CONVENTION

TLABC Convention 2025
8 - 9 May 2025
Vancouver, BC

TLABC’s first-ever convention is a two-day educational event for lawyers of all practice areas. Members and non-members are invited to come together in person to hear from a variety of speakers on diverse themes from The Business of Law to Effective Courtroom Advocacy to Views from the Bench, to name a few. The Convention will feature lunchtime keynote speakers and three concurrent tracks of small group sessions: Advocacy Skills, General Litigation, and Family and Estate Law. Mark your calendar and plan to attend the TLABC Convention in May!

Date & Location

Thursday 8 May – Friday 9 May 2025
In-Person (Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver)

Need accommodations? TLABC has preferred rates with many local hotel partners.

Registration

Register for IN PERSON participation
Save 10% with Early Bird rates until 28 February 2025
Registration closes on Monday 5 May at 12:00pm.

Become a Member and save! Join TLABC today and save up to $300 on your registration.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received at the TLABC office by 24 April 2025 will be subject to a $75 administration fee. After 24 April 2025, requests for refunds will not be honoured. Substitutes are always welcome. TLABC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses, refuse admission or change speakers, location or content.

Program

Chairs: Susanne Raab & Krista Simon
Estate & Family Track Co-Chair: Candace Cho

DAY 1 - Thursday 8 May

8:30 am
1. PANEL - The Business of Law - Tools and Strategies to Run a Successful Law Practice

- Redefining a Modern Law Firm
MORGYN CHANDLER, Hammerco Lawyers LLP, Vancouver

Discussion on Hammerco's journey through no-fault, the benefits of identifying your purpose, and prioritizing values alignment within the firm which improves consistency of strategy and brand identity; talent retention and attraction; and client attraction and satisfaction.

- Technology and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Your Law Practice
CHARLES GLUCKSTEIN, Gluckstein Lawyers, Toronto

- Starting Your Own Law Practice
TIM SPORTSCHUETZ, Sportschuetz & Co., Vancouver

Tim M. Sportschuetz is the founder of Sportschuetz & Company, a top-ranked construction law firm based out of Vancouver. Tim will review his background and how his unique industry experiences have shaped his legal practice and helped him launch his own successful firm. He will cover topics including SEO marketing strategies, the hedgehog principle, profile building, cloud-based firm management systems, cashflow forecasting, best accounting practices, and proven strategies to ensure consistent financial health.

10:50 am
2. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	Advocating Strategically at All Stages of Litigation RAVI HIRA KC & RYAN HIRA, Hira Rowan, Vancouver Moderated by DAN PARLOW, Kornfeld LLP, Vancouver This moderated fireside chat with Ravi Hira KC and Ryan Hira will focus on a variety of topics including early case theory development, using Notices to Admit effectively, securing judicial reviews without full litigation, maximizing discovery value, the pros and cons of no-evidence motions, and approaches to handling evidence from opposing counsel.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Medical Negligence - Common Defences and Strategies to Overcome Them SUSANNE RAAB, Pacific Medical Law, Vancouver Medical negligence claims have a poor success rate in court. Susanne will review some unique aspects of medical negligence claims that contribute this poor success rate and offer practical tips on how to overcome common obstacles and build a successful case.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Family Law Chambers: Essential Insights for Effective Practice RUPINDER KHUNKHUN, Grandview Law Group, Surrey This presentation delivers a focused and practical exploration of chambers-based family law practice, with particular emphasis on interim applications as both tactical tools and key components of broader litigation strategy. From emergency parenting arrangements and protection orders to urgent financial relief and exclusive occupation orders, the session addresses how counsel can respond quickly and effectively when time, facts, and emotions are limited. But beyond urgent relief, the presentation also highlights the importance of procedural interim steps, such as directions, case management orders, and disclosure requests which play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for successful final outcomes. Through real-world examples and tactical insights, the presentation will unpack the procedural rules, legislative framework, and persuasive advocacy techniques that will provide success in interim hearings. Attendees will gain not only the tools to act decisively in urgent situations, but also a deeper understanding of how interim applications fit into a cohesive, forward-looking litigation plan. More than a technical guide, this session is a strategic blueprint, equipping practitioners to think ahead, act effectively under pressure, and guide cases with clarity and purpose from the very first court application.

11:40 am
3. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	Credibility Assessments DAN PARLOW & NILS PRESHAW, Kornfeld LLP, Vancouver Kornfeld LLP counsel Dan Parlow and Nils Preshaw will discuss relevant BC caselaw on Credibility and how they approached arguing both for and against the credibility of certain witnesses in Youyi v. Brentwood, 2019 BCSC 739 and other civil trials.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Bridging Employment Law and Other Legal Fields: Key Intersections for Trial Lawyers AYLA SALYN, Fulton & Co., Kamloops Employment law affects a wide range of legal practice areas, from personal injury and family law to estate disputes, criminal matters, and corporate governance. This presentation will provide trial lawyers with a foundational understanding of employment law while exploring its intersections with other disciplines. Attendees will gain insights into workplace-related claims, wrongful dismissal, human rights issues, and how employment disputes overlap with areas such as negligence, fiduciary duties, and regulatory compliance. Practical strategies for handling employment-related matters across multiple legal contexts will also be discussed.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Pursuing and Defending a Wills Variation Case: A Practical Guide TARA BRITNELL KC, Hamilton Duncan, Surrey This session will provide a roadmap on how to run a wills variation file, from when the claim first arrives in your office to its conclusion by trial or settlement. We will wrap up with an update on the most recent cases.

