Program Directors
Trevor C.W. Farrow
Dean and Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School
Professor Garry D. Watson, KC
Director Emeritus, Osgoode Hall Law School
Eligible for
This one-of-a-kind practical learning experience brings together an exceptional group of over 100 advocacy skills training experts and guest speakers, all of whom are active members of Bench and Bar
Watch this video below for an inside look at ITAW:
Over six intensive days, in our unique learn-by-doing format, you will have an opportunity to develop and refine your advocacy skills in a safe learning environment that will provide extensive opportunity for individualized feedback and practice.
The program culminates with the opportunity for you to apply your skills acting as counsel in a mock trial. The trials are presided over by judges (or experienced practitioners), who will provide you with feedback on your performance.
ITAW is a truly exceptional opportunity to invest in yourself and your advocacy skills.
Our award-winning program sells out early each year. Reserve your place now.
Space is strictly limited to ensure full engagement in a small group setting.
What You’ll Learn
Curriculum
The ITAW emphasizes hands-on learning through simulated trial sessions, supported by individual and small-group critique from experienced trial counsel and judges. Annotated and recorded demonstrations are available for participants to view on their own time, offering a foundation for each exercise and helping to guide performance and preparation.
Individual Feedback and Coaching
Participants work in small groups of eight, each supported by two or more instructors. This structure ensures personalized coaching and feedback throughout the program. All participant performances are recorded, enabling self-assessment and further individualized critique to support development.
The Final Trial
The program culminates in a full-day simulated trial, presided over by judges and seasoned practitioners. This capstone experience reinforces the skills and learning from the week. Following the trial, each participant receives detailed feedback on their performance from the presiding judge.
Teaching Model
The program’s format, materials, and teaching methods are the result of a long-standing collaboration between academic instructors and members of the Bench and Bar. Drawing on resources developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the materials are adapted to Canadian court practices and procedures, and are updated annually.
Participants should note that ITAW is an intensive program. Significant evening and pre-program preparation will be required. Attendance and participation on all days is required.
Who Should Attend
Lawyers with 2-5 years of practice experience but have limited trial experience
Faculty
Program Director
Trevor C.W. Farrow
Dean and Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School
Program Director Emeritus
Professor Garry D. Watson, KC
Director Emeritus, Osgoode Hall Law School
Instructors
Ani Mamikon
Department of Justice
“The title of the course doesn’t lie. This is an INTENSE program. However, it is one of the best hands-on learning experiences that I had the opportunity to be exposed to early on in my career. The learning opportunities in the course are unparalleled. Not only are you learning from skilled and experienced advocates, but you are also meeting your colleagues and learning from them as well. Overall, this course gets an A+ from me.”
Agenda
Daily Overview:
The program kicks off on Monday, July 7 with an opening convocation, followed by small group introductions and a skills workshop on the fundamentals of direct, cross, and re-examination using two case files. Participants will practice questioning techniques and analyze case facts in preparation for Tuesday.
On Tuesday, July 8, participants continue working in small groups on direct and cross-examinations, with sessions incorporating video review and large group brainstorming to prepare for expert witness testimony.
Wednesday, July 9 begins with exercises on impeachment techniques, then moves into the direct and cross-examination of expert witnesses, with some sessions video recorded and reviewed. The day wraps with a large group case analysis of a third case file (which will also be used in the Final Trials) and distribution of final trial group assignments.
Thursday, July 10 shifts to the Final Trial case file and introduces the use of exhibits, opening and closing arguments (with video recording), and drills to prepare for the Final Trials. Participants work in their new groups alongside their Final Trial partners.
Friday, July 11 opens with a plenary judges’ panel offering advocacy tips, followed by a session explaining the Final Trials. Participants then work in small groups to refine their examination skills and receive feedback. The afternoon is free for trial preparation.
Saturday, July 12 is Final Trials day. All participants will act as both counsel and witnesses. Those serving as counsel in the morning will be witnesses in the afternoon, and vice versa. Trials begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., with participants expected to arrive by 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively.
Typical Daily Schedule:
This sample agenda is subject to variation and change. A detailed agenda will be provided in advance of the program.
Daily Orientation and Small Group Sessions (Performance, individualized critique) (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET)
Health Break (10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. ET)
Small Group Sessions (Performance, recorded individualized critique) (10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET)
Lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET)
Small Group Sessions (1:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. ET)
Health Break (2:20 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ET)
Small Group Sessions (2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
Daily Review (4:00 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. ET)
Health Break (4:05 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. ET)
Full Section Meeting (Case analysis & trial planning) (4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET)
Demonstration Videos Viewed Asynchronously
Register
Jul 7-12, 2025
This program is now SOLD OUT! Please register to join the waitlist.
Location:
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
33 Gerrard Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z4
$4,995 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m (ET)
Printable Registration Form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Do you offer financial assistance?”
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also know understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. See grants available to help offset the cost.
Fellowships for the 46th Annual Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop
Fellowships are available to lawyers who could not otherwise attend ITAW due to financial constraints, and provide full tuition for the program.
To apply for either fellowship:
THE Application deadline is February 16, 2025.
Send a CV, a persuasive cover letter and a copy of your previous year’s tax return to:
Osgoode Professional Development
Attn: Gail Geronimo, Program Lawyer
By email to financialaid-opd@osgoode.yorku.ca
To ensure fairness to all applicants, please note that applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline date has passed. Successful applicants will be notified one to two weeks following the deadline date.
CPD and Accreditation
Please Note
Final CPD accreditation has yet to be confirmed. The hours below are for the 2024 iteration of the program and should be used as an estimate only. Confirmed hours will be available soon.
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive | 29h 55m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 8h 30m |
| Total CPD | 38h 25m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
Christopher A. Guerreiro
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
“ITAW brings together a community of litigators from every corner of our bar to share in honing the craft of oral advocacy. It was a privilege to spend a week learning with such a diverse, accomplished, and dedicated group of professionals. Create an opportunity to immerse yourself in this experience: you won’t regret it.”
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsThe Osgoode Certificate
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
Explore certificatesSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
Gail Geronimo, Program Lawyer
ggeronimo@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support