Advocacy-Matters-Fall-2025

ADVOCACY MATTERS
The Advocates’ Society
FALL 2025

The only conference designed
specifically for mid-career lawyers
CONTENTS
Click Here
To Register
Leading Through Change:
Your Career's Next Chapter Starts in the Capital!
Presented by The Advocates’ Society
February 5 - 7, 2026
Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa ON
Generously Sponsored By:
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In this issue
Kristen Duerhammer, KPMG Law LLP
Chair Chat with Melanie Baird, Tyr LLP
Compiled by Sahil Shoor, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
One Shot, One Opportunity – Just (Don’t)
Lose Yourself in the (Trial) Moment
Lisa Marie Buccella, Aviva Trial Lawyers
Word to the Wise: Overcoming Fears
Of Sharing Speaking Opportunities
Kristen Duerhammer, KPMG Law LLP
Advocating for the Rule of Law
David Thompson, Carroll Heyd Chown LLP
Countdown to Winter Summit:
The Big Chill Ottawa 2026
Editorial Team
An Interview with Hilary Book,
President, The Advocates’ Society
Compiled by Ian Matthews, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
WRIT-TEN ADVOCACY
Jordan Katz, Ivanov Katz LLP
Premier Sponsor
Breakfast
Sponsor
Opening Reception
Sponsor
Networking Break
Sponsor
Editor: Kristen Duerhammer, KPMG Law LLP
Deputy Editor: Julie Mouris, Conway Litigation
The opinions expressed by individual authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Advocates’ Society.
Supporters
Advocacy Matters Editorial Team: Laura Bevan, Lisa Marie Buccella, Moya Graham, Jordan Katz, John Mather, Ian Matthews,
Scott McGrath, Sahil Shoor, David Thompson
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FROM THE EDITOR
In this issue
Kristen Duerhammer, KPMG Law LLP
There’s a lot new in this Fall 2025 issue of Advocacy Matters. Both of our new leaders, TAS
President Hilary Book and MASC President Melanie Baird, share their visions for the year in
interviews by Ian Matthews and Sahil Shoor. The Rule of Law, a topic fresh on our minds, is the
focus of David Thompson’s discussions with Canadian scholars on how mid-career advocates
can advance the Rule of Law. Lisa Marie Buccella illuminates how trials compare to rap battles in
her newest Happy Lawyer Project article, TAS members share what they’re most excited about
for the upcoming Big Chill 2026, and Jordan Katz reintroduces crossword puzzles to Advocacy
Matters in Writ-Ten Advocacy.
Julie Mouris as Deputy Editor and myself as Editor-in-Chief are also new this term and indebted
to Megan Keenberg who served as Editor-in-Chief since 2023 and, before that, Deputy Editor. Megan
has grown the readership and enriched the content of Advocacy Matters over her tenure. We
are delighted to share this latest issue to kick off the Fall 2025 term.
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4. How does MASC’s plan align with TAS President
Hilary Book’s priorities this term?
MASC’s focus on connection and the Big Chill’s
theme of change align with Hilary’s commitment
to evaluate and revamp governance of the
Society. We have MASC representatives involved
in the TAS committee that is tackling that issue.
Our representatives are focused on ensuring
transparency, accountability, and diversity and
inclusion.
CHAIR CHAT
Chair Chat with
Melanie Baird, Tyr LLP
Compiled by Sahil Shoor,
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
1. How do you want to define your term as MASC Chair?
My goal is to deliver a MASC term characterized by connection, honesty, and fun. During this term
we will prioritize support and community. We will tackle the topic of the competing priorities faced
by our year of call cohort, both personal (e.g. taking care of aging parents, children) and professional
(e.g. inclusive leadership, sustainable practice, client service, and mentoring). I know that
our cohort is meeting the challenge of creating lasting change that will improve the lives of the
lawyers who are coming up behind us in our profession. As we continue this important work, I
want to build in moments of old school silliness and fun, which we sometimes forget to embrace.
2. What is the theme of this year’s Big Chill?
The theme this year is “Leading Through
Change”. The program will be focused on
change from two perspectives: (i) how to manage
inevitable change (e.g. building bridges,
civility, challenges to the Rule of Law, rapidly
evolving technology), and (ii) how to provoke
change (e.g. honing leadership skills, mentoring,
supporting others, diversity and inclusion,
and pro bono work).
3. What can attendees at the Big Chill expect
from the experience?