12:30 pm
4. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION (lunch)
Lawyer Well-Being: Concrete Strategies for a Flourishing Career
BENA STOCK, The Lawyer Mindset, Vancouver
Long hours, demanding clients, complex files, and difficult opposing counsel can be occupational hazards in the practice of law. Understanding how you respond to these challenges and learning concrete strategies to help you manage stress and anxiety will help you avoid burnout and build a flourishing career. This presentation will explore:

The importance of recognizing your automatic stress response.
Strategies to shift your thinking so you can better manage stress and anxiety.
How perfectionism fuels procrastination and undermines self-confidence.
How to build resilience and optimism.

2:00 pm
5. PANEL - View From the Bench

- ASSOCIATE JUDGE SANDRA HARPER, Supreme Court of BC

Associate Judge Harper will revisit her article written for BarTalk, published in October, 2015 which is titled “10 Tips from a New Master – who still thinks like a lawyer”. Have these tips stood the test of time? Should they be revised (or tossed)? Let's play “keep it or tweak it.”

- JUSTICE DAVID MASUHARA, Supreme Court of BC

Justice Masuhara will discuss technology in the courtroom

- CHIEF JUSTICE LEONARD MARCHAND, BC Court of Appeal

10 Years Since the TRC's Calls to Action: why pluralism and inclusion in our legal system should matter to us all

SPRING SOIREE and BENCH & BAR AWARDS* (dinner/social event)

DAY 2 - Friday 9 May

8:30 am
6. PANEL - Courtroom Advocacy

- What is Your Elevator Pitch? Strategies for Crafting an Effective Opening Statement for Trial or on Appeal
REBECCA ROBB, Hunter Litigation Chambers, Vancouver
- Expert Grilling 101: Examining and Cross-Examining Experts
PETER HENEIN, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, Toronto

Peter Henein discusses tips and tricks on conducting effective examinations and cross-examinations of experts. Whether you are preparing your own expert or getting ready to grill the other side’s expert, this talk will provide practical strategies to maximize credibility, expose weaknesses, and control the narrative. Attendees will learn how to structure questions, handle evasive witnesses, and leverage expert testimony to strengthen their case.

- Effective Appellate Advocacy
HON. RUSSELL BROWN, Arbitration Place, Vancouver / Hunter Litigation Chambers, Vancouver
& MALCOLM FUNT, Bojm, Funt & Gibbons LLP, Vancouver

The Hon. Russell Brown and Malcolm Funt will engage in a free-flowing conversation on appellate advocacy. This will cover a range of topics including getting leave to the Supreme Court of Canada, responding to leave applications, factum drafting and oral arguments on appeal. The audience is encouraged to engage and ask questions of the panelists during the session.

10:50 am
7. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	How to Properly Introduce Demonstrative Evidence at Trial PAUL MCGIVERN KC, Pacific Medical Law, Vancouver Litigation is the art of persuasion. Many studies have shown the value of using demonstrative aids to persuade a trier of fact, judge or jury, to accept you position. The admissibility of such evidence, however, is almost always in issue. This talk will walk you through the law on admissibility and provide examples to assist in guiding you through the morass of cases on the topic.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Trends and Developments in Class Action Litigation: A British Columbia Focus JAMIE THORNBACK & JEN WINSTANLEY, CFM Lawyers LLP, Vancouver This panel will focus on the current state of class action litigation in British Columbia, discussing recent case law developments and emerging trends, while offering insights into how these changes impact class action strategy. Attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of the procedural nuances and practical approaches for navigating complex class action claims in BC's legal environment.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Undue Influence HEATHER FISHER, Horne Coupar, Victoria Discussions on challenges to wills, trusts and inter vivos gifts on the basis of undue influence, the presumption of undue influence versus proving actual undue influence, evidentiary concerns, and practice tips with respect to proper and effective pleading of a claim of undue influence.

11:40 am
8. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	Basic Skills for Your First Trial PAUL MCGIVERN KC, Pacific Medical Law, Vancouver This presentation will provide a general overview of the necessary skills required to conduct a trial – including opening your case, conducting direct examinations of your witness, introducing expert evidence, cross-examining your opponents and closing your case.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Some Assembly Required: Piecing Together Product Liability Claims PETER HENEIN, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, Toronto From the first panicked call to the final closing letter (and every maddening email in between), Peter Henein walks you through the full lifecycle of a product liability file. With insights on wrangling plaintiff’s counsel, decoding insurer priorities, and navigating the unique joys of foreign clients who don’t understand why litigation takes this long, this session promises practical takeaways—served with a side of dark humour and hard-earned wisdom.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Demystifying Parenting Reports in Family Litigation DR. SIMON ELTERMAN, Elterman Psychology, Vancouver JUDITH JANZEN, Onyx Law Group, Vancouver DAYLYN MILLER, Hamilton Fabbro, Vancouver

12:30 pm
9. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION (lunch)
The Rookie on the Bench: How to Advocate Before a New Judge
JUSTICE SCOTT MORISHITA, Supreme Court of BC
BC's courts are in the midst of a significant turn over - over half of the current full-time Supreme Court judges were appointed post-COVID, with 25% in just the past year. In his keynote address, Justice Morishita offers practical strategies to help trial lawyers adapt and advocate effectively before newly appointed judges. Drawing on his own experience, he’ll share insights into what newer judges need—and expect—from counsel in the courtroom.

