Program Directors

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers

Eligible for

If you practise or want to practise Family Law – you MUST take this unique, hands-on skills program.

Over 10 intensive modules – spread out over 3 months – you will work closely with and receive personalized feedback from senior family law judges, experienced counsel, and specially trained simulated clients. With hands-on skills workshops and interactive, discussion-based lectures you will acquire the key foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to practice family law with confidence.

The Osgoode Certificate in Family Law Skills and Practice was designed and is delivered by the leading family law judges, lawyers and experts. Focusing on the practical, we will work through the key stages of a family law file using a combination of in-depth case studies, simulated clients, and skills workshops. You will benefit from individualized feedback and practice learned concepts in a supportive learning environment.

In an intimate online environment, you will have lots of opportunities to ask questions, engage with faculty and forge valuable connections with other family law professionals.

Given the interactive nature of this program, space is strictly limited. Reserve your place now to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

Please note the workshop dates. Completion of the workshops is a requirement for the certificate. The 6 workshops will only be offered on the scheduled dates.

Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

How to master the initial client interview (and why it is so critical)

Strategies for managing your client, including those “difficult” client and clients with special challenges

What you should and shouldn’t include in your Financial Statement, and what you should look for in the other sides’

How to assess options for consensual resolution: learn how to determine what your client really wants and needs; participate in a simulated negotiation

Tactics for drafting Minutes of Settlement

What needs to be done when your matter doesn’t settle, including mastering the case conference

Successful strategies in motion advocacy: how to give the Court what it needs

How to effectively structure your written and oral submissions

Best practices for dealing with experts. Using your own and strategies for challenging the other side’s

Critical tips for drafting separation agreements

Practice management techniques for avoiding issues after you wrap up the file

PLUS! Program includes six interactive workshops.

To be eligible for the certificate, students must complete all 6 workshops. The workshops will only be offered at the scheduled times:

Initial Client Meeting Workshop (April 1, 2025)
Working with People – Challenging Client Workshop (April 8, 2025)
Pre-Negotiation Client Meeting (April 22, 2025, 4:30 – 9:30 pm)
Consensual Resolution – Negotiation Workshop (April 29, 2025)
When Your Matter Doesn’t Settle – Case Conference Workshop (May 6, 2025)
Motion Workshop (May 27, 2025)

Who Should Attend

Legal professionals who are or plan to specialize in family law

Other professionals who work in the family law arena

General practitioners who want to hone their substantive knowledge and practical skills in family law

Faculty

Program Directors

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers

Advisory Board

Adam Black

Torkin Manes LLP

Aaron Franks

Epstein Cole LLP

Kathryn Hendrikx

Hendrikx Family Law

Professor Shelley Kierstead

Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Janet Whitehead

Whitehead Law and Mediation

Judges

Instructors

Stephanie Luskey

Bradley Law P.C.

“I absolutely loved this program! I am a new family law practitioner and the [certificate] provided me with the substantive legal knowledge necessary to feel confident handling a variety of family law issues. Prior to taking this program I was constantly overwhelmed… After attending the program my confidence has improved and I have a renewed passion for family law in both litigation and negotiation settings. The feedback received from senior family law judges and experienced counsel is invaluable. Their comments ring through my mind every time I draft a factum or an offer to settle. ”

Agenda

View the 2024 program brochure and agenda to see what you’ll learn from leading experts. A detailed agenda for the upcoming program will be available soon.

Mar 25 & Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 13, 27 & Jun 3, 2025

Please Note: Program content is available live and on demand, but workshops will not be recorded and must be attended live in order to earn the certificate.

$2,595 + TAX

Time

March 25, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 1, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 8, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 15, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

April 22, 2025

4:30 p.m – 9:00 p.m (ET)

April 29, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

May 6, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

May 13, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

May 27, 2025

9:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m (ET)

June 3, 2025

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

Workshop Schedule

To earn the certificate, students must attend ALL workshops at the scheduled time.

Initial Client Meeting Workshop (April 1, 2025)
Working with People – Challenging Client Workshop (April 8, 2025)
Pre-Negotiation Client Meeting (April 22, 2025, 4:30 – 9:30 pm)
Consensual Resolution – Negotiation Workshop (April 29, 2025)
When Your Matter Doesn’t Settle – Case Conference Workshop (May 6, 2025)
Motion Workshop (May 27, 2025)

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:

Certificate Requirements

In order to successfully receive an Osgoode Certificate, participants must complete the following:

  • Attend all modules – either live or on demand
  • Complete pre-program day work
  • Complete all skills workshops. These can only be completed live online, on the scheduled dates.

Julie K. Hannaford

J K Hannaford Barristers (Professional Corporation)

“This programme is the foundation that every lawyer who wants to practise family law needs, and it is the type of training that most senior family law lawyers wish they could deliver, but often can’t in light of their busy schedules.”

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.

CPD Hours
Format
Contact us for inquiries about other provinces.
Substantive42h
Professionalism13h 35m
EDI2h 10m
Total 57h 45m

Are you reporting hours from a previous date?

View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Client and Technical Support

Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.

Program content questions

Alison Hurst, Program Lawyer
ahurst@osgoode.yorku.ca

Online Technical Requirements

To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.