Latest News and Events From Toronto Lawyers Association
Public Speaking Doesn't Have to Be Scary - We Can Help!
What's New

Public speaking can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes. Whether it’s those nerve-wracking client meetings, court appearances, or just trying to get your point across in a room full of people, it’s tough. 

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be.

We’re really excited to invite you to an in-person, 3-part workshop with Bonnie Gross, the CEO of SpeechScience International Inc. Bonnie’s amazing at what she does. She’s helped so many people find their confidence and speak with impact. Trust us, you’re in good hands.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

  • Part 1: How to craft messages that stick—no more boring or confusing speeches.
  • Part 2: We’ll help you break those tricky habits (like saying “um” too much) and build new, persuasive ones.
  • Part 3: Learn how to shine, whether you're presenting in person or on Zoom.

Program Details:

PART 1 
Tuesday November 5, 2024
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

PART 2 
Wednesday November 13, 2024
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

PART 3 
Tuesday November 19, 2024
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location:

TLA Boardroom
361 University Avenue
Rotunda 2nd floor
Toronto, Ontario
 

CPD:

Each part of this program contains 120 minutes of Professionalism content

Registration Fee:

Members Fee - EARLY BIRD, until October 11th
1 workshop: $165 + HST
2 workshops: $330 + HST
All 3 workshops: $495 + HST

Members Fee:
1 workshop: $215 + HST
2 workshops: $430 + HST
All 3 workshops: $645 + HST

Non-members Fee:
1 workshop: $265 + HST
2 workshops: $530 + HST
All 3 workshops: $795 + HST

Register Now

Thinking about what's ahead? Whether you're looking to expand your expertise or considering a new practice area, the Professional LLM is designed to fit into your busy schedule. Start your next chapter at OsgoodePD. Fall 2025 applications are now open for the following specializations:

  • Administrative Law
  • Business Law
  • Canadian Common Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Energy and Infrastructure Law
  • General Law
  • International Business Law
  • Taxation Law
Start your next chapter at OsgoodePD

Attend the webinar on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 9:00 am ET to 1:15 pm ET, featuring 10 fast-paced sessions on key topics essential for staying current with legal developments impacting charities and not-for-profits (NFPs).

The guest speakers this year are Bruce MacDonald, President. Imagine Canada, on the topic of Key Insights into the Charitable Sector: Developing Trends in the Making; and Kenneth Hall, President, Robertson Hall Insurance, on the topic of Challenges in Securing and Keeping Insurance by Charities and NFPs.

CPD:
This webinar is eligible for 4.00 hours of substantive CPD credits towards the annual Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and CPA Professional Development requirements.

Registration Fee:
Registration fee is $40.00 per person (plus HST).

Register Now
Events - Register Now

We’re excited to invite you to a FREE Meet-Up for Family & Estates Lawyers on Wednesday, October 23, 2024! This event is a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow professionals in Family and Estates Law, all while enjoying a relaxing evening outside the usual courtroom or Zoom setting.

As virtual practices and solo work continue to rise, building personal connections has never been more important. This meet-up offers a welcoming space to foster civility, camaraderie, and mutual learning—because we truly are stronger together.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Venue: Wine Academy, 67 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON

What to Expect:
Great conversation, a welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to catch up with colleagues.

FREE Registration for all lawyers, whether you’re a TLA member or not!

Generously Sponsored by

Register Now

We're excited to invite you to an evening of food, friends, and laughter at the "Billiards with the Bar" event, returning to the VIP Billiards Club on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This fun-filled event supports the hunger relief efforts of The Law Society Foundation.

Hosted by Neuberger & Partners LLP, Hull & Hull LLP, and the Toronto Lawyers Association, the net proceeds from this annual event will help provide nutritious meals to those facing poverty or homelessness.

Each week, the Foundation's Toronto Lawyers Feed the Hungry program serves over 1,200 meals to those in need—nearly 60,000 meals each year. This program is more than just a meal service; it represents a legacy of community, kindness, and social justice, made possible by the generosity of individuals like you.

We’d love for you to join us in supporting those who are food insecure. Let’s make a difference together!

Tickets are $60 per person. You can also sponsor a table for $500, which includes two event tickets and on-site recognition. For more information, please email The Law Society Foundation at lsf@lso.ca.

Event Details
Thursday, November 21, 20246:30 – 10:00 p.m.

