Keeping-Tabs-Fall-2025

KEEPING TABS
The Advocates’ Society
FALL 2025

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.
Tort Law Update
Sharu Ratnajothy, Dolden Wallace Folick LLP
Developments around eScooters and eBikes
Nainesh Kotak, Kotak Law
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.
Topics Include:
Fireside Chat:
The Hon. Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario
In Conversation With: Brian Sunohara, Rogers Partners LLP
The Practical Impact of Civil Rules Reform
Barbara L. Legate, Legate Injury Lawyers
D. Keith Smockum, Smockum Zarnett LLP
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CONTENTS
Chair Chat
Sean Petrou, McCarthy Tétrault
The Law of the Leap: A Perspective on
Changing Legal Jobs
Oksana Romanov, Law Office of Oksana Romanov
Desk Duty: Practical steps to level up
your office space
Health & Wellness Working Group
Accident Benefits Update
Laura Emmett, SBA Lawyers LLP
Bringing and Defending a Civil Sexual Assault Action
Simona Jellinek, Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers
Linda C. Phillips-Smith, Stieber Berlach LLP
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Law School Musical: We’re All in This Together
Soban Atique, Student-at-law, University of Western Ontario
Demonstration and Commentary: Dis/Qualifying Experts
The Hon. Justice Audrey Ramsay, Superior Court of Justice
Deanna S. Gilbert, Thomson Rogers
Dennis Y. T. Ong, Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
Exploring Damage Assessment using Realistic Scenarios
The Hon. Justice Lucille Shaw, Superior Court of Justice
Ashlee Barber, Williams Litigation Lawyers LLP
Ryan S. Breedon, Breedon Mor LLP
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Interview: Erin Pleet, Ross Nasseri LLP
Compiled by Eric Blay, Stikeman Elliott LLP,
Michael Hodgins, Bogoroch & Associates LLP
What’s New in Waivers and Sports Liability?
Edward (Ted) J. Chadderton, Carroll Heyd Chown
Best Practices for Using AI in Litigation
Katherine Kolnhofer, Bell Temple LLP
Rose Leto, Neinstein LLP
Editor: Emily Dishart, Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP | edishart@jml.ca
Deputy Editor: Arian Monadjem, Powell Litigation | amonadjem@powelllitigation.com
For up to date topics and agenda visit
www.advocates.ca
Keeping Tabs Editorial Team: Adil Abdulla, Eric Blay, Cassandra Chaloux, Siobhan Doody, Tisha Toushin Hasan, Michael Hodgins, Nicole
Murphy, Oksana Romanov, Alexandre Thibault
The Young Advocates’ Standing Committee (“YASC”) is a standing committee of The Advocates’ Society with a mandate to be a voice for young advocates
(advocates who are ten years of call or fewer) within the Society and within the profession. We do this through networking/mentoring events, by
publishing articles by and for young advocates, and by raising issues of concern to young advocates as we work with the Society’s Board of Directors.
The opinions expressed by individual authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Advocates’ Society.
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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
CHAIR CHAT
Chair Chat
Sean Petrou, McCarthy Tétrault
As the leaves turn and the air sharpens, fall reminds
us of the rhythm of change both in nature
and in our profession. It is a season of reflection,
renewal, and readiness. For many of us, the courtroom
calendar intensifies, client demands shift,
and the pace quickens. Yet, it is also a time to
pause and consider how we show up – not just
for our clients, but for each other.
This fall, I have been thinking about advocacy
beyond the courtroom. The kind that happens
in quiet moments: mentoring a junior colleague,
volunteering for a committee, or simply checking
in on a peer. These acts may not make headlines,
but they shape the culture of our profession
in profound ways.
The Young Advocates’ Standing Committee
continues to be a place where that culture
thrives. Whether through our Fall Forum conference,
mentorship initiatives, or community
events, we are helping to build a profession
that values excellence, civility, and connection.
I encourage you to take part – whether
by attending our biennial fall conference or
an event, joining a working group, or contributing
to a dialogue that matters.
As Chair of The Young Advocates’ Standing
Committee, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand
how our members lift each other up. It is
inspiring and it is needed. The challenges we
face – whether in access to justice, legal reform,
or the wellbeing of our colleagues – require collective
effort. Let’s keep showing up.
The profession is better when we all participate
– and let’s be honest, it’s more fun too. We
have events coming up across Canada coast to
coast. Join us.
Generously Sponsored By
Premier Sponsor Cocktail Reception Sponsor Supporters
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TRANSITIONS
The Law of the Leap:
A Perspective on
Changing Legal Jobs
Oksana Romanov, Law Office of Oksana Romanov
Many readers flipping through this issue of Keeping Tabs may be experiencing a transition, or considering
one. For those readers, I am happy to share my story, my reflections on 2024, and how the choices
I made last year helped me transition into my new role in 2025.
