The Investigator’s Guide to Testifying in Non-Criminal Legal Proceedings: A Practical Skills Workshop
Program Length
1 Day
Program Dates
Online (Live)
Learn with peers in real-time online environment.
The Investigator’s Guide to Testifying in Non-Criminal Legal Proceedings: A Practical Skills Workshop
Program Chairs
Luisa Ritacca
Stockwoods LLP
Brennagh Smith
Crown Counsel, Prairie Regional Office, Department of Justice Canada
Successful prosecutions can turn on the testimony of the investigation.
Are you prepared?
If you are involved in regulatory enforcement or otherwise giving investigation evidence, this program is essential.
Developed by leading practitioners and investigators, this OsgoodePD program has been specifically designed for those who are called to testify in any non‑criminal investigations. Throughout the day, you will have the chance to hone your skills while being examined and cross‑examined. Led by some of Canada’s foremost instructors in advocacy skills training, you will get to testify and receive individualized feedback in small groups.
You’ll walk away with practical tips and strategies that you can immediately put to use and an increased confidence when you are called upon to give oral evidence.
Space is strictly limited to ensure that each attendee receives the personal attention necessary to enhance the quality and impact of your learning experience.
Please Note: This program will NOT be recorded.
What You’ll Learn
Using a real-life regulatory scenario, you will practice and learn:
How to effectively prepare and review the evidence
Strategies for giving evidence clearly and “surviving” the cross-examination
How to respond to the different strategies that counsel may employ
PLUS! You will get individualized feedback to ensure you can immediately put learned skills into practice.
Who Should Attend
All investigators in non-criminal (including regulatory) contexts
Faculty
Program Chairs
Luisa Ritacca
Stockwoods LLP
Brennagh Smith
Crown Counsel, Prairie Regional Office, Department of Justice Canada
Cory Hennessey
Investigating Officer, WorkSafeBC
“The course was well laid out with a good combination of lecture and interaction. The opportunity to participate and receive immediate feedback was excellent. Additionally, being able to observe and hear feedback on others was very useful.”
Agenda
9:00 a.m. Making the Most of Your Testimony From the Beginning
You’ll get a comprehensive overview of all the key steps that go into giving effective testimony. This will provide the necessary foundation you need for the remainder of the day.
How to best review the evidence and prepare for court
Practical tips for testifying including communication techniques: word choice, composure, body language, etc.
Bad habits and how to avoid them
Responding to various approaches by counsel when being examined or cross-examined
Luisa Ritacca, Stockwoods LLP
Brennagh Smith, Crown Counsel, Prairie Regional Office, Department of Justice Canada
10:00 a.m. Review of the Case Scenario and Instructions for the Workshop
Prior to the program, you’ll receive a sample case file based on a real-life regulatory scenario and specifically designed for this program. The Program Chairs will review the fact scenario along with the instructions for the workshop and address any questions you might have.
NOTE: To ensure that you get the most value out of the workshop, all participants should review the materials in advance. These will be e-mailed approximately 5-7 business days prior to the workshop.
Luisa Ritacca, Stockwoods LLP
Brennagh Smith, Crown Counsel, Prairie Regional Office, Department of Justice Canada
10:30 a.m. Testimony Skills Workshop: Small Group Practice Sessions
It’s now time to apply the techniques you learned in the opening session. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll have a rare opportunity to hone your testimony skills in a “no-stakes” environment. This is your chance to practice and experiment with different strategies that will be invaluable when you do have to testify.
Participants will break into small groups and engage in a mock hearing. You will give evidence in direct examination and on cross-examination. The evidence will be based on the fact scenario provided prior to the program. You’ll then receive individualized feedback from experienced counsel on presentation (body language and other non-verbal aspects), as well as an evaluation of how your testimony holds up and how it can be improved.
You will learn:
How to properly use your notes
Common questioning techniques designed to trick or fluster the witness
How to take advantage of open-ended questions
Communication techniques to bolster your testimony
How to ensure you meet your ethical obligations and maintain your professional reputation when testifying
NOTE: Two 15-minute breaks and a 60-minute lunch will be taken through the day
Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time prior to the start date of the program. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 14 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 14 days notice, an administrative fee equal to 20% of the program cost, to a maximum of $250 will apply per person. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
“The entire day was excellent. It was well organized, thoughtful, useful and focused. The hands-on emphasis was an excellent opportunity to practice what we were learning.”
CPD and Accreditation
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.
All online; combination of live and asynchronous learning.
5 Modules
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Unfortunately, no. Effective for all 2019 filings and subsequent years moving forward, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has replaced T2202A’s with the T2202. Under the new CRA definition and criteria, our CLE short courses and certificate programs do not meet the definition of ‘qualifying educational program’. For this reason, we are unable to issue you a T2202. For more information, please visit the CRA site.
Once a program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program; however, it places you on a priority contact list. If any spots become available, you may be notified by email or phone to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. Once contacted, you will typically be given 24 hours to confirm your interest. If you do not confirm interest within the provided timeframe, you will be removed from the waitlist and the next person will be contacted.
Many of our programs include 120-day unlimited, online access to view the recorded program. See the program page or brochure to find out if the program you’re interested in includes this access. If you need more time to view the content, or have questions about the access, please email: OPDSupport@osgoode.yorku.ca.
If the program includes access to the recording, you will have unlimited online access to the recorded content for 120-days from the end date of the program.
Access is only for the registered delegate. In the event of misuse, access can be revoked.
CPD hours for each program can be found on the program web page and program brochure. For questions regarding CPD hours, please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for OsgoodePD Programs unless specific bursary information appears on the program page/program brochure. Head to our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Please reach out to the OPD Technical Support here.
Yes. We do offer group rates on our programs. Please visit our group rate page for more information. Some exceptions apply, and rates are subject to change.
In Person: Attendance for the program will take place at Osgoode Professional Development (1 Dundas Street West, Suite 2602, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3) unless otherwise specified. Program Materials will be printed and available for pick up upon arrival.
Live Webcast: Designed for busy schedules, attend an online, live webcast using state-of-the-art video-conferencing. Attendance is via live stream with an opportunity to submit questions to the speakers throughout the program. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Online Replay: Watch a pre-recorded webcast, which includes a live Q&A with an instructor. Registration includes 120-day access to the program archive.
Program on Demand: Watch a pre-recorded session online, from the comfort of your home or office. Get unlimited access with our online subscription. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Unless a program is sold out or otherwise noted, registration closes at 12:00PM (noon) ET the business day before the scheduled program date.
Registration for webinars closes at 10:00 AM ET the morning of the session, unless sold out.
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
