law, Lisa taught negotiation at Osgoode Hall Law School for six years, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at York University ,where she teaches Health Care Law. She is a frequent writer and presenter on health related topics and regularly speaks to the media about the latest health law developments. In 2015 she won a Precedent Setter Award, which recognizes lawyers who have shown excellence and leadership in their early years of practice. She is also a past winner of the Canadian Law Blog Awards for best practitioner blog, familyhealthlaw.ca/blog.

Dylan Finlay Toronto, ON

DYLAN FINLAY is a criminal defence lawyer with Oykhman Criminal Defence with offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria. Dylan practices in the Greater Toronto Area and defends individuals charged with impaired driving, refusing to provide a breath sample, assault, assault with a weapon theft, and other offences. He is a former Student Legal Assistance Trial Coordinator at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. Dylan frequently writes on the legalization of marijuana and impaired driving laws, including for ABlawg (The University of Calgary Faculty of Law Blog), the Lawyer’s Daily, and For the Defence, the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Newsletter.

Adam Fitzpatrick, CPA, CA St. John's, NL

Adam Fitzpatrick is a Partner and Senior Manager in BDO's St. John's office. Adam has close to 15 years of professional experience, providing assurance and accounting services. Adam works with clients in a wide range of industries including Technology & Life Sciences, Real Estate & Construction, Aquaculture, Public Sector, and is currently the Technology leader for the BDO Atlantic Canada office. Outside of working in public accounting, Adam spent two years as the financial controller for a publicly traded technology company in St. John’s.

Jennifer Foster Kingston, ON

Jennifer Foster has been a member of the firm of Ryder-Burbidge Hurley Foster in Kingston for over 10 years. Her practice focuses on Wills and Estate Planning and Estate Administration, and assisting clients in resolving complex state planning, administration, and elder, consent, and capacity issues, as well as long-term health care and financial planning. Prior to joining Ryder-Burbidge Hurley Foster, Jennifer served as legal counsel for the Centre for Addition and Mental Health in Toronto, gaining extensive experience in health law, policy, health privacy, and advocacy. Jennifer has substantial expertise in the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act 1006, and Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, which she has shared in courses and lectures provided for health practitioners, health policy makers, academics, and lawyers. Jennifer has completed the STEP Diploma program and holds the Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP) designation. She eared her law degree from Queen's University.

Gillian Fournie Toronto, ON

Gillian Fournie is a partner at de Vries Litigation LLP in Toronto, ON. Her practice focuses on disputes relating to estates, capacity, and guardianship. Gillian has extensive experience acting for and against estate trustees and attorneys for property/care to resolve power of attorney disputes, passings of accounts, and will challenges. Gillian regularly acts as agent lawyer for the Office of the Children's Lawyer as well as for the estates departments of major Canadian financial institutions. In addition to her estates practice, clients seek Gillian's expertise when dealing with civil litigation matters that touch on estate issues. Gillian is a regular writer on estates related topics, including for the All About Estates blog, and presentations for the Law Society of Ontario and Ontario Bar Association. Gillian is on the Executive of the OBA's Trusts and Estates Law Section.

Charles Fox Vestal, NY

Charles Fox practiced law for 22 years, the last 14 as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York. He specialized in complex debt transactions and restructurings. In 2005, he left Skadden to start up Fox Professional Development LLC, which has become the foremost provider of training on transactional lawyering skills to United States law firms. He is the author of Working with Contracts: What Law School Doesn’t Teach You, the leading book on contract practice for new lawyers. He is an adjunct professor at Cornell Law School and the University of Alabama Law School, and has presented at Cardozo Law School, Emory Law School, Pace Law School, and Northwestern University School of Law. He loves teaching deal lawyers how to do what they do, and believes it is very important work.

Delee Fromm Toronto, On

Delee Fromm, who is a lawyer, psychologist and author, has taught and coached for 30 years. As a former partner at a large Bay Street law firm she practised commercial real estate for 17 years. Prior to her career in law, she was a neuropsychologist in Alberta. In her third career as a consultant she provides skill training and career coaching services to international law firms, corporations, banks, and governments. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Western Ontario, Ryerson University, York University and the University of Toronto. She has contributed content for Lexis Practice Advisor Canada and CBA Practice Link, and written articles for The Lawyer’s Weekly. She is the author of Advance Your Legal Career: Essential Skills for Success published by LexisNexis Canada. Her next book Understanding Gender at Work: How to Use, Lose and Expose Blind Spots for Career Success will be available in the fall.

Brian L. Gibbard Burnaby, BC

Brian L. Gibbard is a Chartered Mediator and a Qualified Arbitrator. He was called to the British Columbia bar in 1981 and has been working in dispute resolution since 1998. He has mediated more than 2,000 cases. He has a particular interest in conflicts involving insurance issues. Brian practiced law for 36 years, 25 years of which were with Greiner Bethell and Company in Burnaby doing criminal and civil litigation, with a focus on personal injury, commercial disputes, and building construction. He was the managing partner for 10 years. Brian is a member of the B.C. Mediation Roster, and is past President of the Commercial Mediation Association of British Columbia. He is also a member of the British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute, the Alternate Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada, and he is Board Chair of Mediate B.C.

Stacie Glazman Toronto, ON

Stacie Glazman, LL.B., LL.M., CBV, C.S. is the only litigation lawyer in Canada who is also a Chartered Business Valuator. She is certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the Law Society of Ontario. She is a sole practitioner through Stacie R. Glazman Professional Corporation (Toronto, ON), with a focus on family law cases involving complex financial issues. She is also the President of Synergy Valuations Inc. and has prepared numerous reports on valuation of private businesses tracing issues, and income analysis. Stacie has been qualified as an expert in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has testified in court and in arbitrations in both Ontario and in Alberta. She is widely published on issues of family law and valuation matters, and she frequently presents to judges, and to lawyers and accounting professionals through leading professional and regulatory associations.

Jan Goddard Toronto, ON

Jan Goddard received the 2020 Award of Excellence from the Ontario Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section. She is the founding partner of Goddard Gamage LLP in Toronto, which has been named five times as one of the top trusts and estates boutique law firms in Canada by Canadian Lawyer magazine. Jan is a frequent speaker at continuing professional development programs on elder law, capacity, guardianship, powers of attorney, substitute decision-making, and estate issues. Jan co-developed and was the co-director of Osgoode Professional Development’s Certificate in Elder Law from 2015 -2017. Jan was a member of the advisory group to the Law Commission of Ontario's landmark project on Legal Capacity, Decision-making and Guardianship. She is former counsel to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee of Ontario. In 2015, 2017 and 2019 Jan co-chaired the bi-annual Canadian Elder Law Conference. She has been annually selected since 2009 by Best Lawyers as a leading practitioner, and was Best Lawyers 2020 Lawyer of the Year, Trusts and Estates (Toronto).

Ann Gomez Toronto, ON

Ann Gomez is the founding president of Clear Concept Inc. (Toronto), and the best-selling author of The Email Warrior: How to clear your inbox and keep it that way. She trains lawyers and other professionals to achieve their best through practical productivity and leadership programs. Recent law firm clients include DLA Piper, Osler Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, McCarthy Tétrault, Torys, Blake, Cassels & Graydon, Cassels Brock, Gowlings, McMillan, Lerners, and Borden Ladner Gervais. Ann is a frequent speaker for legal professional associations including the Practising Law Institute and the National Association of Law Placement. She is regularly consulted on productivity related topics by the media, including The Globe & Mail, CBC Radio, Global TV, BNN, and other major news outlets and online platforms. Prior to founding Clear Concept, Ann was a Management Consultant with A.T. Kearney and obtained an MBA from Queen’s University, where she was the President of the MBA class. Ann also has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from McMaster University.

Sharon Griffin Calgary, AB

Sharon Griffin, CPA, CA∙IFA is principal of Sharon L. Griffin Professional Corporation (Calgary, AB). For the past several years Sharon has focused her practice on family law matters, providing financial analysis and other forensic accounting support on various issues including child and spousal support, property division, and asset tracing. As a recognized authority in family law, Sharon has provided expert evidence in court as well as in mediation and arbitration. She also has extensive experience in forensic accounting including litigation support, loss quantification, and the investigation of numerous allegations of fraud and other forms of corruption. Sharon is an accomplished speaker and presents on a number of important family law topics for a variety of legal and accounting organizations. She has also published a number of articles on forensic accounting.

