Program Chairs
Samaneh Hosseini
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Brandon Kain
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Stay current on developments shaping Canadian contract law – from drafting and damages to disputes and decision-making – and gain practical guidance that delivers real impact.
Hear from leading litigators, transactional lawyers, in-house counsel and decision-makers at this national forum as they translate recent developments into practical strategies for drafting, risk allocation and navigating disputes under scrutiny.
Contract law is evolving rapidly, reshaping how agreements are structured, interpreted and challenged across industries. The challenge is no longer just staying current – it is responding strategically when issues arise.
In this one-day flagship national program, OsgoodePD brings together leading practitioners and decision-makers to deliver practical, experience-driven insight across the full contract lifecycle. Through real-world scenarios, you will see how recent developments play out in drafting, risk allocation and dispute strategy, including the growing use of AI in contract creation.
Leave the program with sharper judgment, practical strategies and greater confidence in navigating complex contractual issues.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
A cross-country synthesis of the most important contract law developments, with practical implications for drafting, assent (including digital/informal contracting) and remedies
How AI-assisted contracting is reshaping risk, including impacts on intention, clause reliability and emerging dispute patterns
Proven approaches to drafting and risk allocation, including why common clauses fail – and how to make them withstand judicial scrutiny
When boilerplate breaks down in practice (e.g. time of the essence, limits on extrinsic evidence), and how to address real-world drafting constraints
The evolving scope of good faith in performance, including discretion, cooperation, termination, renegotiation and pre-contractual conduct
Advanced insights on damages and remedies, including M&A disputes, penalties, valuation challenges, limits on recovery and arbitration trends
What actually drives outcomes – how judges and arbitrators assess drafting quality, party conduct, evidence and advocacy framing
Integrated, lifecycle-based dispute strategies – from formation and performance through to litigation or arbitration
Who Should Attend
Corporate, commercial and transactional lawyers
Commercial litigators
In-house counsel and legal leaders
Government and public sector lawyers
Procurement professionals
Construction and infrastructure contract specialists
Experienced practitioners working with complex commercial agreements
Faculty
Program Chairs
Samaneh Hosseini
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Brandon Kain
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Instructors
Jeff Fixsen
Partner, Duncan Craig LLP
“Excellent. Relevant, varied, and timely.”
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
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 | 4h 20m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 15m |
| Total | 5h 35m |
| Substantive | 4h 20m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 15m |
| Total | 5h 35m |
| Substantive | 4h 20m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 15m |
| Total | 5h 35m |
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.