UPCOMING SEMINARS

All our seminars are accredited for CPD credit with every Canadian Law Society (except Quebec).

Dealing with the Crown: Part 2 – The Crown Perspective

11am MDT, Friday, October 2nd, 2026

Understanding how the Crown approaches a case can be one of the most valuable tools in a defence lawyer’s arsenal. In this follow-up to Dealing with the Crown: Practice Issues, experienced Crown counsel pull back the curtain on the decisions, priorities, and challenges that shape their approach. This practical panel discussion explores how Crowns assess cases, approach negotiations, handle common issues, and work with defence counsel throughout the life of a file.

Gain valuable insight into the other side of the courtroom, learn strategies for more effective communication, and discover how a better understanding of the Crown’s perspective can help you achieve better outcomes for your clients.

Whether you are a newer lawyer building your practice or an experienced advocate looking to sharpen your approach, this seminar provides practical, real-world guidance you can immediately put to work.

Kristen Gagnon has been Crown Counsel for over 26 years with the BC Prosecution Service, practising as both trial and appellate counsel at all three levels of Court in BC.
Having been called to the Bar in 1998, Kristen worked overseas in law-related international development programs in India, Tanzania, and Denmark prior to joining the Crown.

Manasvin Goswami graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018. He has clerked at the Court of Appeal for Ontario and at the Supreme Court of Canada. He currently works as counsel in the Appeals and Policy groups at the Crown Law Office – Criminal in Toronto.

Moving on Up: Navigating the Next Stage of Your Criminal Defence Career

11am MT, Friday, November 6th, 2026

You’ve established your practice—but what’s next? Whether you’re weighing the benefits of staying with your current firm, considering an association, negotiating compensation, or wondering if it’s time to open your own practice, the next career move can feel like one of the most challenging. Join Sarah Strban (Call 2020) of Strban Law and Matthew Browne (Call 2021) of Browne Criminal Defence as they share their experiences, the decisions they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned. Expect a candid discussion on topics such as salaries versus commission, building a sustainable practice, choosing the right professional relationships, and knowing when—or whether—to strike out on your own. Bring your questions and gain practical insights from lawyers who have recently navigated the same crossroads.

Evidence Unplugged: A Fireside Chat with Peter Sankoff & David Paciocco

11am MT, Friday, December 4th, 2026

What if we could rebu

ild the law of evidence from the ground up? Would we end up with the same rules—or something entirely different?

Join Peter Sankoff and David Paciocco for an engaging fireside chat exploring the big-picture questions that shape Canadian evidence law. Moving beyond the latest cases, this wide-ranging discussion will examine fundamental issues that every criminal lawyer encounters but rarely has the opportunity to debate. David Paciocco is one of the country’s best legal minds in this topic, and we are excited to have him make his CDE debut.

Should Canada adopt a comprehensive Evidence Code? Has the law of evidence become too complex, or is complexity the inevitable price of fairness? How should evidentiary problems be addressed in jury instructions? When should judges rely on discretionary admissibility rather than fixed rules? And in judge-alone trials, are questions of admissibility too often treated as matters of weight?

Expect thoughtful insights, lively discussion, and the kind of candid exchange that only two of Canada’s leading evidence scholars can provide. Whether you’re an experienced litigator or just developing your trial practice, this session will challenge the way you think about the principles underlying the law of evidence.

Top Cases of 2026 Awards with Peter Sankoff & Steven Penney

11am MT, Friday, January 8th, 2027

In their seventh annual End of Year Review, Professor Steven Penney and Professor Peter Sankoff are taking a look at the jurisprudential highlights and lowlights from 2026.

They analyze the key cases, add their insight, and make a few predictions for 2027.

State of the Union: Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law

11am MT, Friday, February 12th, 2027

In this seminar, Peter Sankoff, Michelle Biddulph and Danielle Boisvert will discuss the existing criminal law landscape, focusing on the biggest issues of the moment.

Danielle Boisvert of BW Law LLP is an experienced criminal defence lawyer, born and raised in Edmonton, AB. In 2023, she was the recipient of the inaugural Criminal Trial Lawyer Association Mary Moreau Award in recognition of her significant contribution to the enrichment of Civil Liberties and the advancement of women in the practice of Criminal Defence.

Michelle Biddulph (Greenspan, Humphrey, Makepeace LLP, Toronto, ON) represents clients charged with criminal and quasi-criminal offences, as well as professional discipline matters. Her practice includes both trials and appeals, with a particular focus on appellate advocacy.

Michelle and Danielle are part of our outstanding team of expert contributors. Their insights on recent criminal law decisions appear regularly in our netletter, The Beacon.

Myths, Stereotypes & the Art of Cross-Examination in Sexual Assault Trials

11am MT, Friday, March 5th, 2027

The jurisprudence on myths and stereotypes has transformed the conduct of sexual assault trials, yet important misconceptions persist.

This seminar examines the critical distinction between advancing a myth or stereotype and cross-examining on issues that engage those concepts. It also explores the often-overlooked difference between challenging a complainant’s credibility and challenging their reliability. Understanding that distinction – and knowing which one to attack – can fundamentally reshape cross-examination strategy and help counsel identify the most effective path to victory. Through practical examples, this session offers a principled framework for sharper advocacy, stronger theories of the case, and more effective cross-examinations.

A Labour of Law: Caregiving, Resilience, and Thriving in Criminal Defence Practice

11am MT, Friday, April 2nd, 2027

Neha Criminal defence is one of the most demanding areas of legal practice. The long hours, unpredictable schedules, emotional intensity, and constant pressure to be available can make it especially difficult to balance a successful career with caregiving responsibilities.

Drawing on themes from her book A Labour of Love: Caregiving, Resilience and the Practice of Law, Neha Chugh explores how lawyers can navigate these competing demands without sacrificing either their clients or themselves. Through candid stories, practical insights, and thoughtful discussion, this seminar challenges outdated assumptions about what commitment to the profession should look like and examines how resilience is built—not through endless sacrifice, but through sustainable practice.

Whether you are raising children, caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for ways to build a healthier and more sustainable legal career, this seminar offers practical strategies and an honest conversation about the realities of modern criminal defence practice.

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