In addition to networking, attendees can expect
to come away with practical advice. The
program will provide examples of different
leadership styles to consider incorporating
into practice. Attendees will be exposed to
fresh ideas to help them be the change they
want to see in their organizations and in our
legal community.
5. On what current policy issue do you believe
MASC voices are most critical?
MASC is participating in TAS’s task force on the
Law Foundation of Ontario’s Funding to Legal
Aid. Incorporating meaningful pro bono work
into practice is especially important to MASC
because our members across the country are
currently taking the reins of leadership in our
profession.
6. What is the one word you want associated
with MASC this year?
Supportive. I want MASC to foster connection
and engagement within our year of call cohort
by tackling the issues that resonate most with us.
7. What is the most underrated advocacy skill?
Sarcasm and humour – sparingly used, masterfully
timed, and delivered with kindness.
8. What calls-to-action do you have for MASC
members?
Two things. First, check MASC’s excellent programming
for this year, and in particular, the
Big Chill taking place in Ottawa from February
5-7, 2026 – sign up is available now with an early
sign-up discount in place until October 31.
Second, take advantage of the platform MASC
creates for all members on the podcast “Friends
Who Argue” (done in conjunction with YASC)
and this MASC publication “Advocacy Matters”
– if you have an interview topic or article idea,
please reach out!
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THE HAPPY LAWYER PROJECT
One Shot, One Opportunity
– Just (Don’t) Lose Yourself
in the (Trial) Moment
Lisa Marie Buccella, Aviva Trial Lawyers
The Happy Lawyer Project is Lisa Marie Buccella’s recurring column offering reflections and advice on
litigation and life.
Lawyers of our generation likely remember a certain Detroit rapper who, in his semi-autobiographical
film, encourages us to “lose yourself” in the moment because after all, “you only get one shot.”
This is great advice if you’re in a rap battle but poor advice for the courtroom (even if it feels like
a rap battle at times). Losing yourself in the heat of trial—letting adrenaline or anxiety take the
wheel—can lead to mistakes, missed details,
and a loss of credibility.
Here’s what you should take—and leave—
from the Real Slim Shady’s creed when it comes
to owning the moment and staying in control in
the courtroom:
Take: “Own It”
Own your case. Accountability and preparation
are your best friends in trial. It has been said
that more cases are won or lost in the preparation
phase than in the courtroom itself. When
you’ve done the work, you walk into court with
confidence and clarity. I was reminded of this
during a recent trial. While the nights of trial
prep were long and my personal schedule suffered,
the benefits of having mastered my file
and having its details at my fingertips enabled
me to argue with precision and confidence.
Leave: “Lose Yourself”
Courtroom advocacy can appear theatrical, but
every word, movement, and intonation should
be deliberate and appropriate. Being effective
and professional in front of a judge or jury
therefore means mastering emotional regulation
when the pressure is on. We each have our
own way of doing this when things get tense.
Feeling nervous is natural and indicates that
you care. Usually, pausing, breathing, and recalibrating
is a good antidote even for the most
seasoned advocate to ensure that even though
he’s nervous, “on the surface he looks calm and
ready.” For me, recalibrating comes in the way
of phoning a trusted friend, colleague or mentor
for a few soundbites of encouragement.
Take: “You Only Get One Shot”
It’s true: unless an appeal is granted, there are
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no do-overs. Trial days are long but require
constant quick thinking and agility. Know your
strategy. Know the rules of evidence. Know your
case themes and stick to your story.
Take: “Snap Back to Reality”
Mistakes and missteps will happen. Things outside
of your control will happen. A witness goes rogue.
A ruling doesn’t go your way. Opposing counsel is
underhanded. You yell out “injection” instead of
“objection”. Don’t ruminate on these things. Address,
regroup, refocus, and move on quickly.
During a jury trial recess some time ago, an observing
senior partner advised me to start taking
control of the courtroom and to quit acting
timid. I had been allowing my nerves to dampen
my confidence. Following this candid advice, I returned
to the courtroom with a renewed outlook,
a raised voice and quickly regained command.
Take: This Opportunity Comes Once in a
(File’s) Lifetime
Every file and every trial offers its own set
of challenges and learning experiences.
When the opportunities arise, be the best
and most fearless advocate you can be.
Demonstrate conviction, preparation, and
heart. Trial opportunities are rare and yet
so invaluably inform how we practise and
mature as litigators.
