2023 Schedule
Keynote Speakers
Kristen Thomasen
Kirsten Thomasen is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia
Dr. Thomasen is a regular public commentator in the mainstream media and other channels, and serves on the Legal Expertise Committee of the Foundation for Responsible Robotics, as well as the International Committee for Robot Arms Control.
James Lockyer
James Lockyer, is a named partner in the Toronto office of Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh.
James is a founding director of Innocence Canada (formerly known as the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC)), a Canada-wide organization that advocates for the wrongly convicted.
AGENDA
Please note that all times listed are in PST.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
7:30PM Informal Meet & Greet sponsored By Juan Lopez & Conron Law
Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel at the Linq followed by cocktails at Carlos'n Charlie's.
Meet at the base of the High Roller at 7:30 PM. We will purchase tickets as a group and then board for a ride above Las Vegas. Tickets are $34.75. We will then meet at Carlos'n Charlie's Lower Deck at 9 PM, it is just west of the Flamingo Hotel Pool. The first round is on us!
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Taking place in Sunset room 5/6 of the convention center located on the Planet Hollywood Mezzanine.
8:00AM Continental Breakfast sponsored by Over 80 Law
8:30AM - 8:45AM Welcome Remarks
8:45AM - 9:30AM Criminal Law Jeopardy!
Sam Puchala, Velox Law, London
Carolynn Conron, Conron Law, London
Nick Cake, Cake Criminal Defence, London
Three of our favorite presenters kick off the conference with a sparkly challenge.
9:30AM - 10:30AM Keynote Speech: Wrongful Convictions in the 21st Century
James Lockyer, Toronto
Legendary advocate for the wrongly convicted James Lockyer attends as our keynote speaker.
10:30AM - 10:45AM Networking Break
10:45AM - 11:45AM A stocked practice toolbox: How to avoid and understand ineffective assistance allegations
Andrew Furgiuele, Toronto
John Scott Cowan, Goderich
Experienced counsel will identify ways to better represent your client through the lens of an ineffective assistance claim. Papering your file, engaging with the evidence, listening to your client, and preparing them for the unpredictable ebbs of testifying.
11:45AM - 12:45PM A century’s worth of wisdom
Bob Morris, Goderich
Barry Sinder, Winnipeg
Do they have 100 years practice between them? We won’t put them on the spot, but it’s close. Barry and Bob will share tricks, tips, anecdotes, and tragedies from two legendary careers on both sides of the courtroom.
1:30PM - 6:00PM Cabana Pool Party sponsored by Ethical Capital Partners
Leave your legal briefs in the room and bring your swim trunks! Get ready to party poolside at the Pleasure Pool at Planet Hollywood.
Friday May 5, 2023
Taking place in Sunset room 5/6 of the convention center located on the Planet Hollywood Mezzanine.
8:00AM Continental Breakfast
9:00AM - 10:00AM Social Media Use and Ethical Brand Building
Solomon Friedman, Ottawa
Jessyca Greenwood, Toronto
With a focus on the unique position of and practice of defence lawyers, who generally tend to practice solo or in small firms - how does one build a sustainable, ethical and reputable brand that is also marketable using social media? What is the importance of creating community?
10:00AM - 11:00AM Keynote Speech: Equality values and their influence on the interpretation of S.8
Professor Kristen Thomasen, Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia
11:00AM - 11:15AM Networking Break
11:15AM - 12:15PM Jails and Prisons: Post-conviction issues for our clients facing lengthy incarceration
Jason Mohrbutter, MLT Atkins, Regina
Simon Borys, Borys Law, Kingston
We care deeply for our clients, but when the back door of the courtroom slams shut, what’s next for them? What is our role to protect their complex legal interests behind prison walls. Jason will canvass risks, abuses, and neglect in jail through the lens of ongoing class proceedings, and Simon will give lawyers in the trenches a masterclass on classification, programming and parole.
12:15PM - 1:30PM Buffet Lunch sponsored by Donnell Law Group
1:30PM - 2:30PM How to maintain a safe and happy workplace
J. Scott Cowan, Goderich
Adam Goodman, AG Law
2:30PM - 4:30PM Oceans 11 sponsored by Sandberg Barristers
Join us for an electrifying event unlike any other - Oceans Eleven! It's not about the movie, but rather a dynamic gathering of 11 expert speakers who will captivate your mind and ignite your imagination.
Get ready to be inspired as our lineup of 11 exceptional speakers takes the stage, each delivering a thought-provoking talk in just 11 minutes. With diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, our speakers will share their insights, stories, and ideas on a wide range of topics that will challenge your perspectives, spark new ideas, and motivate you to take action.
Saturday May 6, 2023
7:30PM - 12:00AM Super Suite Party
Say your closing arguments to all the friends and colleagues you've made this week at our final social event! We will provide exact details Saturday Afternoon.