John Hale Ottawa, ON

John Hale is a criminal defence lawyer, based in Ottawa. He has been practising criminal defence law (both trial and appellate advocacy) for over 30 years. A certified specialist in criminal law by the Law Society of Ontario, John’s practice includes every criminal offence imaginable - from the routine (thefts, frauds, impaired driving/DUI, youth matters, drug charges, sexual assaults) to the less commonplace (murder, forcing a snake into a toilet, attempted assassination of the Prime Minister). He also appears before the Ontario Review Board in mental health matters. John has conducted over 1000 trials, including 50 plus jury trials. He has argued more than 50 appeals in the Ontario Court of Appeal and a handful of cases in the Supreme Court of Canada, including R. v. Jordan/R. v. Williamson. John has taught law for more than 24 years, including courses in Evidence in the Faculty of Common Law at University of Ottawa, and courses in Criminal Law, Youth and Criminal Justice, and Medical Issues in Criminal Law in Carleton University's Department of Law. In 2018 John became a member of the Bar of the Northwest Territories, where he regularly conducts trials and appeals and attends the circuit courts. John is a current Vice President of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association.

Toni Halleen Minneapolis, MN

Toni is the Chief Operating Officer for Schaefer Halleen, LLC in Minneapolis. Prior to taking her role at Schaefer Halleen in 2012, Toni practiced employment law for many years with The General Counsel, Ltd. (the “GCL”), a law firm which provides outsourced, in- house counsel services to business clients. An improvisation performer, Toni has combined her talents into a fresh, fun approach to professional development. Her “Think on The Spot!” seminars are presented across the United States, and are designed to build listening, thinking, communication, team-building, and presentation skills for lawyers. Her play “Soulless, Bloodsucking Lawyers: A Musical!” was the best-selling show and voted Best Musical at the Minnesota Fringe Festival for 2003. From 1997 to 2002, Toni was the director of employment law for ADC Telecommunications, a multi-national corporation headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Before that, she practiced employment law with Briggs and Morgan in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, and her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College.

Jos Herman Vancouver, BC

Jos Herman is the founder of Resources & Solutions, a boutique consulting firm. She has spent over 25 years serving the tax, business and estate planning needs of owner manager clients, professionals and their families. Jos provides private business and personal solutions focused on tax efficient investment and insurance strategies, asset protection and wealth planning. Jos has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and earned her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. Jos is a member of both the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Saskatchewan and Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. She also has her Certified Financial Planners (CFP) designation and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). In addition, she holds her Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. Jos is a frequent speaker on topics related to wealth planning for individuals, business owners and professionals.

Samuel D. Hodge Philadelphia, PA

Sam Hodge is an award winning teacher, and personal injury author and authority. Hodge has received multiple teaching awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award – Best Program from ACLEA, the International Association for Continuing Legal Education. He has been designated a Master Teacher by the Academy of Legal Studies and his interactive teaching style has been the subject of stores in The New York Times, the Philadelphia Daily News, the Chronicle of Higher Education, National Public Radio and television. He lectures on anatomy to lawyers, physicians, judges, and insurance professionals. He has authored more than 150 articles which have been published in journals such as The Practical Litigator, Modern Medicine, the Insurance Counsel Journal, the Practical Lawyer, The Barrister and the American Business Law Journal. He has also written several legal texts including Anatomy for Litigators published by ALI-ABA. Hodge’s most recent book, The Forensic Autopsy for Lawyers, co-authored by Michael Panella. Hodge received his J.D. from Template University School of Law. Seminar Partners’ programs featuring Sam Hodge are presented in conjunction with the Professional Education Group.

David Hunter Surrey, BC

David Hunter is a partner and Co-Chair of the Estate and Trust Litigation department at Hamilton Duncan in Surrey, B.C. David has a civil litigation practice with a primary focus on estate and trust litigation. He represents executors, trustees, attorneys, beneficiaries, and other individuals in all levels of court in British Columbia. David has experience in a variety of estate and trust-related disputes, including undue influence and capacity claims, construction and variation of wills and trusts, determination of spousal status, and contentious matters of estate and trust administration. He also advises executors and trustees in the administration of estates and trusts, as wells as clients concerned about elder financial abuse. Prior to his call to the bar, David served as a law clerk for six judges of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. David has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Trusts and Estates since 2020 and is a frequent speaker and writer on estate and trust litigation related topics.

Fiona Hunter Victoria, BC

Fiona Hunter is a partner at Horne Coupar (named one of Canada's Top 5 Trusts & Estates Law Boutiques by Canadian Lawyer) in Victoria, BC. She practices exclusively in estate planning and estate litigation. Fiona has a Masters of Law in trusts and has written extensively about them and other estate planning matters, including Drafting Trusts and Wills Trusts in Canada (Lexis Nexis Canada 2020, 5th ed.). She teaches at professional development courses and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria law school. She is qualified as an expert in trust law by the Supreme Court of BC. Fiona is active in the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners. Since 2008, Fiona has been recognized by her peers for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in Canada” publication in the field of Trust and Estates and as the “Lawyer of the Year” for 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 in the Vancouver/Vancouver Island area.

Devin Itterman Calgary, AB

Devin Itterman is a partner in the Calgary office of Lawson Lundell LLP. Devin’s practice focuses on commercial transactions and real estate law, including purchase and sale transactions, financing, corporate matters, condominium work, commercial and residential leasing, and development matters. Devin has experience acting for a wide variety of clients including business owners, lenders, borrowers, landlords, tenants, and commercial developers. His work has included major housing developments, hospitality agreements relating to the Olympics, and the purchase and sale of numerous businesses, including restaurants, hotels, medical practices, and pharmacies. Devin is a regular writer and presenter on legal topics, including commercial leasing. Devin earned his B.A. at the University of Alberta and his J.D. at the University of Victoria.

Bill Jawitz Cheshire, CT

Bill Jawitz is the founder of SuccessTrackESQ, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works exclusively with lawyers, law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Since 2002, Bill has coached hundreds of lawyers and presented CLE programs to thousands more around the country helping them to grow their practices and improve their productivity and profitability -- and derive greater enjoyment from the practice of law. He is a regular presenter on productivity topics for state and national CLE providers. This is his first presentation to a Canadian legal audience.

Gareth Jones Toronto, ON

Gareth Jones is a former Director of the Special Ombudsman Response Team at the Office of the Ombudsman of the Department of National Defense and Canadian Forces (DND/CF). Prior to that, he was an investigator with the Attorney General of the Province of Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Before emigrating to Canada, he was a police officer with the Metropolitan Police, London, UK. He has conducted over 500 investigations in his career. He is author of Conducting Administrative, Oversight and Ombudsman Investigations, The Top Ten Things Not To Do When Setting Up A Police Oversight Agency and Workplace Investigations: Getting Beyond He Said, She Said. Gareth has been retained by counsel in the United States, Canada and the Cayman Islands to provide expert evidence in police shooting and pursuit cases. He delivers training to a wide variety of private and public organizations, and fact-finding agencies across the world, including United Nations bodies. Gareth Jones’ programs with Seminar Partners are presented in conjunction with the Workplace Institute.

Irwin Karp Sacramento, CA

Irwin Karp is a leading legal time management expert. A practicing lawyer for over 30 years (including 17 years as the managing partner of a small environmental law firm) he understands the challenges of effective time management and competing priorities. Seventeen years ago he started Productive Time, providing productivity and time management consulting to bar associations, law firms, and in-house legal departments. Since then, he has helped thousands of lawyers across Canada and the US to be more productive. Irwin is a member of the State Bar of California, and previously served as Special Advisor to the Executive Committee of the Law Practice Management & Technology Section of the California Bar. He is a graduate of George Washington University Law School. He lives and works in Sacramento, California.