2:00 pm
10. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	Using Mediation to Settle Your Nightmare Case HON. SANDRA BALLANCE & HON. JANE DARDI HON. MARY ELLEN BOYD, Cornish Margolis Boyd Mediation & Arbitration, Vancouver Mediation requires a distinct approach from courtroom advocacy. Mary Ellen Boyd will address the key differences between these roles and share best practices for maximizing success in mediation. She will provide insights on how counsel can effectively present their case, engage in productive negotiations, and navigate the collaborative nature of mediation to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Complex Long Term Care Planning for Catastrophically Injured Plaintiffs - Strategies to maximize your client's compensation KATE MCINNES, Pacific Medical Law, Vancouver In 2025, it is no longer acceptable for courts adjudicating personal injury matters to sentence disabled plaintiffs to a lifetime of institutionalization and its well-documented, associated risks, by failing to provide adequate damages to support in-home care. This presentation offers an avenue for reorienting the law away from the discriminatory trends in the jurisprudence that either explicitly or implicitly support institutionalization by clearly affirming a legal presumption in favour of damages awards reflecting the cost of in-home care. This presumption is grounded in the reasoning of the Damages Trilogy and subsequent judgments, and buttressed by three supporting pillars: the inherent and inalienable human rights of persons with disabilities, and the international recognition of the harms associated with all forms of institutionalization; policy changes in Canada towards independent, community-based living; and the judiciary’s obligations to interpret and apply the common law in line with treaty obligations and constitutional values.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Let’s Settle This! Collaborative Practice and Mediation in Family Law ZARA SULEMAN KC, Suleman Family Law, Vancouver CATHERINE WONG, Daykin Walker Kaderly Wahid LLP, Vancouver The majority of family law cases will be settled outside of court. The Family Law Act directs us to “to ensure that parties to a family law dispute are informed of the various methods available to resolve the dispute” and “to encourage parties to a family law dispute to resolve the dispute through agreements and appropriate family dispute resolution before making an application to a court”. Mediation and Collaborative Practice in family law provide two settlement-oriented options for clients. Catherine and Zara will provide an overview of these dispute resolution options with advice, tools, tips and guidance for fostering and building your settlement-oriented family law practice.

3:15 pm
11. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

ADVOCACY SKILLS	Effective Arbitration Advocacy DENNIS QUINLAN KC, QA Law, Vancouver Discussion about the differences in the arbitration process versus the courtroom. The setting is less formal, and the rules may be different but the outcome just as important. The focus of the presentation will be on practical tips for what works and perhaps what doesn’t, including picking the theme for your case, introducing the oral and documentary evidence, opening and closing argument and the always vexing question of how to address the arbitrator.
GENERAL LITIGATION	Fundamentals of a Civil Sexual Assault Practice MORGYN CHANDLER, Hammerco Lawyers, Vancouver Through the lens of a plaintiff/survivor centric practice, learn about the importance of a trauma informed approach and the distinct challenges of working on civil sexual assault files from intake to trial.
FAMILY & ESTATE	Beyond the Ring: Becoming and Unbecoming Spouses SHADRIN BROOKS, BTM Lawyers LLP, Port Moody AGNES HUANG, Saltwater Law, Vancouver Determining spousal status can have a critical impact on both estate and family law claims. Common law relationships in particular can lead to significant uncertainty and provide ample grounds for disagreement, disputes, and litigation. This joint presentation will review the key statutory and common law authorities for determining when spousal status has been established, and when it has been lost, in both the estate and family law contexts.

4:00 pm
12. CLOSING RECEPTION immediately following the last session

Accommodations

TLABC has secured a rate of $329/night plus taxes for a City Side Single/Double Room. The rate will be available until 7 April 2025 or until the room block is exhausted, whichever comes first. Book within the TLABC group block using this link: https://book.passkey.com/event/50961167/owner/2075/home

Attendees can save with preferred rates at TLABC's other hotel partners. tlabc.org/hotelrates

Spring Soirée

TLABC's third annual Spring Soirée and Bench & Bar Awards is happening during the Convention on Thursday 8 May. Enjoy an evening among TLABC friends and colleagues with a cocktail reception, dinner with wine service, and lots of networking.
*note: ticket required

Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring the Convention? Click here for the Sponsor Package or email karen@tlabc.org to discuss.

PRESENTING SPONSOR