So go ahead and channel small doses of Eminem
the next time you gown up for trial. Get
pumped. Be focused. Just don’t lose yourself—
keep your emotions in check and act confident
and calm even if you don’t feel it. Even when
your “palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are
heavy” in the face of an intimidating trial, do
not miss your chance to go. This opportunity
comes once in a (file’s) lifetime.
Tricks of the Trade 2026
A 30+ Year Tradition for Leaders of the Personal Injury Bar
January 30, 2026 | 9:20 am to 4:30 pm (ET) | Live at Arcadian Court in Toronto
For over three decades, Tricks of the Trade has been the leading annual conference for the Ontario personal injury bar,
addressing current challenges for both plaintiff and defence counsel. Esteemed faculty will provide key updates on recent
decisions, timely advocacy tips, and the latest guidance on practice and procedure for personal injury litigators.
Keynote Speaker
The Hon. Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario
The Hon. Doug Downey is the current Attorney General of Ontario and MPP for
Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, a position he has held since his appointment in
June 2019. He is a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and
has a background in law, co-founding a law firm in 2001 and earning degrees
from Dalhousie University and Osgoode Hall Law School. Before becoming Attorney
General, he was actively involved in community and volunteer work.
Tort Law Update
Speaker: Sharu Ratnajothy,
Dolden Wallace Folick LLP
Developments around eScooters
and eBikes
Speaker: Nainesh Kotak, Kotak Law
Accident Benefits Update
Speaker: Laura Emmett,
SBA Lawyers LLP
Demonstration and Commentary:
Dis/Qualifying Experts
Speakers: The Hon. Justice Audrey Ramsay,
Superior Court of Justice
Deanna S. Gilbert, Thomson Rogers
Dennis Y. T. Ong, Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
What’s New in Waivers and
Sports Liability?
Speaker: Edward (Ted) J. Chadderton,
Carroll Heyd Chown
For up to date topics and agenda visit
www.advocates.ca
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Choose from Canada’s top mediators and arbitrators
Many Paths to Resolution. One Trusted Destination.
MENTORING
Helen Walt
B.Comm., LL.B., LL.M.
Helen has expertise in disputes
related to personal injury, insurance,
medical malpractice, commercial and
contract matters. She has over 20
years of mediation experience and is a
member of the Canadian Academy of
Distinguished Neutrals. She is
persistent, flexible and adapts to the
needs of both parties and the
situation.
Allan J. Stitt
Allan has mediated and arbitrated
complex disputes for over 30 years. He
specializes in commercial, partnership,
employment, insurance, sports,
transportation, tax and construction
disputes. He is a past President of the
ADR Institute of Canada and a past
Chair of the Sports Dispute Resolution
Centre of Canada. He is also a
Distinguished Fellow of the
International Academy of Mediators.
Word to the Wise:
Overcoming Fears Of Sharing
Speaking Opportunities
Kristen Duerhammer, KPMG Law LLP
Word to the Wise is a recurring column on mentorship experiences by MASC members.
Recently, I spoke in court on an interesting issue. As someone who spent a lot of my early career
preparing materials for others, my first instinct was to preserve the opportunity for myself. Ultimately,
given that a junior colleague had put a lot of work into drafting thoughtful written arguments
for the matter, I decided to see if they were interested in sharing the oral arguments with
me (they excitedly said yes) and the experience was better than expected. My initial fears did not
materialize and, instead, the opposite occurred.
416.362.8555 • 1.800.856.5154 • booking@adr.ca • adrchambers.com
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Fear 1: gaining less experience. I was worried that
sharing the argument would minimize the experience
I would gain ― fewer arguments to make,
fewer questions from the bench to field, and less
time for exercising oral argument skills. However,
splitting the argument allowed me to focus on the
more difficult arguments and led to earlier and
more structured preparations because we needed
to think about fitting our pieces together, which
amounted to a more meaningful experience.
Fear 2: receiving less support from my team. I
was worried that both my and my co-counsel’s
time would be absorbed in our respective preparation,
which would leave me without help on
this and other matters during an already busy
time. As it turned out, the excitement of the opportunity
energized my co-counsel and allowed
them to dig deeper into the case overall and organize
mock hearings. They made extra time to
support me on this and other files.
Fear 3: being perceived as uninterested or hesitant
to take on oral arguments. I was worried
that my colleagues or opposing counsel
would perceive sharing the oral argument
as an indication that I was hesitant to take
on speaking roles and instead prefer to be
behind the scenes. Instead, the feedback I
received was that sharing the argument displayed
confidence in the case and leadership
by creating opportunities for others.
