39th Annual
Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop (ITAW)

Faculty Download Brochure

Over one week, in our unique learn-by-doing format, you will have an opportunity to develop and refine your advocacy skills in a safe learning environment that will provide extensive opportunity for individualized feedback and practice.

The program culminates with the opportunity for you to apply your skills acting as counsel in a half day mock trial. The trials are held at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and presided over by experienced judges, who will provide you with feedback on your performance.

ITAW is a truly exceptional opportunity to invest in yourself and your advocacy skills.

Reserve your place now. Space is strictly limited to ensure full engagement in a small group setting.

Faculty

Program Co-Directors

• Professor Garry D. Watson, QC, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
• Professor Trevor C.W. Farrow, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Past Faculty Include:

• The Hon. Justice Patrice F. Band, Ontario Court of Justice
• The Hon. Justice David L. Corbett, Superior Court of Justice
• The Hon. Justice Steve Coroza, Superior Court of Justice
• The Hon. Lady Leeona Dorrian, Q.C., High Court of Judiciary, Scotland
• The Hon. Justice Rachel Grinberg, Ontario Court of Justice
• The Hon. Justice Shaun Nakatsuru, Superior Court of Justice
• Frank M.K. Au, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office – Criminal
• Sandra Barton, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
• Sheila R. Block, Torys LLP
• Richard M. Bogoroch, Bogoroch & Associates LLP
• Kathryn I. Chalmers, Stikeman Elliott LLP
• Sandra A. Forbes, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
• Peter H. Griffin, Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP
• Julie K. Hannaford, J.K. Hannaford Barristers
• Thomas G. Heintzman, O.C., Q.C., FCIArb, Heintzman ADR
• Kenneth E. Jull, Gardiner Roberts LLP
• Paul G. McDermott, Ministry of the Attorney General
• Chris G. Paliare, Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP
• Jonathan M. Rosenthal, Barrister and Solicitor; Adjunct Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School
• Paul B. Schabas, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
• Melvyn L. Solmon, Solmon Rothbart Goodman LLP
• Michael S.F. Watson, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Fellowships for the 39th Annual Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop

Fellowships are available to lawyers who could not otherwise attend ITAW due to financial constraints, and provide full tuition for the program.

Sheila Block & Prof. James Seckinger Fellowship

This fellowship recognizes the outstanding contributions made by Sheila Block and Prof. Seckinger to advocacy across Canada and around the world, and in particular to the ITAW program at Osgoode since its inception 33 years ago. Preference will be given to lawyers from non-profit organizations, and those in remote parts of Canada.

Judge David Stokes Memorial Fellowship

In honour of Judge Stokes, a long-time and highly esteemed instructor in the ITAW, this fellowship will be awarded to a criminal defense lawyer with demonstrated financial need and requiring advocacy training.

Note: Application deadline has passed. 

What ITAW alumni have said …

“This was an excellent course that will certainly have an impact on my practice. I cannot recommend it enough. You receive invaluable feedback on performing direct and cross examinations and opening and closing statements which are key skills that all lawyers who want to be oral advocates must master. I know that I will be a better lawyer for taking this course.”
Dianne Jozefacki, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

“I never would have guessed I could learn so much in one week. It’s an intense week, but worth it. The whole week was well-organized – from the materials to the demonstrations, to the video recording of our practice sessions. The best part was learning from judges and experienced trial lawyers, who were open and generous with both their feedback and their insights. ”
Karen Tobin, MBC Legal

“I thought the program was exceptional! You have transformed my trial advocacy skills.”
Nadia Lambek, Calluzzo Shilton McIntyre Cornish LLP

“[ITAW] is a risk free environment, designed to help you learn and improve your skills. A wonderful week!”
Kayla Renken, Scheifele, Erskine & Renken, Barristers & Solicitors

“This course is a terrific educational opportunity for litigators who are just starting out as well as those with some trial experience.”
Andrew Elias, Lerners LLP

“I would recommend this course to all lawyers both as an introduction to trials for new lawyers and a reference course for those in practice for several years.”
Annemarie Roodal, Legal Aid Ontario

“This was an excellent program all around. Thank you for all your work putting it together.”
Eric Kupka, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

“This is the best (CPD) program I have ever attended or that is available to litigators.”
Rebecca Huang, Bennett Jones LLP

“The ITAW was the most practical and relevant of all the legal education seminars I have taken since being called to the Bar. The combination of a small instructor to student ratio, as well as the calibre of both instructors and fellow students created a challenging but supportive learning environment where I could try new techniques and expect positive and instructive feedback. The opportunity to conduct a full jury trial so early in my career and to discuss my approach with a member of the bench thereafter was immeasurably valuable. I constantly return to the drills we ran and the secrets of success we uncovered during that week and I now have a new level of confidence when I am on my feet as a result.
Take the course! You’ll be exhausted but you will not regret it.”
Eileen Costello, Aird & Berlis LLP

“…The course was a lot of fun and was an excellent learning experience, particularly from a practical viewpoint. It gave me an opportunity to try out different approaches and has made me feel much more comfortable in the courtroom. I strongly recommend it to any lawyer, particularly to lawyers who have been practising between 2 to 5 years.”
Allyson M. Fischer, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

“This is one the of the best training programs I’ve done in my life. I have learned enormously.”
Christian Paquette

“Excellent course. Every litigator ought to take this course at least once in their career!”
Chris Heer, Dimock Stratton LLP

Fees

Fees include attendance, program materials, continental breakfast, lunch and break refreshments.

Program Changes

We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.

Cancellations and Substitutions

Cancellations received in writing on or prior to May 31, 2018 will receive a full refund (less $150 plus HST administrative fee). There will
be no refunds on or after June 1, 2018. Substitutions are permitted at any time up to and including June 30, 2018 (subject to $150 plus HST
administration fee). Substitutions are not permitted once the program has started. Non-attendance at all or part of the program does not entitle a participant to a refund or credit.

FAQs

Have questions? Read our FAQs.

Program Details

Questions on program registration?
Please contact the Registration Team at osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca

Questions on the program content?
Please contact the Program Lawyer:
Gail Geronimo at ggeronimo@osgoode.yorku.ca