Gary Kirk Calgary, AB

Gary Kirk has been practicing law for more than 20 years and is the Managing Partner of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP in Calgary, Alberta. In addition to Mediation/Arbitration, Wills & Estates and Family Law, Gary is also an experienced litigator. Gary has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta. Gary also has extensive training as a Mediator and Arbitrator and has participated in numerous Mediation, Arbitration and Judicial Dispute Resolution Hearings, both as counsel and as Mediator/Arbitrator. Gary is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association and the ADR Institute of Alberta. Gary is an active member of the Family Law and Estates and Trusts Sections of the Alberta Bar Association. Gary writes and speaks for legal and other audiences about family law topics and estate planning matters, including for STEP Inside, the publication of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, as well as for the Alberta Bar Association and the Legal Education Society of Alberta.

Dennis Kish Toronto, ON

Dennis Kish is a lawyer and a Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional (CIRP) and Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) with A. Fisher & Associates, Inc. Dennis helps consumers, businesses, and other professionals find solutions to debt problems, including tax debt with the Canada Revenue Agency. In addition to being an LIT, Dennis is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and admitted to practice law in the United States. Prior to becoming an LIT, Dennis practiced law in Toronto with Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP in the areas of civil litigation, insolvency and creditors' rights, and has acted as legal counsel to debtors, banks and trustees in a wide variety of insolvency proceedings in both Canada and the United States. Dennis writes and speaks regularly about bankruptcy, insolvency and tax debt issues, including for LexisNexis, the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario, and other providers.

Kate Kozowyk Calgary, AB

Kate Kozowyk is a Partner with SVR Lawyers in Calgary. Kate’s practice focuses on professional negligence, condominium law and personal injury matters, including social and commercial host liability. She has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta. Kate acts for individuals, boards of directors, property managers and developers with respect to various condominium matters including insurance claims, bylaw creation and interpretation, bylaw enforcement and condominium disputes. Kate regularly addresses legal and other audiences on insurance and litigation-related topics.

Jon Krop Manhattan, NY

Jon Krop is a Harvard-educated lawyer, mindfulness teacher, and founder of the company Mindfulness for Lawyers. Before starting Mindfulness for Lawyers Jon was with the law firm of Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. in Manhattan. Prior to private practice, he clerked on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Jon has taught mindfulness, meditation and mindful technology use at Harvard, Yale, NYU, the Pentagon, Fortune 100 companies, and the world’s top law firms, including DLA Piper and Kirkland & Ellis. Jon has meditated for over twelve years and studied with masters from around the world. In 2014, he completed a seven-month silent meditation retreat under the guidance of meditation master and neuroscientist John Yates, Ph.D. Jon is a highly sought-after writer and speaker on topics of mindfulness, meditation, and mindful technology use for bar associations and CLE providers across the United States and Canada, including the ABA and ALI-CLE. He continues to practice law on a pro bono basis.

Lisa Laredo Toronto, ON

Lisa Laredo is the founder of Laredo Law, a boutique law firm in mid-town Toronto focused on Wills & Estates and Real Estate Law. She advises clients on a wide range of matters including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, substitute decision making, estate planning and administration, residential and commercial purchases and sales, commercial leasing, and public and private mortgages and refinancing. Before attending law school, Lisa spent four years in South Korea where she worked for Samsung. After returning to Toronto, she attended law school at the University of Windsor and split her articles between a criminal law firm in Toronto, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, an international law firm in Frankfurt, Germany, working in their international and corporate law division and then working in the same legal areas as an associate in a boutique corporate law firm in Germany. Lisa is a popular legal writer and speaker. She has appeared on a number of radio, television and podcast programs, including for CBC and CityTV. Her articles are regularly featured in Lawyers Weekly, Lawyers Daily, The Toronto Star, and Canadian Press.

Jackie Laviolette Calgary, AB

Jackie Laviolette is a Partner with Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP. Jackie has supported provincially and federally regulated employers in both the public and private sectors for over two decades. She has extensive experience with day-to-day matters in the areas of workplace conflict, labour arbitration, collective bargaining, wrongful dismissals, union certifications and policy development. Prior to joining Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP, Jackie acted as in-house counsel for the largest unionized employer in Alberta and appeared as lead counsel before Boards of Arbitration, Labour Boards, human rights tribunals and all levels of Alberta courts. Jackie is frequently retained to conduct independent workplace investigations into allegations of workplace harassment, discrimination, and other employee complaints. She is a frequent speaker at various labour and employment conferences and seminars, Jackie is listed in Best Lawyers in Canada for Labour and Employment Law.

Michael Lesage Toronto, ON

Michael Lesage is the founder and principal of Michael’s Law Firm, with offices in Niagara, Hamilton, and Toronto. After receiving his B.A. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, he attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh, and worked for a large litigation boutique on matters ranging from complex class actions to medical malpractice to personal injury cases. After graduating from law school, Michael practiced commercial litigation, professional malpractice, insurance and personal injury law at a prominent Florida litigation firm. There he achieved the coveted “Peer Reviewed” rating from Martindale Hubbell. In 2012, Michael returned to Ontario as counsel for one of Toronto’s largest injury firms. He subsequently started his own firm, doing primarily business and commercial litigation. Michael speaks and writes on law and litigation related topics, including for Canadian Lawyer, Law Times, The Lawyer’s Daily, Advocate Daily, and as author of Chapter 3, in The Oatley-McLeish Guide to Personal Injury Practice in Motor Vehicle Cases 2018.

Carole Levitt & Mark Rosch Albuquerque, NM

Carole A. Levitt and Mark E. Rosch are principals of Internet for Lawyers and internationally recognized full-time CLE speakers. Their areas of expertise are: Internet investigative, legal, and social media research; social media ethics; Google search; and Google cloud Apps. Together, they have authored hundreds of Internet research articles and six ABA Law Practice Division books. They have also co-authored thirteen editions of IFL Press’s The Cybersleuth’s Guide to the Internet. In 2013, they were recipients of the “Fastcase Fifty” award, recognizing “50 of the smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries, and leaders in the law” and in 2014, they both became Fellows in the prestigious College of Law Practice Management.

Michael Libby Vancouver, BC

Michael Libby is a partner at Dolden Wallace Folick LLP in Vancouver. He has extensive experience as a litigator, including representing insurers in the defence of liability claims and defending commercial hosts in tort actions. He has appeared before all levels of Court in British Columbia as well as the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench. Michael also has considerable experience in the defence and prosecution of alcohol and motor vehicle related offences. He is a regular guest instructor for the litigation component of B.C.'s Professional Legal Training Course, is the Program Director for the Inns of Court Program, and is the co-author of Annotated British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act, Liquor and Host Liability Law in Canada (both by Canada Law Book), and the recently released Sports and Recreation Liability Law in Canada (ThomsonReuters).

Peter Lillico Peterborough, ON

Peter Lillico is a partner in Lillico Bazuk Galloway Halka in Peterborough, Ontario. Peter’s practice is concentrated in the areas of Estate Planning, Business and Corporate Law, and Real Estate, with a unique expertise in cottage succession planning. In addition to his practice, Peter teaches law courses at Sir Sandford Fleming College. Peter writes on legal topics for several publications, including a weekly column in Peterborough This Week and as a frequent contributor to Cottage Life Magazine. He has also written articles on estate planning for Good Times Magazine and appeared on Cottage Life Television on estate planning issues for cottage owners. Peter is a frequent presenter for legal and other audiences, including the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association and the Ontario Real Estate Association. Peter is a Past President of the Peterborough Law Association. He is also a founding member of the Peterborough Estate Planning Council.

Joanna Lindenberg Toronto, ON

Joanna Lindenberg is an estates, trusts, and capacity litigator with de Vries Litigation LLP (Toronto, ON). Joanna's practice currently focuses on will challenges, dependant's support, and power of attorney disputes. She has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court and Ontario Court of Appeal, and is a frequent contributor to the popular estate blog, All About Estates on the topics of estate planning and administration, and solicitor's negligence. Joanna has a BA from McGill University, an LLB from the Shulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, and an LLM from the UCLA. She is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and The Advocates' Society.