It’s easy to be lured into the scarcity mindset
of keeping speaking opportunities to yourself.
But that approach is often counter-productive.
Courts (such as the Court of Appeal for
Ontario) are recognizing that “sharing a
portion of oral argument with more junior
counsel not only enhances training and
mentorship for newer advocates, it also
contributes to the vibrancy of the Court
as a public institution and increases public
confidence in the justice system”. Sharing
speaking opportunities is not only about
being generous to your junior colleagues
but also can benefit yourself, your client,
and the broader judicial system.
Tricks of the Trade 2026
A 30+ Year Tradition for Leaders of the Personal Injury Bar
January 30, 2026 | 9:20 am to 4:30 pm (ET) | Live at Arcadian Court in Toronto
For over three decades, Tricks of the Trade has been the leading annual conference for the Ontario personal injury bar,
addressing current challenges for both plaintiff and defence counsel. Esteemed faculty will provide key updates on recent
decisions, timely advocacy tips, and the latest guidance on practice and procedure for personal injury litigators.
Fireside Chat:
The Hon. Doug Downey,
Attorney General of Ontario
In Conversation With: Brian Sunohara,
Rogers Partners LLP
Bringing and Defending
a Civil Sexual Assault Action
Speaker: Simona Jellinek,
Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers
Linda C. Phillips-Smith, Stieber Berlach LLP
The Practical Impact of
Civil Rules Reform
Speakers: Barbara L. Legate, Legate Injury Lawyers
D. Keith Smockum, Smockum Zarnett LLP
2026 Co-Chair
Lisa Belcourt,
Ferguson Deacon Taws LLP
2026 Co-Chair
Brenda Hollingsworth,
Auger Hollingsworth
Professional Corporation
HEURISTICA RECEIVES CHAMBERS & PARTNERS RANKING
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Heuristica, a law firm with offices in Toronto and Calgary and a global reach, focuses exclusively on electronic evidence-related
consulting and legal services, including the provision of leading SaaS-based document review platforms.
Exploring Damage Assessment using
Realistic Scenarios
Speakers: The Hon. Justice Lucille Shaw,
Superior Court of Justice
Ashlee Barber, Williams Litigation Lawyers LLP
Ryan S. Breedon, Breedon Mor LLP
We Do Discovery Differently. Learn How.
Best Practices for Using AI in Litigation
2026 Co-Chair
Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi,
Pallett Valo LLP
2026 Co-Chair
Brian Sunohara,
Rogers Partners LLP
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Toronto | Calgary
Speakers: Katherine Kolnhofer, Bell Temple LLP
Rose Leto, Neinstein LLP
For up to date topics and agenda visit
www.advocates.ca

MAKE YOUR VOICE
HEARD IN
ADVOCACY MATTERS
Published by the Mid-Career
Advocates' Standing Committee,
Advocacy Matters is a regular
digital publication that
showcases the voices and
experiences of TAS members at
every stage of their careers.
We're looking for your
contributions. Share an article on
your practice area or a
memorable trial experience.
Analyze a significant case. Recap
a TAS event or program you
attended. Submit photos from
Society gatherings. Suggest a
member we should profile.
A MEMBER ONLY
PUBLICATION
Content ideas include:
What to know
about Partnership
Agreements
How to delegate
effectively
Mentoring in the
Age of AI
How to have difficult
conversations
How to start your
own firm
Or anything else that
would inspire and
support your fellow
TAS members
Click here to
check out past issues
of Advocacy Matters
THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Advocating for the
Rule of Law
David Thompson, Carroll Heyd Chown LLP
Many of us have watched with great alarm as the Rule of Law has been eroded in the United States
in recent months. I have been wondering how concerned we should be about this affecting us in
Canada, and what we as litigators can do about it. I put these questions to a few Canadian experts
on the Rule of Law: Professor Adam Dodek at the University of Ottawa, Professor Gerard Kennedy
at the University of Alberta, and Sujit Choudhry, a leading public law litigator at Circle Barristers.
INTERESTED?
Reach out to Kristen Duerhammer,
Editor at kduerhammer@kpmg.ca
or Julie Mouris, Deputy Editor,
jmouris@conwaylitigation.ca 17

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Adam Dodek, University of Ottawa
Professor Gerard Kennedy, University of Alberta
Sujit Choudhry, Circle Barristers
How Concerned Should We Be?
