Program Chairs
Marie Henein
Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP
J. Jay Rudolph
Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.
Mediation and arbitration are an essential pillars of our justice system which require specialized skills and present unique challenges for mediators, arbitrators and counsel alike.
For mediators and arbitrators, staying ahead means continuously sharpening one’s techniques and adapting to evolving issues. For counsel, it’s about staying informed, preparing and using persuasive advocacy skills in both mediations and arbitrations.
A Joint Program by the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution, the International Academy of Mediators, and Osgoode Professional Development
Master the art of persuasion at the 2025 Mediation Forum. Designed for mediators, arbitrators and lawyers alike, this year’s program focuses on unlocking the strategies and techniques behind effective advocacy and persuasion in mediation and arbitration.
With the theme, “Mediation & Arbitration Advocacy – The Art of Effective Persuasion,” the forum brings together leading Canadian and international experts to help you sharpen your persuasive techniques, overcome challenges, and enhance your ability to achieve results in dispute resolution settings.
Highlights of the program include:
Keynote Address: Gain inspiration and thought-provoking insights from a distinguished expert on persuasion and advocacy.
Interactive Sessions: Engage in hands-on, scenario-based exercises that bring the art of persuasion to life.
Expert Panels: Learn how to refine persuasive skills in mediation briefs, opening statements, caucus and throughout the entire process.
This program is more than a conference—it’s your opportunity to engage with top mediation and arbitration professionals. Leave inspired, equipped, and ready to apply advanced persuasion strategies to your next case.
Only plenaries will be recorded; the breakouts that will occur for parts of the afternoon will not be recorded.
What You’ll Learn
How to craft and deliver persuasive arguments tailored to both the mediation and arbitration contexts.
Techniques for navigating challenges like breaking through impasses and managing persuasion pitfalls.
The principles that underpin effective advocacy and influence.
Strategies for maximizing the impact of your mediation briefs, opening statements, and overall approach.
Practical tools and techniques to strengthen your ability to persuade in any dispute resolution process.
Plus! Registration includes in-person or online attendance, program materials and 120-day access to program archive (program archive will consist of recordings of plenary sessions and large group discussions).
In-person registration includes exclusive access to our networking reception—a perfect opportunity to connect with Canadian and international speakers, colleagues, and peers in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere.
Who Should Attend
Mediators
Counsel
Ombudsman
Arbitrators
In-house counsel
Human Relations professionals
Faculty
Program Chairs
Marie Henein
Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP
J. Jay Rudolph
Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.
Planning Committee
The Hon. Todd L. Archibald
Mediator and Arbitrator, Archibald Mediation & Arbitration Solutions Inc.; Former Judge of Superior Court of Justice
Jon Fidler
M+F Mediation & Arbitration Services
Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury
Founder, Gibson Chowdhury Clear Collaborative Mediation
Marie Henein
Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP
Paul M. Iacono
YorkStreet Dispute Resolution Group Inc. at ADR Chambers
Patricia McMahon
Assistant Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School; Co-Academic Director, Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution
Alicia Kuin
Mediator & Conflict Management Consultant
J. Jay Rudolph
Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.
The Hon. Warren K. Winkler
Former Chief Justice of Ontario, Mediator & Arbitrator
Instructors
Agenda
Registration (8:30 a.m ET)
Break (10:45 a.m. ET)
Lunch (12:00 p.m. ET)
Break (3:15 p.m. ET)
Register
May 8, 2025
Government Rate: $347.50 + HST (use code GOV-50 when registering)
Student Rate: $40 + HST (use code WINKLER40 when registering)
*Newly Licensed Rate below also applies to New Professionals
$695 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 4:30 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
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 45m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 30m |
| Total | 6h 15m |
| Substantive | 4h 45m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 30m |
| Total | 6h 15m |
| LawPRO Risk Management Credit | Yes |
|---|
| LawPRO Risk Management Credit | Yes |
|---|
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
LAWPRO
This program is approved for LAWPRO Risk Management Credit.
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.
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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
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.