Greg London, CPA, CA Halifax, NS

Greg London is the Eastern Canada Tax Service Leader for BDO. As a Canadian Tax Partner, Greg advises clients on tax and advisory services to both personal and corporate clients.With over 21 years of experience, the last 18 exclusively in tax, Greg’s focus has primarily been on Private Client Services and Canadian personal tax planning and compliance for individuals and corporations. Greg has advised clients on a variety of business issues and opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions, financial forecasting and modeling, due diligence assignments for both large corporations and owner-managed enterprises, transaction tax services, and trust and estate planning. His industry expertise includes oil and gas, manufacturing and processing, as well as technology and transportation. Greg presents regularly in the community on various tax topics through the Canadian Tax Foundation and learning sessions and industry conferences, and hosts an annual tax clinic for low-income individuals and senior citizens. He has also taught the CPA In-Depth Tax Course for a number of years.

Laura Mahr Asheville, NC

Laura Mahr is a North Carolina lawyer and the founder of Conscious Legal Minds LLC, providing mindfulness based coaching, training, and consulting for lawyers and law offices across North America. Laura’s cutting edge work to build resilience to burnout, stress and vicarious trauma in the practice of law is informed by 11 years of practice as a civil sexual assault attorney, two decades of experience as an educator and professional trainer, and 25 years as a student and teacher of mindfulness and yoga, and a love of neuroscience. Laura is a frequent presenter to bar associations and CLE providers. She is the author of the Pathways to Wellbeing column in the NC State Bar Journal and the Mindful Moment column in the NC Lawyer Assistance Program quarterly newsletter.

David Markowitz Portland, OR

David B. Markowitz is considered to be among the best trial lawyers in the American Northwest. His keen instincts and commanding presence have made him a courtroom icon. He is a senior partner in the law firm of Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Mehlhaf, where he focuses on commercial litigation. Dave is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for “bet-the-company” litigation, is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and is a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was recognized by Chambers USA as one of the top commercial litigators in Oregon and by Super Lawyers magazine as the top Oregon Lawyer for 2013. In addition to his active trial schedule, Dave is a popular, internationally sought-after speaker. His deposition program, adapted for this presentation for Canada, is a nationally-recognized training seminar in the US, and was produced as a DVD by Trial Guides™. It is one of the company’s best-selling products.

Morgan Martin Toronto, ON

Morgan Martin manages the Toronto office of Dolden Wallace Folick LLP. He regularly defends multi-million dollar claims involving catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and quadriplegia. Morgan has significant experience defending claims involving occupiers’, municipal, hospitality, and product liability, as well as professional negligence, property insurance, and civil claims involving police liability. He has acted for both sports organizations and leagues, including representing athletes before the International Rugby Board and the Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. He clerked for the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the 2005 Commonwealth Games and 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Morgan is a frequent presenter on insurance, hospitality and sports law topics.

Karmen Masson Edmonton, AB

Karmen Masson is a lawyer turned Certified Executive Coach and leadership consultant who helps lawyers and legal organizations have more effective interactions and build stronger relationships at work. She started her coaching and consulting firm in 2017, after working in private and government legal practice, and as a senior manager and executive leader in the justice system. Working closely with members of the judiciary, the legal profession and its stakeholders for over 20 years, Karmen has first-hand experience dealing with a variety of behavioural and conflict styles and overcoming barriers to effective communication. Karmen writes and speaks about legal practice issues regularly, including for the Legal Education Society of Alberta, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and CBA. She also instructs law for small business, as well as advanced communication and conflict management skills at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. In her work at Your Best Practice - Coaching for Lawyers, (www.yourbestpractice.ca), she helps lawyers at all levels, and their teams, to develop their own best practices and grow careers and lives they love.

Leonard Matheo and Lisa DeCaro Golden, CO

Leonard Matheo and Lisa DeCaro are internationally known speakers and co-founders of Courtroom Perfor-mance, Inc., an elite consulting firm specializing in jury research (mock trials and focus groups), witness preparation, theme & narrative development, and presentation training. Professional actors and directors, each has over 20 years of experience in theater, film, and television. Len and Lisa have helped thousands of lawyers and their witnesses prepare for deposition and trial, by employing the professional actor’s techniques of effective story analysis, story structure, and persuasive presentation. They are co-authors of the book, The Lawyer’s Winning Edge: Exceptional Courtroom Performance (Bradford Publishing, 2004). They have practical experience in hundreds of civil and criminal cases, and have assisted in victories involving many Fortune 100 companies on both the Plaintiff’s and the Defendant’s side of the courtroom. Both Len and Lisa are frequent CLE presenters, and have served as faculty for colleges including UCLA Law School and UC Boulder School of Law.

Charlotte McCurdy Ottawa, ON

Charlotte McCurdy practises with Tierney Stauffer LLP in Ottawa and had practiced in Manitoba for many years before relocating to Ottawa in 2021. Charlotte’s dual jurisdiction (Manitoba and Ontario) practice focusses primarily on corporate/commercial law, estate and incapacity planning, estate administration and elder law. She is a member of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Law Society of Ontario. Charlotte has her TEP designation, is currently Co-Chair of the MBA Wills, Estates & Trusts Section, and on the Executive of the CBA National Wills, Estates & Trusts Section. Charlotte has written about digital asset planning and regularly speaks to audiences of lawyers and non-lawyers about estate-related topics.

Cami McLaren Sacramento, CA

Cami McLaren is a certified performance coach and founder of McLaren Coaching (CA). A practicing lawyer for 16 years before she started coaching, Cami is passionate about assisting other lawyers to create lives that are productive, balanced and fulfilling. She believes that practicing law does not have to be “hard” and small changes can make big differences. Cami works with individual lawyers and law firms to assist them in discovering their own resources, brainstorming and developing their own answers, and empowering themselves to create and attain what they want. A frequent presenter for law firms, bar associations and CPD providers, she offers workshops and training on topics such as communication, trust, accountability and time management. She also regularly writes on law practice-related topics, including for the California legal magazine, Plaintiff, and for The California Lawyer. Her book, Coaching for Attorneys: Improving Productivity and Achieving Balance, was published by the American Bar Association in January 2014.

Nina Meierding Seattle, WA

Nina Meierding, MS, JD, is an international leader in the field of conflict resolution. A former civil lawyer, she is now a full-time trainer, professor, and conflict resolution consultant. She had mediated over 4,000 disputes and delivered training in negotiation, communication, mediation, and culture and gender issues in almost all 50 states in the U.S, and in Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden. She has taught at Pepperdine University School of Law for over 25 years and Southern Methodist University for over 18 years, and has been a guest lecturer at Judicial Colleges and universities throughout the US. She is the recipient of the Peacemaker Award in 1992 by the Southern California Mediation Association, the John Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award in 2005 by the Association of Conflict Resolution, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by the American College of Civil Trial Mediators. She is an honorary fellow of the International Academy of Mediators and an emeritus fellow of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators.

James Morton Hamilton, ON

James C. Morton is a partner of Morton Barristers LLP in Hamilton, Ontario. He is past President of the Ontario Bar Association, a certified specialist of the Law Society of Upper Canada in the area of Civil Litigation, and a member of the Bar of Nunavut. His practice focuses on commercial, criminal, regulatory, and constitutional litigation in all levels of court, from tribunals through to the Supreme Court of Canada. He lectured in the area of evidence and advanced evidence at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University for 20 years and has taught at Thomas M. Cooley Law School of the University of Western Michigan at Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Morton is a prolific writer both of texts and in general media. He is a regular contributor on legal issues to the Ottawa Citizen, National Post, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun and the Globe and Mail, and has published over thirty legal textbooks, including the Ontario Litigator’s Guide to Evidence, 7th Ed (LexisNexis, 2017), Discovery in Canadian Common Law: Practice, Techniques and Strategies (LexisNexis 2017), Procedural Strategies for Litigators, 3rd Ed, (LexisNexis, 2015), and Tactics and Strategies in Civil Litigation, 3rd Ed, (LexisNexis, 2015). He is a frequent presenter at CLE programs across the country. He received his LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School, and his LL.M. University of Leicester (UK).