The overall impression I got from these experts
was that we should be concerned, but
not panicked. Professors Dodek and Kennedy
note there has been a slow and steady decline
in Canadians’ trust in democratic institutions,
including in the judiciary. The current level of
trust is still reasonably good, but it is the downward
trend that is concerning.
According to Professor Kennedy, it is unsurprising
that there is some loss of trust in
the courts. Courts are elite institutions, and
Professor Kennedy says that that the rise of
populism has led to some pushback against
courts deciding some matters that have traditionally
been within the purview of the executive
or the legislature. He believes that courts
should exercise some humility and caution
in this regard, but any perceived overreach
does not justify attacks on the judiciary as
an institution. There has been some criticism
from some Canadian politicians in recent
years about judges, but, in Professor Kennedy’s
view, these tend not to be egregious (especially
compared to those made in the US).
Professor Dodek expresses concern about
the current weakness of the Canadian media
landscape, and how consumption of American
media can affect Canadians’ perceptions
of judges and erode other democratic institutions
that support the Rule of Law. So
much of the Rule of Law in Canada is based
on unwritten rules, norms, and conventions,
and when these get whittled away, they are
hard to replace.
I discussed the 2019 SNC-Lavalin scandal,
involving attempted political interference
with the justice system, with both professors.
Professor Kennedy describes it as
deeply problematic, without sufficient accountability
and atonement from the federal
government, but the public did say it was
unacceptable. Professor Dodek believes that
collectively, the reaction from the bar and
academics was insufficient. He is concerned
about the potential long-term effects of politicizing
public prosecutors.
Professor Kennedy explains that in some
ways we are more at risk in Canada than in the
US to abuses of executive power. The separation
of powers is not as strict, and the executive
can do a lot. Our courts have often been more
tolerant of the executive acting with a significant
leash, as compared to the US. There is more review
of executive power by courts in Canada,
but it is more of a macro level consideration.
The judiciary cannot enforce its own judgments
and relies on a public that expects its executive
to abide by the Rule of Law. The structure of our
system is ripe for potential abuse.
Sujit Choudhry provides a current example
that has the potential for abuse. Our federal
government is currently under a lot of pressure
to become more independent from the
US. We are likely to see the federal government
seek to expand the scope of its executive
power to streamline the process for national
projects to strengthen the Canadian
economy. It will be up to the courts to hold
the line and ensure that any such expansion
adheres to constitutional principles.
The Bench Speaks
Friday, November 21, 2025
The Advocates' Society, 2700-250 Yonge St., Toronto ON
The Bench Speaks returns in 2025 with exclusive insights
from our all-judge faculty on some of the most pressing
issues in today's courtroom. Don't miss this unique
opportunity to hear directly from the judiciary as they
share their perspectives on the most effective advocacy
techniques they encounter, as well as advice on elevating
your own approach to advocacy.
Featuring a Fireside Chat with The Hon. Justice
Mahmud Jamal, Supreme Court of Canada.
LEARN MORE
What Can We Do About It?
Professor Dodek has several ideas about what
litigators can do to hold the line on the Rule of
Law, and he seems optimistic that we can make
a difference. He notes that the profession has
been successful and unified in defending solicitor-client
privilege. If we put some of that same
energy into defending democratic institutions,
we could strengthen them.
He says that advocates are well-placed to enter
the public sphere and combat misinformation
by getting involved in organizations and
contributing to public debate.
On a personal note, this is an area in which
I believe I have made a small difference. I am
active in my local Rotary Club, which has given
me the opportunity to organize community
events in which we bring in speakers to discuss
polarizing topics that are susceptible to misinformation.
I have also participated in meaningful
online conversations about democracy and
the Rule of Law. It is often other litigators who
make very thoughtful comments, even though

we may have different political views. I have
received several private messages from individuals
who read the comments and appreciate
seeing that it is possible to have respectful
public discourse.
Professor Dodek notes that lawyers used to
dominate politics in Canada, yet there seems to
have been a decline in lawyers’ engagement in
public life. He would like to see lawyers and lawyers’
organizations become more involved in
political issues of the day. If we are concerned
with what is happening south of the border,
we can support, join and provide financial support
to the American Bar Association, which has
been very strong and principled in speaking out
against abuses of the Rule of Law in the US.
