Summer is over…where did it go?
Here’s what’s going on.
- Legal Aid Survey – DO THIS SURVEY NOW! Eight hours is not enough time! The FLA is asking everyone who has done a summary judgment motion in child protection since the amendments to Rule 16 in May 2015 to do this survey. If you are one of the 15 people who have already responded, thank you very much. But we need to hear from MORE of you in order for the survey results to hold any weight with LAO. Please fill out the survey and encourage (nag?) your friends and colleagues to do the same. Please send the completed survey by email to or by fax to 416-366-6266. Remember how we got the initial allotment for Crown and Society wardship cases more than doubled in 2014 – we owe thanks to the 48 people who then took the time to fill out our survey. Please help us again. Click here to download the survey.
- Practice Advisory from 393 University Concerning Long Motions in the Toronto Region. Effective September 15, 2016, all family law motions over one hour will have to be scheduled as long motions through the trial co-ordinator. There will no longer be “placeholder” motions. The trial coordinator will vacate a scheduled long motion if the notice of motion and supporting materials are not served and filed within 10 days after the motion has been scheduled. And here’s a practice note that seems to keep popping up – Take care with the 14C confirmations and remember to list carefully the materials you want the judge to read. This topic comes up repeatedly at bar and bench meetings. Leaving it blank or listing “the continuing record” is not helpful.
- The 47 Sheppard Education series starts on September 19, 2016. Justice Zisman chairs “Show Me the Money”, a program on how to get the disclosure you need and how to use it effectively to advance your client’s case. The program will be held at the North York Memorial Community Hall at 5110 Yonge Street, starting at 4:30 pm. The cost is $20 (including snacks!). This program contains 0.5 professionalism hours. The next program in this series will be on November 15, 2016 and the topic will be “Top 10 Ethical Issues”. Access the flyer here.
- The 311 Open Bar Series starts on September 26, 2016. Justice O’Connell will chair a session on Examination and Cross-Examination. Remember FLA members receive a $5 discount off the $25 cost. Further sessions are scheduled for November through to June, 2017. Click here to download the flyer.
- On September 30, 2016 (9 a.m. -12:30 p.m.) the Law Society of Upper Canada presents “Advanced Issues in Spousal Support”. The cost of the program is $210 plus tax and is available live in Toronto or webcast. The CPD hours are 3hrs and 30m substantive and 30m professionalism. More details are on the LSUC website.
- A reminder about some great CPD events being presented by Osgoode Hall School this fall. In our last newsletters we told you about the upcoming program “Recent Developments and Complex Issues in Child and Spousal Support” being held on October 13, 2016 and “Negotiating, Challenging and Drafting Domestic Contracts” being held on November 7, 2016. (Remember these qualify for the FLA 10 per cent discount. Please contact us for the discount code to enter when you sign up.)
- The AFCC presents on October 20, 2016 (1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.) an event for new professionals: “Exploring Strategies for Clients with Mental Health Issues”. Program details are in the flyer.
- Join your colleagues at the “Harris/Jones Retirement Dance Party” to be held on Saturday September 24 starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Balmy Beach Club. Tickets are $25 and available in advance only from Molly at 416 327 5908 or Silvana 416 327 6891.
- FLA events! We are SOLD OUT for the FLA September 22, 2016 social. Look forward to other FLA events this fall including an education event and our annual general meeting.
If you have any comments or any news you would like in the next newsletter, please contact me at .