Leisha Murphy Vancouver, BC

Leisha Murphy is a founding Partner at Connect Family Law, a boutique family law firm with offices in Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey and North Vancouver. Through her 10+ years of focusing exclusively on family law matters, Leisha has learned that focusing on reaching out-of-court settlements, either through collaborative divorce or mediation/negotiation, is the best way to assist families. Leisha advises her clients on all areas of family law, including property division (including businesses, family trusts and real estate), common law and equitable trusts, spousal support, child support, guardianship, mobility, parenting time, conflicts of law and separation agreements. She also assists clients who are in the beginning stages of their relationship by preparing marriage and cohabitation agreements relating to their business and property interests, family trusts and anticipated inheritances. Leisha is a frequent writer and speaker on family law topics.

Dan Nelson Toronto, ON

Dan Nelson is a senior partner at Civis Law LLP in Toronto. An experienced estates lawyer, Dan is an expert at guiding clients at all stages of life through the process of preparing wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. He also offers practical business advice to both experienced and new entrepreneurs, particularly in the field of design. Dan is a frequent lecturer and writer, with appearances on CBC TV, CBC Radio, Global News, CTV and Canadian AM, and expert quotes in the Washington Post, Canadian Business, and the Toronto Star. An experienced adjudicator and mediator, he is also a member of the Conservation Review Board. In 2013, Dan was awarded the Widdifield Award from the Ontario Bar Association for his work on the intersection of estate planning, estate administration, and social media, known as digital legacy. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Canadian Studies from Trent University, and a degree in law from the University of Windsor.

Richard Niedermayer, TEP Halifax, NS

Richard Niedermayer, KC, TEP is a partner in the Halifax office of Stewart McKelvey and a leading Canadian practitioner in trusts, tax and corporate law. He works primarily with individuals and owner-managed and family businesses on a range of estates, trusts, tax, and corporate matters. Richard is a Past Chair of the CBA’s Nova Scotia and National Wills, Estates and Trusts Sections, a Past Chair of the Atlantic Canada Branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and currently Deputy Chair of STEP Canada. He is also a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation. Richard is listed by Best Lawyers for Trusts and Estates and Corporate Law, by Lexpert for Estate and Personal Tax Planning/Estate Litigation, and by Who’s Who Legal Canada for Private Client. He holds a BV Distinguished peer reviewed rating from Martindale Hubbell and the TEP designation from STEP. In 2021, he received the STEP Founder’s Award. Richard is a frequent speaker and writer on trusts, tax and corporate matters.

Joseph Novello Metuchen, NJ

Joseph Novello began his career in accounting and management consulting at Ernst & Young in New York City. He obtained his CPA license in New York and his MBA in Finance from New York University. Joe’s vast experience was gained with several domestic and international Fortune 500 companies as Controller, CFO and in other planning and analysis positions. Since founding the Financial Training Organization in 2010, Joe has presented his finance programs to thousands of lawyers at in-house, bar association, and CLE provider presentations in 15 U.S. states and across Canada. His goal is to share an easy-to-understand approach that will make dealing with a client’s financial matters more manageable. He brings his real world experience and candid opinions to his programs, and is consistently rated as exceeding expectations.

Neil Paris Toronto, ON

Neil Paris is the Founder of Paris & Company, which acts for some of Canada’s largest corporations and professional services firms in a range of corporate commercial litigation matters. Neil’s practice is restricted to commercial litigation, with an emphasis on corporate governance matters, securities claims, professional negligence claims, tax disputes, product liability matters, and employment law disputes. Neil has particular expertise in helping clients respond to a wide range of regulatory and administrative investigations. He has argued before all levels of Court in Ontario, in the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, and before numerous boards of inquiry and arbitration. Before starting Paris & Company, Neil practiced for 12 years at Osler LLP.

Paul Paton Sacramento, CA

Paul Paton is a Professor of Law and Director of the Ethics Across the Professions Initiative of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Professor Paton spent over a decade in practice, first in the commercial litigation group of Davies, Ward & Beck in Toronto, then as Justice and Social Policy Advisor to the Premier of Ontario, and as in-house counsel to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He teaches professional responsibility, corporate governance, business associations, legal ethics and the legal profession, and ethics for government and public lawyers and was twice named a Fellow of the U.S. National Institute on Teaching Ethics and Professionalism. He is a frequent media commentator on the role of lawyers in corporate scandal and has numerous publications in law reviews and journals. He is immediate past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee. Paul delivers programs in Canada in association with Seminar Partners including the case-based program Practical Ethics: Real Problems, Real Solutions.

Marni Pernica Toronto, ON

Marni Pernica is a partner with Aird & Berlis LLP (Toronto), practicing in the firm’s Tax Group, and Estates & Trusts Group. Her practice focuses on wills, trusts, estate administration, succession planning, estate and tax litigation, and related areas of tax law. Marni is a member of the OBA Trusts and Estates Section Executive, the Canadian Tax Foundation, and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Marni is co-author with Clare Sullivan of "Trusts and Trustees," Key Developments in Estates and Trusts Law in Ontario, 2014/2015 Edition Canada Law Book, and is a frequent writer for legal and tax publications on estates related topics, including as a regular contributor to The Bottom Line. She also speaks to lawyers and other professionals on estates related topics.

Brendon Pooran Toronto, ON

Brendon Pooran has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy across Canada. Prior to founding PooranLaw, Brendon worked for a large multi-national law firm where he practised labour and employment law and at a boutique law firm that specialized in accessibility issues. Before entering the legal profession, Brendon spent several years as a management consultant where he regularly provided strategic advice to human services clients in the United States. In addition to practising law, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of both PLAN Toronto (now Partners for Planning) and Microboards Ontario. He is a former Senior Lawyer Member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board.

Larry Pozner Denver, CO

Larry Pozner is a founding partner of Denver law firm Reilly Pozner LLP. Larry focuses his practice on complex civil and criminal litigation—as well as the lecture circuit. He is litigation counsel for the Denver Broncos Football Club. Larry began his career as a public defender—and continues his high profile criminal defense work as a private practitioner. Larry supplements his civil and criminal practice with publishing, television and radio legal commentary, and lecturing on trial practice. He is co-author of the best selling title ever published by LexisNexis: Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques. Larry is regularly listed in Colorado Super Lawyers magazine and has been listed among The Best Lawyers in America for twenty consecutive years. He has provided legal analysis for the NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Keith Olbermann, Fox News, CNN, NPR and Court TV. Larry delivers several programs in Canada each year in conjunction with Seminar Partners, including his signature tour-de-force Advanced Cross-examination Techniques seminar.

Samantha Prasad Toronto, ON

Samantha Prasad is a Partner in the Tax Group of Minden Gross LLP. Her practice focuses on corporate, international, and high net worth tax planning, with clients ranging from multi-national corporations to family business owners. Samantha co-authored the 3rd edition of Tax and Family Business Succession Planning. Additionally, she is the co-editor of various other CCH Canadian Limited tax publications including the Canada Income Tax Guide, Wealth Management Guide, and Tax Planning for Small Business Guide, and she is a regular contributor to TaxNotes (Wolters Kluwer) and is a Contributing Editor to The TaxLetter newsletters (MPL Communications). Samantha is also a frequent lecturer for professional and commercial organizations and has served as a guest speaker for the Osgoode Faculty of Law LLM (Corporate Taxation) program. Samantha is listed in Best Lawyers in Canada for Tax Law and in the Canadian Lexpert Directory as “Repeatedly Recommended” for Estate & Personal Tax Planning (Estate & Tax Planning).

Natasha Rambaran Toronto, ON

Natasha Rambaran is an Associate with Blaney McMurtry LLP. She is developing a broad commercial litigation practice in the areas of insolvency and restructuring, and fraud investigation, recovery and enforcement. Natasha appears regularly before the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto and has worked closely with senior counsel to successfully obtain various Mareva injunctions and other positive results for clients. She writes and speaks on topics of commercial litigation, and business reorganization and insolvency, including for the Credit Institute of Canada and the Canadian Class Action Review.

