When: Tuesday, September 19, 2017
From: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (program starts at 5:00 p.m. sharp)
Where: NORTH YORK MEMORIAL COMMUNITY HALL – 5110 Yonge Street (west end of Lower Level – across from the North York Public Library)

Entrance: $20.00 (cash only please)

CPD: This program may be claimed for 1.0 Substantive and 0.5 Professionalism hours towards total CPD requirements.

The use of focused hearings, otherwise known as Rule 1 hearings, are becoming increasingly popular with
lawyers, litigants, and judges. Focused hearings are now commonplace in our courts. A focused hearing can be
a creative way to ensure that litigants in the family and child protection justice systems have access to a just
process that can effectively and affordably decide their cases. This program will provide you with the tools you
need to prepare for and conduct a focused hearing, including providing answers to the following questions:
• When should you ask for a focused hearing in a domestic or child protection case?
• How do you ask for a focused hearing?
• When should you resist a request for a focused hearing and how do you do so?
• What are the options in setting up a focused hearing and how do you decide what options are right for
your case?
• How do you prepare for a focused hearing?
• How is conducting a focused hearing different than a traditional unlimited trial?
• How do you handle self-represented parties?
• What are the evidentiary rules at a focused hearing?
• How do you manage documentary evidence at a focused hearing?

Chair: The Honourable Justice Roselyn Zisman, Ontario Court of Justice
Speakers: Sheila MacKinnon, Family Law Lawyer
Rachel Buhler, Counsel, Catholic Children’s Aid Society
Paul Cooper, Family Law Lawyer
Project Managers: Karen Ksienski & David Miller

Click here to download the flyer!