Efforts to improve access to justice can help
strengthen the Rule of Law, according to Professor
Dodek. How can we expect members of
society to uphold democratic norms and institutions
if they, practically speaking, have no
access to them? He gives the example of how
we fundamentally accept the rationing of our
medical system in our country, i.e. you cannot
spend all the time you like with a doctor. This is
in contrast with our reluctance to ration time,
witnesses or the amount of evidence available
to any given litigant in the civil justice system.
As a result, the system becomes backlogged
and too expensive, meaning that many people
have no access to the system. Any work we can
do towards improving this access could help
create more buy-in to the system from the
general population.
Mr. Choudhry is currently working on several
high-profile cases that seek to impose constraints
on executive power. He explains that
these cases were always important, but they
are even more important now, given the federal
government is seeking to expand that power.
Some expansion may be necessary or desirable
in the current geopolitical moment, but if
we allow this expansion, it must be done in a
way that is distinctly Canadian. Only a small percentage
of advocates will work on one of these
high-profile constitutional test cases. That said,
we all interact with the government or court
system to some degree, and as we engage in
resolute advocacy, collectively, we hold the government
legally accountable. Mr. Choudhry offers
this advice: “Just because your case seems
small, it’s not; it’s about sustaining, building and
protecting a virtuous circle of the Rule of Law,
constitutionalism and democracy.”
Further Reading
The Advocates’ Society has published various
reports that touch on the Rule of Law,
and frequently makes statements when
politicians make inappropriate comments
that infringe judicial independence. For
more information, see:
• The Advocates’ Society’s
Judicial Independence
webpage
• Judicial Independence:
Defending an Honoured
Principle in a New Age
• Delay No Longer. The Time to
Act Is Now.
• Key Metrics: Unlocking the
Power of Court Data to
Transform the Justice System
Women in Litigation
Symposium (Ontario)
December 12, 2025
The Advocates’ Society,
2700-250 Yonge St, Toronto ON
Women in litigation continue to
navigate a professional landscape
shaped by systemic barriers,
implicit bias, and expectations that
don’t always reflect their lived
experiences—but whether you are
early in your career or a seasoned
litigator, there is power in joining a
room where your experiences are
reflected, your ambitions are
supported, and your voice matters.
LEARN MORE
Generously Sponsored By
20
Premier Sponsor Cocktail Reception Sponsor Supporters

Building upon the success of the first conference, The Big Chill 2026 will feature two
days of stimulating presentations and discussions.
• Day 1’s theme is “Managing Change”, and will include panels like “Responsive Leadership
– Adapting to External Forces”, and “The Future of Justice: Strengthening the Rule of
Law Together”.
LEADERSHIP
Countdown to Winter Summit:
The Big Chill Ottawa 2026
Editorial Team
From February 5-7, 2026, mid-career advocates from across the country will gather in Ottawa for
the second iteration of Winter Summit: The Big Chill, a conference dedicated to the issues and
challenges facing this vintage of advocates. This destination conference was first held in February
2024 to great success. Multiple attendees remarked on how it truly filled a niche for topics
relevant to mid-career advocates:
“It was clear the organizers took some time
to have programming that was appropriate
for mid-career lawyers.”
“I loved roundtable discussions with peers –
a great chance to bounce ideas off of people
with different experiences and practices!”
• Day 2’s theme is “Invoking Change”, and will include panels on “Embracing Innovation
in Your Litigation Practice”, and “Becoming the Leader You Want to Be”.
• There will also be various activities including a private tour of the Supreme Court of
Canada, small-group dinners, and a gala dinner on the Friday night of the program.
We asked a few mid-career advocates what they are most looking forward to:
« Je me réjouis à l’idée de rencontrer mes pairs issus de juridictions exotiques et
d’échanger des idées avec eux. »
--Daniel Baum, Langlois Avocats S.E.N.C.R.L., Montréal, Québec
“I’m really looking forward to going to Ottawa for The Big Chill this February. I see it as
a great opportunity to get to know advocates from all across Canada, engage in topics
that matter to my practice, and pick up some useful tips and ideas. Can’t wait to learn
and connect in the capital!”
--Megan Stoker, Peacock Linder Halt & Mack LLP, Calgary, Alberta
“I look forward to attending unique sessions tailored to the mid-career advocate, including
on leadership and practice management, and brainstorming with fellow lawyers on
many of these topics. The discussions I had at the last Big Chill in 2024 were invaluable
and allowed me to connect with lawyers from across the country.”
--Julie Mouris, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l., Ottawa, Ontario
“The frequent networking opportunities
and small group discussions were a very
good idea.”