At the beginning of 2024, I was working as a Judicial Law Clerk with the Superior Court of
Justice (Northeastern Ontario). This was primarily a research-based role. Next, I transitioned
into a predominantly litigation-based position on a trial team with the Crown Attorney’s Office in
Sudbury. By the end of 2024, I transitioned yet again - this time geographically. I moved almost 400
kilometers south to Brampton, but remained a
Crown Prosecutor (Central West Region).
This past summer, I made yet another leap: I
transitioned from my role as a per diem Crown
and government contractor, to private practice.
Since entering private practice, I have done
some criminal defence work, which has given
me a fresh perspective on representing clients
and zealously arguing all available defences.
In some ways, these jobs are different, placing
varying legal duties and obligations on me as a
lawyer. Each job has been rewarding in its ownway.
But what unites them is my passion for legal
research, litigation, and criminal law practice.
Although transitions are challenging, they
may also inspire both personal and professional
growth. In retrospect, I had more control over
my schedule doing legal research. At the Crown
Attorney’s Office, there was less control as my
schedule was aligned with the docket. On the
other hand, my role as a Crown Prosecutor was
rather dynamic, as I often had opportunities to
think on my feet throughout the day. orking on
a trial team also made me more resilient and
adaptable to change.
Interestingly, different legal jobs also call for
different professional competencies. I have
shifted my focus from preparing objective legal
memoranda to taking positions on the issues,
from editing written submissions to practicing
oral advocacy, and from briefing cases to acquiring
specific regional knowledge and relevant
cultural competency, especially when working
in a jurisdiction serving diverse communities.
Managing these work-related transitions has
taught me to stay open-minded and curious.
Disclaimer: I do not represent the Ministry of the
Attorney General, as this article is written in my
personal capacity. The views and opinions shared
in this piece are my personal views and not the
ones of my former employer.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Desk Duty:
Practical steps to level up
your office space
Health & Wellness Working Group
Even great advocates can be guilty of bad habits. Poor posture, dim office lighting, infrequent
breaks throughout the day – sound familiar?
Rethinking the way we work can reap big returns on our productivity and health. Every advocate
can make a few simple changes to create a workspace that minimizes unnecessary pains
and strains. Here are some easy and simple examples of ways that advocates can improve the
ergonomics within their work environment to maximize productivity and minimize discomfort:
1. Invest in Adjustable Furniture
Start with the easy stuff: chairs and desks.
Choose desk chairs with adjustable heights,
lumbar support, and armrests. Adjustable
desks that can be raised and lowered will allow
for sitting or standing while working, and can
encourage movement throughout the day.
2. Position Monitors and Other Devices Correctly
Proper placement of computer monitors
is critical for reducing eye and neck strain.
The top of a computer screen should be at
or just below eye level, approximately an
arm’s length away; and do not forget about
positioning your keyboard and mouse, which
should be at a comfortable height, ensuring
wrists remain straight and elbows are set at
a 90-degree angle. Some adjustments may
seem minor - but they all add up.
3. Incorporate Movement Into the Day
Litigators who are great on their feet can
sometimes spend too much time at their
desk. Schedule regular breaks to stand,
stretch, take the stairs or walk around the office.
You may even consider using a timer as
a reminder to move every hour. For added
benefit, try simple desk exercises or walk to
a colleague’s office for a quick chat instead of
sending an email. A little movement can help
make preparing for the next court case feel a
little less daunting.
4. Manage Lighting and Glare
Try using an adjustable desk lamp with
diffusers, and take advantage of natural light,
where possible. Screens should be positioned
perpendicular to windows to minimize glare,
and consider installing blinds or curtains
so that you can adjust your lighting levels if
you need to. Task lighting can help reduce
strain when reading that lengthy factum or
memorandum.
Every lawyer’s needs are unique. Take time
to assess your workspace and make adjustments
that work best for you. Making a few
small, deliberate changes – like adjusting
your office chair, moving your monitor, or
improving lighting – can have a big impact
over time. Remember that consistency is
key–incorporating these changes into your
daily routine can make all the difference in
your overall wellness.
Please remember, as well, that these are
simply suggestions. Speak with your doctor
or other medical professionals to address any
specific issues or discomfort that you may be
experiencing, or to provide customized exercises
and ergonomic treatment plans to fit
your specific needs.
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CALLING
ALL BUDDING
WRITERS
(AND VLOGGERS)
TAS STUDENT MEMBERS
Keeping Tabs is launching a
brand-new Student Corner this
year, and we want to feature
your voice.
As the digital publication of the
Young Advocates’ Standing
Committee (YASC), Keeping
Tabs is published three times a
year and reaches advocates
across Canada. Now, we’re
creating space for students to
share their experiences,
insights, and creativity.
