Litigation speaker series launched
September 10, 2015
A new speaker series hosted by Western Law will give students the opportunity to gain some of the practical skills they need to become effective litigators, and to receive tips from top-notch experienced lawyers.
The “Litigator-Aid” lunchtime speaker series is open to students from all years, and will take advantage of the wealth of litigation expertise in the London area.
Associate Dean (Academic) Erika Chamberlain, who is coordinating the series, says she was overwhelmed by the positive response from the local bar.
“Western Law students are very fortunate to gain expertise from a wide variety of litigators, including those engaged in insurance defence, commercial litigation, professional liability, and class actions.”
Local judges will also speak about effective courtroom advocacy.
Leading litigators will introduce students to a variety of skills such as drafting pleadings, engaging in settlement negotiations, conducting trials and assessing damages.
The series complements Western Law’s new curricular stream in Litigation, which also includes substantive law courses, clinical opportunities and advocacy competitions.
The series kicks off September 23 with John McNair LLB’80, from McKenzie Lake Lawyers, speaking on “Anatomy of a Civil Action”. McNair’s experience includes working as a Deputy Chief Prosecutor in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Other speakers in the series include: Paula Lombardi, Siskinds, “Appearing Before Boards and Tribunals”; Rebecca Huang, Fogler Rubinoff, “Drafting Effective Pleadings”; Vicki Edgar, Cohen Highley, “Conducting Examination for Discovery”; and Justice Alan Bryant, Superior Court of Justice, “Relevance”.