Dr. Larry Richard Wayne, PA

Dr. Larry Richard is recognized as the leading expert on the psychology of lawyer behavior. He has advised dozens of AmLaw 200 law firms on leadership, management, and related issues such as teams, change management, talent selection, assessment, and other aspects of strategic talent management. Widely known as an expert on the lawyer personality, he has gathered personality data on thousands of lawyers. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Dr. Richard practiced law as a trial attorney for ten years. He then earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University. For more than 20 years, he has provided consulting services exclusively to the legal profession. Formerly a partner with Altman Weil, and more recently the head of the Leadership & OD Practice at Hildebrandt International, in 2011 he established his own consulting firm, LawyerBrain LLC, which focuses on improving lawyer performance through personality science. He focuses on resilience, change management, leadership, and talent issues. He is a frequent author and speaker on the use of positive psychology and applied behavioral science in helping lawyers and law firms to succeed. Dr. Richard is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and a licensed user of the MBTI, DiSC, and 15 other assessment tools.

Margaret Rintoul Toronto, ON

Margaret Rintoul is a Partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP, where she practices in estate litigation, planning, administration and mediation. She has appeared in all levels of courts in Ontario, with many reported cases. She is the author of Canadian Forms and Precedents - Wills and Estates, The Practitioner’s Guide to Estate Practice in Ontario, and Ontario Estate Administration, and contributing author of Lexis Practice Advisor Canada - Wills, Trusts and Estates (Ontario), Financial and Estate Planning for the Mature Client in Ontario, and Widdifield on Executors and Trustees. Margaret is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide in Private Wealth Law (Canada); and recognized by The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory as a Leading Practitioner (Consistently Recommended) in Estates & Personal Tax Planning, as well as Best Lawyers in Canada for trusts and estates law.

Mitchell Rose Toronto, ON

Mitchell Rose is the principal of Mitchell Rose Law and Rose Dispute Resolution. A mediator since 2007, and a litigator for most of his 25 years at the bar, Mitchell resolves various types of civil disputes, including employment, commercial, estates, insurance and property matters. Mitch’s opinion on legal and mediation issues is frequently sought from mainstream media, and he writes and speaks extensively on mediation and mediation advocacy. Mitchell holds a Chartered Mediator designation from the ADR Institute of Canada, and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, and is a Member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is the current Chair of the Ontario Bar Association's Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. To learn more about Mitchell, visit https://mitchellrose.ca/about/.

Dianne Rosky New York, NY

Dianne Rosky is a leading legal writing instructor. She and her team have led hundreds of workshops throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Before founding Rosky Legal Education in 2003, Dianne practiced commercial litigation at two leading New York firms: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Dianne left practice to teach legal writing and other lawyering skills in the Lawyering Program at New York University School of Law. She continues to be an Adjunct Professor of legal writing at NYU.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, Dianne was an Editor of the Harvard Law Review. She later served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert W. Sweet of the Southern District of New York. Before law school, Dianne was an Editorial Assistant at Merriam-Webster, selecting and defining new dictionary entries. Dianne is responsible for putting carb, capoeira, and cash cow in the dictionary.

Peter Sankoff Edmonton, AB

Peter Sankoff has worked as an appellate litigator in Edmonton since 2017, and now runs his own law firm Sankoff Criminal Law. He regularly appears at the Alberta Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. He has a long and distinguished career as a teacher, researcher and lawyer. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including being recognized by Canadian Lawyer Magazine in 2020 as one of the country's 25 Most Influential Lawyers. He has spent the past 25 years conducting research and teaching students about the law of evidence, the substantive criminal law, the criminal trial process and the relationship between animals and the law. In 2012 he joined the University of Alberta, where is he is now a full Professor. Peter is a prolific writer and researcher, having written, co-authored or co-edited eight law books and more than fifty articles. His newest book, Professor Sankoff’s Guide to Persuasive Legal Writing, is available on his website at www.petersankoff.com.

Ian Savage Calgary, AB

IAN SAVAGE is a senior criminal defence lawyer at Savage Oykhman Law (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria). He has practiced criminal law exclusively for the last 27 years and appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and at the Supreme Court of Canada. In the last 20 years he has focused his practice on impaired driving law, effectively practice on defending defending more than 3,000 impaired driving cases. Ian is a past Chair of the Criminal Law Section (South) of the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch, and has presented on impaired driving and other criminal law topics for the Law Society of Alberta Bar Admission course, the University of Calgary Law School, the Legal Education Society of Alberta, and other organizations. He has also assisted the new recruit classes of the Calgary Police Service in preparing for impaired driving and other criminal cases. Ian is frequently consulted by other criminal defence lawyers concerning impaired driving issues, and is regularly called upon by print, radio, and TV media to comment on headlines and issues relating to impaired driving and other criminal law topics. He has been the President of the Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer’s Association since 2013.

Molly Bishop Shadel Charlottesville, VA

Molly Bishop Shadel is a professor of oral advocacy and public speaking at the University of Virginia School of Law. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with an A.B. in English and American literature and language and earned her law degree from Columbia University, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. She practiced law in the litigation department of Covington & Burling in the Washington and New York offices, and also in the U.S. D.O.J.’s Office of Intelligence Policy and Review. Prior to attending law school, Shadel studied theatre at Northwestern University’s M.F.A. directing program and directed plays professionally in New York. She is the author (with Robert N. Sayler) of Tongue-Tied America: Reviving the Art of Verbal Persuasion (Aspen Publishers, Spring 2011) and Finding Your Voice in Law School: Mastering Classroom Cold-Calls, Job Interviews and Other Verbal Challenges (Carolina Academic Press, forthcoming December 2012). Molly delivers programming in Canada with Seminar Partners including audience favorites The Woman Advocate: Proven Strategies to Improve Persuasion Skills of Women Lawyers, and Public Speaking & Oral Advocacy.

Rahul Sharma Toronto, ON

Rahul Sharma is a Partner with Fasken. He advises international and Canadian clients on a variety of tax, trust, and estate planning matters, in particular cross-border and international trust and estate matters, and matters involving offshore or non-resident trusts with ties to Canada. Rahul also counsels high and ultrahigh net worth individuals, corporations, trusts and estates on Canadian income tax matters, including succession planning for closely held businesses. Rahul is recognized by Chambers and Partners as a leading lawyer in the area of private wealth law in Canada. Rahul is also recognized by Best Lawyers as a leading lawyer for trust and estate matters in Canada. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Urdu, Rahul regularly speaks on private client and tax topics and has authored and co-authored various chapters, papers and articles on tax, trust and estate-related matters. Rahul is the Editor-in-Chief of Federated Press’ Personal Tax and Estate Planning journal and a co-editor of Thomson Reuters’ Taxes and Wealth Management publication.

Rose Shawlee Vancouver, BC

Rose Shawlee is a member of the Wills & Estates and Individual Tax Planning Groups at Boughton Law in Vancouver, B.C. She brings over 15 years’ experience to her practice, which is primarily focused on assisting families and businesses with their planning, succession and reorganization, estate, and business needs. She strives to make life’s inevitabilities, death and taxes, less daunting a topic for clients while being alert to the complications these raise from a legal, family, tax, probate fee, and cost perspective. Rose is a regular speaker and writer on estate planning, corporate freezes, and trusts, including for BC CLE and the Pacific Business & Law Institute. Rose is Past Co-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Elder Law Section, BC Branch and a Member of Canadian Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Vancouver, and the Estate Planning Council of Canada. She has been included in Best Lawyers in Canada for Trusts and Estates since 2022.

Richard Shekter Toronto, ON

Richard Shekter is recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigators. As the founding senior partner of Shekter, Dychtenberg LLP in Toronto, he practises in the field of criminal, civil, health, personal injury, corporate, medical malpractice, employment law and administrative litigation. He is general counsel to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario. He writes and lectures widely on legal matters, in particular expert evidence, and was the legal affairs columnist for Family Practice, a McLean-Hunter Publication. Mr. Shekter is a former Director of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and The Advocates’ Society, is a former vice-chairman of the Civil Liberties Section of the Ontario Bar Association and past Chairman of the Health Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association. Richard delivers top quality programming with Seminar Partners including Presenting and Challenging Expert Witnesses at Trial.

