Program Director
Caroline Mandell
Legal Communication Consultant
Partners
A joint program of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) and Osgoode Professional Development
Learn the fundamental skills involved in writing clear, concise and well-reasoned decisions
Delivered by and for members of the administrative justice community, this dynamic one-day workshop blends interactive learning with practical, skills-based training.
Led by Caroline Mandell, one of Canada’s foremost experts in in Decision Writing, and a team of seasoned facilitators from the administrative justice sector, participants will engage in small group discussions and tailored, hands-on feedback to elevate their decision-writing skills.
Please Note: Due to the hands-on, interactive nature of this program, live attendance is mandatory. Content will not be available for archived viewing.
What You’ll Learn
You will engage in practical writing exercises and learn:
Audience-focused writing: clarity, conciseness, and plain language
Techniques for context-driven, point-first writing
How to identify and organize around the “deep” issues
Crafting clear introductions and providing context
Revising and editing strategies to strengthen your writing
Best practices for delivering oral reasons
PLUS! You will obtain valuable resources including checklists, tip sheets, legal sources on sufficiency and sample decisions.
Who Should Attend
New and experienced decision-writers, reviewers, and counsel with administrative and regulatory agencies, boards and tribunals.
This is an introductory course but will be useful for anyone who has not done a full-day structured program on decision writing, or who wants a refresher.
Faculty
Program Director
Caroline Mandell
Legal Communication Consultant
Past Instructors
Emily Crocco
Chairperson, Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal
Susan Heakes
Member, Consent and Capacity Board
The Honourable Elizabeth Jollimore, K.C.
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (retired)
Susan Lightstone
Author; Former Adjudicator & Educator
Virginia McRae
Sessional Professor, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
Dionne Woodward
Counsel, Ontario Physicians & Surgeons Discipline Tribunal
Register
Mar 3, 2025
$795 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m (ET)
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
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 | 5h 25m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 45m |
| Total | 6h 10m |
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
Gail Geronimo, Program Lawyer
ggeronimo@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support