VIP Billiards Club 
842 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A2

Register Now
Keeping You Current

On Sunday, October 13th, at 12:30 pm, at Eglinton St. George’s United Church - 25 Lytton Boulevard - Brian Greenspan will present on: 

The Press, The Public and The Presumption of Innocence

The presumption of innocence is said to run like a ‘golden thread’ through our criminal law. Yet, in practice, that cornerstone of our justice system has been challenged and attacked by the media, social media and politicians. This constitutionally protected right, meant to guarantee fairness before an independent and impartial tribunal, faces unprecedented threats. 

For over five decades, Brian Greenspan has dedicated his professional life as a criminal defence lawyer to the protection and preservation of the presumption of innocence. Having served as counsel in many of Canada’s most significant cases, he has profoundly affected the development of our criminal law and practice. Mr. Greenspan offers special insight into the vulnerabilities, the strengths, the challenges and the opportunities in the administration of criminal justice in Canada.  

Please find our full series for 2024/2025 here.
 

You are cordially invited to join us at Arcadian Court to celebrate the retirement of the Honourable Madam Justice Gertrude (“Gertie”) Speigel.
 
Enjoy the company of colleagues old and new over cocktails and dinner as we celebrate and honour the achievements and contributions Gertie has made to the administration of civil and family justice throughout her judicial career.
 
Space is limited. After purchasing tickets, you will be asked to confirm your dinner selection.

Questions regarding the event may be sent to: justicespeigelparty@mccarthyco.ca
 
Retirement Gala Dinner Details

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. Cocktails | 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Tribute
Location: Arcadian Court
401 Bay Steet, 8th Floor, Toronto ON M5G 2Y4

Register Now

Part Waiting For Godot, part Title of Show, with a splash of Twelve Angry Men, WATCHING SEANA McKENNA WATCH PAINT DRY asks the big dramatic questions: what is art? What is life? What is the nexus between them? And what’s that woman on stage doing, anyway?

Created and performed by a company of current and retired theatre-loving lawyer/actors, WATCHING SEANA McKENNA WATCH PAINT DRY originally was staged to critical and audience acclaim in the 2014 Toronto Fringe theatre festival. The play now is being remounted independently for four performances at the Palmerston Library Theatre in Toronto, October 25 – 27.

All proceeds from the play’s run will be donated to the Toronto Lawyers Feed the Hungry program – over the past ten years our company has raised and donated more than $23,000 to LFtH through performances of our original plays. More details and ticket information may be found at Watching Seana McKenna Watch Paint Dry, a Play – Ten people go to a play – and go off the deep end.
 

Upcoming Education Programs & Events
From the Library

Every week the TLA librarians provide a status update of select popular federal & provincial statutes & regulations. Members are invited to submit requests for updates on certain legal areas or statutes that are currently not tracked. 

Legislation Update Current to October 4, 2024

Struggling to stay current with new decisions? Here are this week's available QuickLaw NetLetters (remember you'll need your TLA login information to access them).

Alan D. Gold's Criminal Law Netletter – Issue 1432 – Oct. 7

  • CHARTER OF RIGHTS — SECTION 8 — IP Address
  • CRIMINAL LAW — SENTENCING — Child luring — CSO
  • CRIMINAL EVIDENCE — RAPE-SHIELD PROVISIONS — Private record — Human Rights Tribunal application
  • CRIMINAL EVIDENCE — S. 715.1 RECORDED STATEMENT — Admissibility — Editing

Labour Notes – Number 1744 – Oct. 15

Ontario Real Estate Law Developments – Number 590 – Oct. 2024

In Case You Missed It

The Report on Civility and Professionalism, released last year by the Toronto Lawyers' Association, is still highly relevant. This report dives into the state of civility in our profession and provides recommendations to address ongoing concerns. If you haven’t read it yet, now is a great time to catch up on its valuable insights.

To further explore these important themes, we invite you to join our upcoming Thursday Tips with LAWPRO and the TLA: Professional Civility: Avoiding Costs, Arguments, and Malpractice Claims. This session will cover how civility plays a crucial role in your practice, helping to prevent malpractice claims and promote effective dispute resolution.

Check out the report and join the conversation to uphold the values of our profession!

Enjoy up to 25% off tickets for the 2024 Toronto Argonauts season. For more information or to book a group with 10+, contact christian.ferraro@mlse.com.

Offer expires November 30, 2024.

Get your tickets today!
CONTACT
Toronto Lawyers Association
361 University Ave
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1T3
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647.247.4782
info@tlaonline.ca
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