“The panels were fantastic and it was nice
to take time to think ‘big thoughts’ about
career advancement.”
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Q. Your appointment as President of The Advocates’ Society did not come about in a conventional
way. What prompted you to step up and put your name forward when the vacancy arose?
A. The Society’s Board has a four-person Executive Committee that operates on a ladder system, so the
President typically spends three years on the Executive Committee before becoming President, and
therefore has a lot of time to plan for their year leading the Society. This year, the Board had to appoint
an entirely new Executive Committee. Past-President Peter Griffin graciously volunteered to work with
the Nominating Committee to design and implement a process for choosing the new Executive Committee.
Candidates completed applications that were reviewed by the Nominating Committee and the
Board, and a new Executive Committee was elected at our Board meeting on May 28.
I confess that I hesitated about putting my name forward. My four-year term on the Board was
coming to an end, and I had already been anticipating what I would be doing following the end of
my term after what had been a very challenging year for the Society. I also knew that I was going
to be moving firms at the end of August, which is a big project in itself. I consulted with some trusted
colleagues/friends (including Michael Binetti, my new managing partner, who enthusiastically
encouraged me to apply) and ultimately decided to apply for two reasons.
First, I believe in the Society. The Society has been very important in my professional development
and in making me feel like I am part of a dynamic, supportive community of advocates, and
I want other advocates to have the opportunity to benefit from the Society in the same ways that
I have. The Society is also an important voice on policy issues that I care about, like judicial independence,
civil justice delay and ensuring equitable access to justice for all. I want the Society to
continue to thrive, which leads to my second reason for applying: I believe that I can make a meaningful
contribution to the Society’s success. Coming out of the events surrounding End of Term
Dinner last spring, the Society is facing many challenges but also many opportunities to learn and
improve. I have a lot of experience in different leadership roles in the Society (including as Chair
of the Mid-Career Advocates Standing Committee, or MASC), and a lot of ideas for change, and I
hope that combination will have a positive impact on the Society this term.
INTERVIEW
An Interview with
Hilary Book, President,
The Advocates’ Society
Compiled by Ian Matthews,
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Q. What are some of the ideas that you have for change?
A. As one example, to increase communication with the Society’s members about what’s happening at
the Society beyond CPD and events. I have been authoring a monthly newsletter – the President’s Message
– to regularly provide members with information about what’s going on at the Society. The most
recent newsletter talks about the Society’s committee structure. I am a big believer in the importance
of being transparent with our members.
Q. In a related vein, what are the key priorities for the Society this year?
A. The Society has three priorities this term: (1) repairing relations and outreach; (2) improving our
corporate governance; and (3) continuing excellence in our core areas of education, community and
advocacy.
24 25

Q. As it pertains to repairing relations and improving corporate governance, do you believe
the Society needs to look inwards, or outwards? Or both?
A. Both. Since becoming President, I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of leaders
of other legal organizations, including leaders of associations of equity deserving lawyers. Internally,
we are deeply engaged in our EDI action plan and our new corporate governance task force
is already hard at work. In both of these areas, I believe that consulting and talking are important,
but so too is ‘doing’. We intend to take action of being transparent with our members.
Q.How do Society events like the Big Chill in Ottawa assist in building the profiles and practices
of mid-career advocates? Will you be there?
A. I’m excited to be attending. I grew up in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary, so Ottawa in February
will be no problem, even if I’ve gotten a little soft from living in Toronto for the past couple of decades. I
wasn’t able to attend the inaugural edition of the Big Chill, but I heard it was amazing and I have serious
FOMO about the next one. It will be a great opportunity to connect with similarly-situated advocates
and peers from across the country.
Q. You have been on the Board of the Society for several years. What new insight have you
gained into the Society in your first months as its President?
A. I have always valued the Society, but I don’t think I fully realized how important it is to others,
too. I have spoken with many members of the Society who care deeply about the Society and its
future. I have spoken with members of the broader legal community who appreciate the Society’s
considered approach on policy issues. And, I have spoken with many members and non-members
alike who have criticisms of the Society but who still want to engage with the Society and who believe
in the power of our community of advocates to support and strengthen the profession and
the justice system. That’s not to say I expect the rest of this term to be a walk in the park – far from
it – but I am heartened by a lot of the messages, meetings, etc. I’ve had since becoming President.
Q. What is your message to mid-career advocates who are thinking about whether to join—or
re-join—The Advocates’ Society?