We welcome both written
submissions and short video
clips. Keeping Tabs authors are
required to be TAS members
(only $25 for students!).
Interested? Reach out to Emily Dishart (edishart@jml.ca)
or Arian Monadjem (amonadjem@powelllitigation.com)
Content ideas include:
The rush of mooting
My favourite case or
professor (and why)
Using AI as a student
Tips for summer
student season
Law school hacks for
survival and success
Or anything else that
would inspire and
support your fellow
TAS Student members
on their journey to
becoming advocates
Click here to
check out past issues
of Keeping Tabs
STUDENT CORNER
Law School Musical:
We’re All in This Together
Soban Atique, Student-at-law,
University of Western Ontario
I never watched High School Musical, but its iconic lyrics rang through my ears as I recited the professionalism
pledge, side-by-side with my classmates, on our first day of law school at Western.
Before that day, I knew I’d be leaving school with a piece of paper declaring to the world that I
could practise law - but I never knew who I would be sharing that experience with. That uncertainty
was, at one point, terrifying.
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We’ve all been warned about the legal profession.
My undergrad professors eagerly
suggested alternative uses for my political
science/ criminology degree. Lawyers advised
that I should “run away”, and there’s always
the stale “Lawyer? You mean liar?” gag to contend
with. I don’t doubt that there are kernels
of truth behind those admonitions. Lawyers
have drive, ambition, some have towering Bay
Street views, and are inevitably there when
things have gone horribly wrong. All this is
sure to have helped paint the picture of a scary
profession, filled with scary professionals.
Naïve as it may sound now, two months into
law school, those “dangers” don’t feel real in
my classrooms. The competition I was warned
about has yet to appear. While vision, competence,
and ambition are abundant among my
classmates, none of it has turned into cutthroat
behaviour - and I believe it won’t.
So far, I see nothing of the stereotyped
Connect nect on the TAS
Mentoring ng Portal
EXCLUSIVELY FOR TAS MEMBERS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
‘LinkedIn Lawyer’ (pardon the pun), who preys
on junior associates, scoffs at opposing counsel,
and belittles their staff (or colleagues). Instead,
there seems to be a consensus that the
best way to get ahead is to value, respect, and
learn from one another. Those are the tools
I see employed by my colleagues. They have
taught me that each classmate is a friend, a
helper, and a part of one team.
What this has meant is that I have been able to
see my classmates as teachers. We look to one
another for guidance on assignments, share
notes, and ask questions to build on our understanding
of our work. Each time I’ve reached
out to one of them, I have been met with support
and encouragement.
Even when mooting, my favourite part comes
after our oral advocacy concludes and we step
out of the room while judges deliberate. This
is when we can “turn off” our legalese and inner
desire to be the next Harvey Spectre and
discuss our thoughts on the judges, mistakes
we’ve made and offer tips and reassurance.
We may be, by definition, adversaries - one
team will move up, the other won’t. But I’ve
seen sportsmanship here that I haven’t found
elsewhere, and no matter the stakes, civility,
kindness, and respect have prevailed.
Of course, we are not oblivious that recruiting
season will inevitably favour a fraction of us, but
we don’t see it as a battle to be fought amongst
ourselves. Maybe it’s a game, played by the
rules of those who came before us, that we all
participate in. Recruiters are calling the shots,
and the students stay in it together. At the end,
we can be proud of those teammates who get
the nod before we do.
Legal practice may not precisely resemble this
classroom collegiality or mooting magnanimity
- but I know now that I’ll one day be working
alongside the people who are far from the terrifying
lawyers I was warned against. For me,
these classmates are constant reminders of
the pledge we shared, of the principles of community
and mutual respect, and that, after all,
we’re all in this together.
Click Here
To Register
The only conference designed
specifically for mid-career lawyers
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
Premier Sponsor
Generously Sponsored By:
Breakfast
Sponsor
Opening Reception
Sponsor
Networking Break
Sponsor
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Supporters

Erin Pleet is an emerging leader in Canada’s litigation bar, known for her commitment to advancing
the next generation of advocates. Erin joined the Young Advocates’ Standing Committee
(YASC) in 2017 and quickly became a driving force within The Advocates’ Society (TAS), serving on
multiple committees and ultimately chairing YASC during the pivotal 2021–2022 term. As Chair,
Erin steered the Committee through the challenges of the pandemic, championing opportunities
and support for junior litigators at a time when mentorship and advocacy were more important
than ever. Now a partner at a leading litigation boutique, Erin is recognized for her strategic acumen,
her dedication to mentorship, and her ability to inspire young lawyers to build meaningful
and resilient careers in advocacy.
Q. How did your time as Chair of the Young Advocates’ Standing Committee (YASC) shape
your career and perspective as a litigator?
