5th Annual Current Topics in Ethics & Professionalism
1 Hour Professionalism
Losing a motion or trial is not easy. You have spent countless hours and sleepless nights building your client’s case, and then in one document, it is all over. A recent decision of the Québec Court of Appeal (Dunkin’ Brands Canada Ltd. Bertico Inc., 2015 QCCA 624 (CanLII)) has highlighted the need to be careful in how counsel approach and argue an appeal. This program will give you the tools you need to advocate fearlessly on behalf of your clients in the Court of Appeal while meeting ethical obligations and upholding respect for the administration of justice.
Learn from respected appeal lawyers, and Court of Appeal for Ontario judges on topics including:
- Full disclosure obligations in the context of appellate submissions - Paul Pape, Joe DiLuca and Dennis O’Connor (10 mins on ethical obligations that differ from trial/lower court appearances and the fact that the Court of Appeal does not always have the full record to consider; how to decide what to include and what not to include without engaging in sharp practice)
- Dealing with recent legal developments both prior to, and following, the appeal- Paul Pape, Joe DiLuca and Dennis O’Connor (10 mins on the ethics of keeping the appellate court apprised of new legal developments. What happens when you don’t reference a new case that adversely impacts your client? What happens when the Court is aware of the case and you are too but don’t mention it? Examples will be provided.)
- Dealing with developments on the record between the trial and appeal - Paul Pape, Joe DiLuca and Dennis O’Connor (10 mins on what happens when new developments in the matter arise: what are the obligations to raise them to the appellate court and how; how to advise clients when the development is not in their favour; what ethical issues are involved in bringing a motion to introduce fresh evidence ie. is it really new, or did you just forget?)
- Dealing with improper strategic decisions or incompetence on the part of trial counsel - Paul Pape, Joe DiLuca and Dennis O’Connor (10 mins on dealing with sharp practice on the other side and what to do and when to involve the appellate court; what to do when there is incompetence on the other side and how to maintain respect and courtesy; examples on how to do so)
- Raising new issues and arguments on appeal – Paul Pape, Joe DiLuca and Dennis O’Connor (10 mins on ethical issues that arise when new issues and arguments are introduced at the appellate court, and strategies for doing so that will not inhibit your ability to effectively represent your client)
Panelists:
- The Honourable Dennis O’Connor, QC, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
- Joseph Di Luca, Di Luca Barristers
- Paul Pape, Pape Barristers Professional Corporation