A. I’m still mid-career-ish (I was called in 2006), and I know this is a challenging stage. We have
many competing demands on our time besides just billing, from bringing in work to mentoring
more junior lawyers to taking on firm management roles, before even getting into things like childcare
and caring for aging parents. It can be hard to squeeze one more thing into your day, into
your mental load, into your financial obligations. But it is also exactly when everything is hard that
it is especially meaningful to be part of a community of advocates.
26
Q. You are a former member of the Mid-Career Advocates Standing Committee. How can mid-career
advocates best leverage their membership in the Society? What was your experience?
A. Even if your involvement in the Society is limited to coming to End of Term Dinner every year,
or reading the excellent Advocates’ Journal and Advocacy Matters on a regular basis, there is real
value in membership in the Society. However, my experience is that the more you put into it, the
more you get out of it. For example, instead of just going to End of Term, try going to one event
per quarter – more regular contact with other members helps build relationships. Instead of just
reading the Journal or Advocacy Matters, submit an article – I’ve been surprised at the people I’ve
heard from in response to articles I’ve written who I wouldn’t have even thought were Journal or
Advocacy Matters readers. Encourage your junior colleagues to be active in the Society – their
networks may also end up being part of yours. And, if you can commit the time, volunteer to be a
Society leader, whether by applying for the Board, MASC, practice groups, or otherwise.
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of Claim
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Attended Motion for
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DISBURSEMENTS
2025/01/29
2024/05/15
No Label
DESCRIPTION LAWYER RESPONSIBLE HOURS AMOUNT ($)
Motion & Affidavit
for Default Judgement
Draft letter to client
DISBURSEMENTS WITH HST
AR 1 450.00
AR
CL
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TOTAL:
5
1
10.00
HST ON FEES(13%):
TOTAL:
HST ON DISBURSEMENTS(13%):
2,250.00
250.00
1,050.00
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520.00
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WRIT-TEN ADVOCACY
Jordan Katz, Ivanov Katz LLP
WRIT-TEN ADVOCACY
by Jordan Katz, Ivanov CLICK Katz HERE LLP TO PLAY
1
7
11
14
18
20
23 24
2
6
3 4 5
12 13
15 16 17
25
19
8 9 10
21 22
Across
1. *Command
6. Satie or Spoelstra
7. *Quash
11. Oxygen
12. Not BC
13. Meme format
14. Indian bread
17. Large number / small boat
18. French bread
19. Book read during Purim
(abbr.)
20. It includes Princess
Margaret and Toronto
General (abbr.)
21. Take too much (abbr.)
22. New Brunswick postal
codes start with it
23. Type of bridge
26. Maple or family
27. *Quo _______ (on what
authority?)
Down
2. Hold (might lead to 7 Down)
3. Parched
4. “O Sole ___”
5. Where Chrystia Freeland is
now a special envoy (abbr.)
7. *Habeas ______
8. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s
_____”
9. It’s the geologist’s fault
10. Programming construct
15. Where Obama was born
16. Sardine containers
17. Moses parted it
21. Long, unbroken take, in
film lingo
24. Bake sale group
25. “To ____ is human…”
26
DOWN: 2. DETAIN, 3. ARID, 4, MIO, 5.UKR, 7. CORPUS, 8. AGAS, 9. RIFT, 10. IFTHEN, 15. OAHU, 16. TINS, 17. REDSEA,
21. ONER, 24. PTA, 25. ERR
27
ANSWERS:
ACROSS: 1. MANDAMUS, 6. ERIK, 7. CERTIORARI, 11. O, 12. AD, 13. GIF, 14. ROTI, 17.RAFT, 18. PAIN, 19. ESTH, 20.
UHN, 21. OD, 22, E, 23. SUSPENSION, 28. TREE, 27. WARRANTO

7e Gala Annuel de La Société des plaideurs
Le jeudi 25 septembre 2025 | Montréal, Québec
30
Caroline Laverdière, Procureur général du Canada
31
Hilary Book, Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP

7e Gala Annuel de La Société des plaideurs
Le jeudi 25 septembre 2025 | Montréal, Québec
Caroline Laverdière, Procureur général du Canada
32 33
Marc-Antoine Côté, Woods LLP
Bernard Amyot, Ad. E., LCM Avocats Inc.
The Honorable Manon Savard,
Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Quebec

Mid-Career Advocates’ Fall Social
October 22, 2025 | Toronto, Ontario
34 35

36
www.advocates.ca