Michael Sherrard Toronto, ON

Michael Sherrard is Managing Partner of Sherrard Kuzz LLP in Toronto. Michael’s clients are national & international, public & private, and operate in a wide range of industries and sectors. Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers by Chambers Global, Who’s Who Legal (Global Elite Thought Leader & Most Highly Regarded), Legal 500, Best Lawyers and Lexpert. He is former Chair of the National Labour and Employment Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and also the Labour and Employment Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association. Michael is widely published and frequently asked to speak at national and international conferences.

Daniel I. Small Boston, MA

Daniel I. Small has built a brilliant career on his ability to prepare witnesses to be compelling advocates for his client. As a federal prosecutor, general counsel, and as a partner at Holland & Knight, Small has used the same process that he will teach to you to introduce the witness to the foreign land of the deposition, hearing, or courtroom and to prepare them to tell the story in a way that connects to jury or judge and produces winning results. He is a respected author on this subject — Preparing Witnesses: A Practical Guide for Lawyers and Their Clients, (3rd Edition, ABA). The breadth of his experience is reflected in the practical advice he offers in this acclaimed CPD program. Seminar Partners’ programs featuring Daniel I. Small are presented in conjunction with the Professional Education Group.

Meg Spencer Dixon Kensington, MD

Meg Spencer Dixon is a lawyer and consultant specializing in time management, project management, and stress management seminars for lawyers and legal professionals. She received her undergraduate degree, cum laude in economics, from Princeton University in 1982, and received her law degree from Stanford Law School in 1985. In 1992, Meg left the practice of law to found Spencer Consulting, and since then has been giving speeches, writing articles, and conducting public and in-house seminars on many aspects of time management and related subjects such as procrastination, project management, stress management and how to run effective meetings. Meg delivers numerous programs in Canada in association with Seminar Partners, including the popular Project Management for Lawyers, and its adaptation for advocates, Project Management for Litigators.

Alixandra Stoicheff Calgary, AB

Alixandra Stoicheff is an associate in the Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group in the Calgary office of Lawson Lundell LLP. Her areas of expertise include Civil Litigation and Indigenous Law. Alixandra has assisted with proceedings before all levels of court in Saskatchewan, the Federal Court of Appeal, and various federal and provincial regulatory and administrative tribunals. She has also appeared before the Provincial Court of British Columbia for criminal and family law matters. Alixandra has been called to the bars of Nunavut (2019), Northwest Territories (2019), Alberta (2019), and Saskatchewan (2015). Alixandra has written and spoken on law-related topics, including commercial leases. She received her B.A. from McGill University and her J.D. from the University of Victoria.

Sarah Stothart Toronto, ON

Sarah Stothart is an associate in the Litigation Group at Goodmans. She is developing her practice in corporate commercial litigation, with a focus on class actions, securities, and technology issues. She acts for and advises clients on a variety of litigation matters, including complex contractual disputes, intellectual property issues, shareholder disputes, and issues relating to fiduciary, statutory and regulatory obligations. Sarah has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court, the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as the Competition Tribunal. Sarah sits on the Board of Directors of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, a non-profit organization offering employment, settlement, and language services for newcomer women.

Jasmine Sweatman Oakville, ON

Jasmine Sweatman is the founder of Sweatman Law, a firm providing legal services in the areas of litigation and resolution of disputes involving estates, powers of attorney and guardianship, wills, trusts, planning for wealth preservation, and families with special needs; the administration of estates, trusts, and residential real estate. She is also a founding principle of Sweatman Charity Consultants, specializing in advising charitable organizations in bequest management and charitable giving. Jasmine was designated as a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2004. She has been recognized by Lexpert® as a leading practitioner in Estates and Trusts and Charities, and has been peer rated and listed by The Best Lawyers in Canada in the specialty of Estates and Trusts since 2009. Jasmine was called to the Ontario Bar in 1992 and as a solicitor (non-practicing) of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1996. She is past chair (2009-2011) of the Estate Planning Council of Halton, past chair (2004-2005) of the Ontario Bar Association Trusts & Estates executive, a member of the Estates & Trusts Civil Litigation, Charities and Not-for-Profit sections Ontario Bar Association; and the executive of the CBA Elder Law Section. She is also a registered member of Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP worldwide), and a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (past chair of the Greater Toronto Area RoundTable). Jasmine has authored Powers of Attorney and Capacity: Practice and Procedure (Carswell, 2014) and, along with contributors, Bequest Management for Charities in Canada (LexisNexis: 2nd edition 2017). In addition, she is the editor of the O’Brien’s chapter on Powers of Attorney and authors with other members of the firm the Powers of Attorney chapter of the annual publication on Key Developments in Estates and Trusts Law in Ontario (Canada Law Book). Jasmine is a frequent lecturer and has written numerous articles.

Paul D. Taberner Vernon, BC

Paul D. Taberner is a Chartered Mediator who specializes in commercial mediation. He was called to the B.C. bar in 1971 and has mediated more than 2,500 disputes since 1993. He works in the areas of professional liability, multi-party construction, negligence, insurance, wills and estates, personal injury, franchising, and strata disputes. Paul has a particular interest in family business disputes and construction industry conflicts. He sits on the mediators' panel of the Insurance Dispute Resolution Services of B.C. and the B.C. Arbitration and Mediation Institute, and is a member of the B.C. Mediation Roster, and a former director of Mediate B.C. Paul is active in teaching dispute resolution techniques within the legal community and to other professional groups.

Jennifer Therrien Ottawa, ON

Jennifer Therrien is a member of Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office. Her practice focuses on insurance defence, commercial litigation and personal injury. Jennifer represents a range of casualty and property carriers in diverse coverage, defence, and subrogated matters with a focus on claims arising out of bodily injury, property damage, product liability, errors and omissions, and professional liability. An experienced advocate, Jennifer represents clients in both English and French before numerous tribunals and courts. She speaks to lawyers and insurance professionals on insurance-related topics.

Prof. Rollie Thompson, Q.C. Halifax, NS

Professor Rollie Thompson, Q.C. received his law degree from Dalhousie University and a B.A. with Honours in Economics and Political Science from McGill University. Called to the bar in Nova Scotia in 1980, he has been a Professor at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University since 1982, earning full professor status in 1992. He was the Executive Director of Dalhousie Legal Aid Service from 1982 to 1985, and 1991 to 1994. He co-directed the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines Project for the Department of Justice (Canada) from 2001 to 2008. In 2011, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. He is the recipient of the 2001-2002 Dalhousie Law Alumni Association and the Dalhousie Law Students Society Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2005 Vincent J. Pottier Award for Exceptional and Outstanding Contribution to Dalhousie Legal Aid Service, the 2016 Award for Teaching Excellence in the Osgoode Professional LLM, and the 2018 recipient (with Carol Rogerson) of one of the AFCC-Ontario’s “10 in 10” 10th Anniversary Awards of Excellence in Family Justice. A prolific writer and presenter on family law topics, Professor Thompson is Editor of the Canadian Family Law Quarterly.

Charles Ticker Toronto, ON

Charles B. Ticker is a Toronto based mediator and estate litigator with over 40 years of experience. He restricts his practice to estate litigation, estate administration and mediation of estate disputes. Charles has appeared as counsel at all levels of Court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal. He is a member of the Canadian and Ontario Bar Association (Trusts and Estates and ADR sections), and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. An active writer and presenter, Charles has chaired and spoken at several legal conferences on estate issues and mediation. He publishes a blog "The Sibling Fight" which deals with sibling disputes in estate matters. He has produced a CD set entitled "How to Make the Most of your Mediation" and is the author of the book, Bobby Gets Bubkes: Navigating the Sibling Estate Fight. A graduate of McGill University and Osgoode Hall Law School, he is a past recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Charles is listed in Best Lawyers in Canada for Trusts and Estates.

