Program Chairs
Jason Annibale
Partner, McMillan LLP
Sandra Astolfo
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Learn the essential framework and mechanics for navigating Ontario’s technical construction lien process.
Engage with leading construction law practitioners and litigators and solidify your understanding of the core legal and procedural aspects of the construction liens process in Ontario, and get real-world examples, procedural tips and expert insights to apply on your next liens matter.
Whether you’re a lawyer in private practice or in-house, or a professional in construction, finance, or real estate, understanding the basics of Ontario’s construction lien process is essential. This program delivers the core knowledge and practical tools you need to navigate the complexities of lien law with confidence.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
What is a lien? When do rights arise and expire? Including with different types of liens
How construction liens work and why they matter
Key timelines, documentation, and procedural steps
How to preserve, perfect, and enforce a lien
Understanding liens, the holdback system, and the key players
Troubleshooting tips for liens involving leases, condos, municipalities and subdivisions
Overview of a breach of trust action and remedies, including key issues and challenges and strategies if your matter ends up in court
Lien actions and mortgage priorities – who gets named in the lien action, and who gets paid first?
Common lien mistakes and how to avoid or repair them and manage client expectations, including LAWPRO insights
Lien trials and arbitration – how to prepare and what to expect, including how to handle common evidentiary issues
PLUS! Program includes access to three self-paced online classes, available on October 7, 2026:
· Construction Liens in Ontario: The Essentials
· Ted’s Lien Talk: Key Changes to Complex Liens under Ontario’s Construction Act
· Breach of Trust and Companion Remedies: Moving Beyond the Usual and Other Risks
Who Should Attend
Lawyers (private practice or in-house)
Construction professionals
Real estate and finance professionals
Project managers and consultants
Anyone involved in construction contracts or disputes
Faculty
Program Chairs
Jason Annibale
Partner, McMillan LLP
Sandra Astolfo
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Program Advisor
Geza Banfai
Counsel, McMillan LLP
Past Instructors Include:
Brendan Bowles
Glaholt Bowles LLP
Paul Hancock
Daoust Vukovich LLP
Martine Morin
Unit Director and Counsel, Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO)
Ted Rotenberg
Retired Senior Counsel
Tushar Sabharwal
Drudi Alexiou Kuchar LLP
Neeta Sandhu
Pallett Valo
Michael Swartz
WeirFoulds LLP
Nisar Patel
Law Office of Nisar Patel
“Very good. All faculty were very experienced in construction lien matters, and I valued learning more about the process to register a lien and lienable vs. non-lienable costs and services.”
Register
Printable registration form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact OsgoodePD@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
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:
CPD and Accreditation
Please Note
The hours below are for the 2025 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 | 5h 35m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 45m |
| Total | 6h 20m |
| Substantive | 5h 35m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 45m |
| Total | 6h 20m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
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
Alexandra Karacsony, Program Lawyer
AKaracsony@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.