Program Directors

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers

Eligible for

OSAP

If you practise or want to practise Family Law – you MUST take this unique, hands-on skills program.

Over 10 intensive modules – spread out over 3 months – you will work closely with and receive personalized feedback from senior family law judges, experienced counsel, and specially trained simulated clients. With hands-on skills workshops and interactive, discussion-based lectures you will acquire the key foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to practice family law with confidence.

The Osgoode Certificate in Family Law Skills and Practice was designed and is delivered by the leading family law judges, lawyers and experts. Focusing on the practical, we will work through the key stages of a family law file using a combination of in-depth case studies, simulated clients, and skills workshops. You will benefit from individualized feedback and practice learned concepts in a supportive learning environment.

In an intimate online environment, you will have lots of opportunities to ask questions, engage with faculty and forge valuable connections with other family law professionals.

Given the interactive nature of this program, space is strictly limited. Reserve your place now to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

How to master the initial client interview (and why it is so critical)

Strategies for managing your client, including those “difficult” client and clients with special challenges

What you should and shouldn’t include in your Financial Statement, and what you should look for in the other sides’

How to assess options for consensual resolution: learn how to determine what your client really wants and needs; participate in a simulated negotiation

Tactics for drafting Minutes of Settlement

What needs to be done when your matter doesn’t settle, including mastering the case conference

Effective affidavits

Successful strategies in motion advocacy: how to give the Court what it needs

How to effectively structure your written and oral submissions

Best practices for dealing with experts. Using your own and strategies for challenging the other side’s

Critical tips for drafting separation agreements

Practice management techniques for avoiding issues after you wrap up the file

Stephanie Luskey

Bradley Law P.C.

“I absolutely loved this program! I am a new family law practitioner and the [certificate] provided me with the substantive legal knowledge necessary to feel confident handling a variety of family law issues. Prior to taking this program I was constantly overwhelmed… After attending the program my confidence has improved and I have a renewed passion for family law in both litigation and negotiation settings. The feedback received from senior family law judges and experienced counsel is invaluable. Their comments ring through my mind every time I draft a factum or an offer to settle. ”

Who Should Attend

Legal professionals who are or plan to specialize in family law

Other professionals who work in the family law arena

General practitioners who want to hone their substantive knowledge and practical skills in family law

Faculty

Program Directors

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers

Advisory Board

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Aaron Franks

Epstein Cole LLP

Kathryn Hendrikx

Hendrikx Family Law

Shelley Kierstead

Assistant Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School

Janet Whitehead

Whitehead Law and Mediation

Judges

Instructors

Agenda

View the 2023 program brochure and agenda. A new detailed brochure and agenda will be available soon.

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers (Professional Corporation)

“This programme is the foundation that every lawyer who wants to practise family law needs, and it is the type of training that most senior family law lawyers wish they could deliver, but often can’t in light of their busy schedules.”

Feb 28 & Mar 6, 20, 27 & Apr 2, 3, 10, 17 & May 1 & 8, 2024

$2,595 + HST

Time

February 28, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

March 6, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

March 20, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

March 27, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 2, 2024

4:30 p.m – 9:30 p.m (ET)

April 3, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 10, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 17, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

May 1, 2024

9:00 a.m – 1:30 p.m (ET)

May 8, 2024

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

Registration Details

Please Note: You must complete all program days, either online (live) or on demand, and workshops (live and in person only) in order to be eligible for the certificate.

Printable Registration Form

If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.

“Is financial assistance or funding available?”

As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/contextc/yor003.staged.contextstaging.ca/wp-content/themes/osgoode-pd/partials/blocks/financial-assistance.php on line 34

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/contextc/yor003.staged.contextstaging.ca/wp-content/themes/osgoode-pd/partials/blocks/financial-assistance.php on line 35

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/contextc/yor003.staged.contextstaging.ca/wp-content/themes/osgoode-pd/partials/blocks/financial-assistance.php on line 34

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/contextc/yor003.staged.contextstaging.ca/wp-content/themes/osgoode-pd/partials/blocks/financial-assistance.php on line 35

Certificate Requirements

In order to successfully receive an Osgoode Certificate, participants must complete the following:

  • Attend all lectures – either live or on demand
  • Complete pre-program day work
  • Complete all skills workshops. These can only be completed live online, on the scheduled dates.

Students required to participate IN PERSON LIVE in mandatory workshops on these dates:
Day 2: Initial Client Meeting Workshop: March 6, 2024
Day 3: Working with People: March 20, 2024
Pre-Negotiation Client Meeting – April 2, 2024, 4:30 – 9:30 pm *Note this is an evening session
Day 5: Consensual Resolution: April 3, 2024
Day 6: When Your Matter Doesn’t Settle: April 10, 2024
Day 8: Motion Workshop, May 1, 2024, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm *Note this session is half-day

CPD and Accreditation

OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.

CPD Hours
Format
Contact us for inquiries about other provinces.
Substantive41h 20m
Professionalism13h 45m
EDI2h 10m
Total 57h 15m

Are you reporting hours from a previous date?

View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.

Accreditations

LawPRO: this Program is approved for LawPRO Risk Management Credit. 

Alexandra Forsyth-Sells

Family Law Lawyer, Grant Crawford LLP

“The program is an excellent opportunity for Family Law lawyers of all skills sets to learn and grow their skills and practice. The program provided ample opportunity for feedback through guided discussion with experienced counsel and judges.”

You may also be interested in…

Deeper Learning Opportunities

LLMs

Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.

Single Course Enrollment

Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Client and Technical Support

Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.

Program content questions

Alison Hurst, Program Lawyer
ahurst@osgoode.yorku.ca


Online Technical Requirements

To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.