A. Chairing YASC was a crash course in leadership and teamwork. The Chair is accountable to a group
of talented peers, all focused on advancing young advocates. The pandemic forced us to think big:
how do we support junior lawyers when the usual opportunities— in-person court appearances, networking,
mentorship—are suddenly out of reach? It was a chance to advocate for our cohort and to
work closely with leaders across the bar.
INTERVIEW
Interview:
Erin Pleet, Ross Nasseri LLP
Q. What challenges or initiatives during your tenure on YASC stand out as especially formative?
A. COVID-19 was the defining challenge. A year into the pandemic, almost everything was still remote.
We heard from young lawyers juggling work-from-home with family, or feeling isolated in
their small condos. The loss of in-person mentorship and networking was real. Following on the
work of the immediate past Chair, Chris Horkins, our mandate was clear: advocate for opportunities
and support for young advocates, and make sure their voices were heard by the broader
profession. I’m proud that YASC was at the table with the TAS executive as we all navigated that
tough year.
Compiled by Eric Blay, Stikeman Elliott LLP,
Michael Hodgins, Bogoroch & Associates LLP
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The Advocates’ Society
Meeting & Events
Rental Facility
LEARN MORE

Q. What’s your “elevator pitch” for why junior litigators should get involved with The Advocates’
Society?
A. It’s the best CPD out there, full stop. But beyond that, it’s a high-quality networking platform. Even
if you’re not a natural networker, TAS events make it easy to meet people outside your firm or law
school bubble. You can also write for publications, join committees, and volunteer for initiatives. These
are all ways to build your reputation and show you can get things done. You will find people at every
stage of practice, willing to share insights and advice. If you want to grow, TAS is a sure-fire way to learn
and demonstrate your skills.
Q. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice as a new advocate, what would it be?
A. No one expects you to be a fully formed lawyer on day one. What matters is that you try, learn, and
grow. Be self-aware, know your strengths and weaknesses, and seek out opportunities to improve. The
feeling that you’re learning a new job every few years is normal, as you move up in seniority and gain
more responsibility. Embrace it; otherwise, you’ll get bored.
Q. Your practice spans commercial, securities, estates, and administrative law. What drew you to
such a diverse portfolio?
A. For me, commercial litigation is where the complex, multi-party, high-stakes problems live. The
field is never stagnant. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to handle everything from pro bono anti-SLAPP
defamation matters to intricate fraud, securities, and estates disputes, and often disputes with regulatory
angles. Being at a boutique firm has given me the flexibility to take on challenging cases. The
variety keeps you sharp, and the skills you build in one area often translate to another.
Q. What’s your idea of “perfect lawyerly happiness”?
A. It’s the satisfaction of a job well done, knowing you did your best. You don’t choose your facts, you
don’t choose the law, but you do your best with the cards you’re dealt. Try to surround yourself with
good people and good colleagues (something I’ve been very fortunate to have since day 1), because
that will greatly increase your happiness.
Q. What has litigating high-stakes matters taught you about advocacy?
A. Whether it’s a multi-party commercial dispute or a pro bono case, the stakes are always high for
someone. I think the key is to find the aspect of the case that excites you—maybe a tricky legal issue or
a compelling fact—and run with it. Try to focus on what keeps the job interesting and helps you manage
the pressure.
Q. Can you share a professional moment that shaped your approach to litigation?
A. I once acted for a retired member of the Armed Forces in an anti-SLAPP case. During submissions,
the judge asked about my client’s rank—a detail I hadn’t thought to ask. The client was permitted to
stand up and tell the judge from his seat in the courtroom. The judge’s reasons later reflected an understanding
of my client’s motivations and character drawn from his years of service. Advocacy isn’t
just about law and facts; it’s about telling the client’s story in a way that resonates.
Q.Any final advice
for junior litigators?
A. There’s a mentor
for every mentee. That
person might be in your
firm, or outside it, maybe
someone you meet
through TAS. Lawyers
generally love solving
problems, and that includes
helping each
other. Don’t be shy
about seeking mentorship;
the profession is
full of people willing to
help you grow.
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Young Advocates’ Fall Social
September 18, 2025 | Toronto
Calgary Bench and Bar
October 16, 2025 | Calgary
The Honourable Justice Colin Feasby,
Court of Kings Bench of Alberta
The Honourable Justice Colin Feasby,
Court of Kings Bench of Alberta
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Ottawa Social
October 30, 2025 | Ottawa
TAS Video Collections
TAS Video Collections is a library of professional development programs
that you can rent and watch from the TAS website. Members, sole
practitioners, government lawyers, and litigators at small firms can
also take advantage of discount pricing .
Artificial Intelligence for Litigators
The award-winning Artificial Intelligence for Litigators series will get you up to speed on how rapid
advances to AI are impacting litigation practice. Click here to view the full collection.
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www.advocates.ca

Peel Judges Speed Mentoring
October 30, 2025 | Brampton
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www.advocates.ca