Ryan Turner Winnipeg, MB

Ryan Turner is a Partner with Taylor McCaffrey Lawyers in Winnipeg. Ryan advises a wide variety of business clients across many industries, focusing on corporate and commercial areas of law. This includes assisting clients in the acquisition and disposition of businesses, preparation and negotiation of agreements, and acting in financing and secured transactions. In addition, Ryan has experience in connection with real property matters including dispositions, financing and development matters. Ryan also provides advice to local small businesses and is a founding member of Taylor McCaffrey’s Legal Start team, which provides legal advice on start-up issues for a fixed fee.

Paul Unger Columbus, OH

Paul J. Unger is an international speaker, writer and thought leader in the legal technology industry. He is a lawyer and founding principal of Affinity Consulting Group, providing legal technology consulting, training and continuing legal education. He has provided trial presentation consultation for 300+ cases. Paul is a member of The American Society of Trial Consultants, the American Bar Association, the Ohio and Columbus Bar Associations, and the Ohio Association for Justice and the Central Ohio Association for Justice. He is very active in the Law Practice Management Section of the ABA, including as Chair of ABA TECHSHOW and the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center. He is the author of Adobe Acrobat for Law Firms, PowerPoint for Legal Professionals, and co-author of Microsoft Word for Legal Professionals.

Renée Vinett Toronto, ON

Renée Vinett is a partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP. She is a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Ontario. In addition to being a lawyer, Renée has been a registered nurse for over 35 years. Renee's practice is devoted to bringing her medical and legal experience to bear in all areas of personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle, accident benefit, slip and fall, long-term and short-term disability and product liability claims. She has successfully conducted numerous trials and hearings. Renée is listed in Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury and in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Repeatedly Recommended for Personal Injury. She is a member of various professional associations, for which she often lectures at continuing legal education programs, including the Ontario Bar Association, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, The Advocates' Society, Women's Law Association of Ontario, and College of Nurses of Ontario. Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP is consistently named a Canadian Lawyer top 10 Personal Injury boutique law firm.

Jason Wadden Toronto, ON

Jason Wadden is a partner in the Litigation Group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on complex litigation of business law disputes, including cross-border matters, insolvency and restructuring, corporate stakeholder disputes, corporate governance issues, pensions, employment, and internal investigations. Jason has appeared before a range of courts and tribunals across Canada. He is an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario, where he teaches commercial litigation. He regularly presents to legal audiences and is sought out by the media for his opinion on topics related to cross-border litigation, corruption, insolvency litigation, shareholder remedies and emerging issues arising from social media. Jason has been ranked as a leading lawyer by Best Lawyers in Canada for corporate/commercial and insolvency litigation.

Brian Wasyliw Toronto, ON

Brian Wasyliw (Sherrard Kuzz LLP) is an experienced and accomplished employment and labour lawyer with a background in commercial litigation. Brian has extensive experience at all levels of court in Ontario and before administrative tribunals. He sits on the board of directors of the Council of Professional Investigators of Ontario, and the Yves Landry Foundation. Brian’s expertise includes the full range of employment and labour law with particular focus on employment contracts, wrongful and constructive dismissal, non-competition and non-solicitation, injunctive relief, grievance arbitration, employment and labour issues in corporate restructuring and transactions, and human rights and accommodation. Brian is published on a variety of labour and employment issues.

Ryan Watkins Toronto, ON

Ryan Watkins is an employment lawyer with Whitten Lublin LLP. A former competitive baseball player, Ryan attended law school in California and was later admitted to the State Bar of Hawaii. Since 2012, he has honed his litigation skills in Toronto, where he was raised. Ryan has successfully acted for both employers and employees in workplace cases ranging from the simple to the complex, including breach of trust and wrongful dismissal. He has extensive experience in employment standards matters, employment contracts, human rights and discrimination, privacy matters, workplace safety and insurance, constructive dismissals, union disputes, and occupational health and safety, and routinely appears before tribunals, and trial and appellate courts. Ryan regularly writes and speaks about employment law issues and is often quoted by the media, including in Canadian Lawyers Magazine, The Lawyer’s Daily and the Globe & Mail. He has also appeared on CBC, Global News Morning, TVO, and 680 News, among other radio and television programs.

Mark Weintraub, K.C. Vancouver, BC

Mark S. Weintraub, K.C., is a partner with Clark Wilson LLP in Vancouver. He is the firm's senior estate and trust litigator. He is a frequent presenter and author on issues related to estate and trust litigation. Mark has acted as counsel in a wide spectrum of litigation, including Wills Variation Act claims, negligent or fraudulent estate administration and wills and trusts interpretation, as well as claims involving elder abuse. Mark is a contributing author to the British Columbia Law Society Wills and Estates Practice Checklist Manual (2016) and LexisNexis Online Practice Advisor – Estate Litigation – British Columbia Modules (2016-2018). Mark is ranked, by peer reviews, in Best Lawyers in Canada, Trusts and Estates and in the Distinguished category in Martindale-Hubbell’s compendium.

Geoffrey White, K.C. Kelowna, BC

Geoff White, K.C. is a senior estate, tax and charity lawyer with Clark Wilson LLP, with offices in Kelowna and Vancouver. Geoff’s practice of 20+ years has given him a deep knowledge of the rules and laws that apply to wills, estates, trusts and related tax. Geoff has helped lead a number of industry initiatives, including implementation of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) (2014), Editor of the BC Estate Probate Manual, and National Past-Chair of the Elder Law section of the CBA. He is the current President of the Law Foundation of BC. Geoff is a Certified Trust and Estate Practitioner and regularly speaks on topics of estates, trust and related tax matters. Geoff is listed in Best Lawyers in the category of Trusts and Estates.

David Whitten Toronto, ON

David Whitten is a partner with Whitten & Lublin, a Toronto-based employment and labour law firm. For private and public sector employers, he provides counsel on a broad range of issues, including workplace safety and insurance, employment standards, human rights, hiring, terminations, involuntary and voluntary buyouts, and common law obligations in Canada. David also advises employees, with a specialty in issues specific to the C-Suite. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario and a range of tribunals, including the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and its Appeals Tribunal. In 2013, Lexpert named David as a litigator to watch in its US Guide to Leading Cross-border Lawyers. In 2015 and 2016, Lexpert named him a repeatedly recommended leading practitioner. David’s expertise and straight talk are widely recognized in media circles. His viewpoint has b een sought by the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and the National Post, and he has commentated on employment issues in interviews with CBC Radio, CBC News, Metro Morning, and News Talk 1010. He is also fr equently asked to speak on employment issues by The Human Resources Professional Association, The Canadian Payroll Association and the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. He is co-author of the “HR Manager’s Guide to Independent Contractor s in the Workplace,” published by Carswell. David has a BA from the University of Toronto, and an LLB from The University of Windsor.

Allison Wolf Vancouver, BC

Allison Wolf is one of the most senior coaches for lawyers in North America. She has helped countless clients over the past fifteen years develop thriving legal practices and before that served as director of legal marketing for award-winning law firms. Allison received her Certified Executive Coach qualification from Royal Roads University in 2004, and to round out her education completed life coach training with Martha Beck in 2014. She is the president of Shift Works Strategic – Coaching for Lawyers, founder and managing editor of attorneywithalife.com, and a partner in the legal marketing agency Hogarth & Wolf. Alison is a member of the International Coach Federation and American Bar Association, and a frequent writer and presenter for legal organizations, media, and law firms. Alison's specialty is uncovering the thinking traps and gaps holder her clients back and helping them acquire the mindsets, skills, and habits for growing successful and rewarding legal practices.

Chet Wydrzynski Toronto, ON

Chet Wydrzynski is a partner in the Toronto office of Dolden Wallace Folick LLP. He has practiced insurance defence litigation his entire career. Chet has significant experience in the areas of occupiers’ liability, liquor liability, sports and recreation, professional negligence, coverage, and property. An experienced trial lawyer, he defends bars, taverns, and nightclubs in all types of claims against commercial hosts including over-service allegations, forcible ejection, and improper maintenance. He is a frequent speaker for legal associations and the insurance industry about liquor liability. Chet is a former Director of Canadian Defence Lawyers, and is a past Chair of the CDL conference on Commercial Host Liability. Chet obtained his law degree from the University of Ottawa and his BA from the University of Windsor.

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