Has it become dangerous to be an Ontario lawyer? This was the headline of a Toronto Star article published on September 11, 2021. One does not have to look far to find examples of family lawyers who have been physically assaulted, threatened to the point of requiring a restraining order, suffered theft and property damage, or have been subject to internet/cyber-harassment.

Come hear our panel of experts talk about various issues including: Risk assessment tools and strategies to keep safe, the emotional impact of enduring threats and harassment, how to interact with police if you have been a victim, the law and best practices pertaining to getting off the record where safety concerns exist, legal and administrative recourse and remedies in cases of defamation and internet harassment, and much more. Don’t miss this important program!

The importance of obtaining and providing disclosure in domestic and child welfare litigation cannot be overestimated. Only through timely and thorough disclosure can the litigants ensure the court has all it needs to deal with cases justly and fairly. Join Justice Sager and the panel of experienced counsel in discussing disclosure in both the child welfare and domestic context, including such key questions as:

• What is the extent of the CAS’s obligation to disclose in child protection litigation?
• How should parents respond to requests from CAS for their records in child protection litigation?
• Should there be terms or limits to disclosure orders?
• How do you obtain financial records from the other party or from 3rd parties, such as employers?
• How do you obtain police records?
• How can parents obtain CAS records in their domestic cases?
• What is the state of the law on children’s therapeutic records?The panelists will answer these and other questions and provide essential tips on bringing or resisting motions for disclosure.Chair:The Honourable Justice Melanie Sager, Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto

  Speakers: Renatta Austin, Child Protection and Family Lawyer; Nicole Horwitz, Counsel, Children’s AidSociety of Toronto; and Theodora Oprea, Barrister & Solicitor Project Managers: Linda Hofbauer and David Miller