Program Chairs

Marie Henein

Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

Jay Rudolph

Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.

Mediation is an essential pillar of our justice system, requiring specialized skills and presenting unique challenges for mediators and counsel alike.

For mediators and arbitrators, staying ahead means continuously sharpening their techniques and adapting to evolving issues. For counsel, it’s about staying informed and prepared to deliver optimal results for their clients in mediation.

A Joint Program by the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution, the International Academy of Mediators, and Osgoode Professional Development

Master the art and science of persuasion at the 2025 Mediation Forum. Designed for mediators and advocates alike, this year’s program focuses on unlocking the strategies behind effective advocacy in mediation and arbitration.

With the theme, “Mediation & Arbitration Advocacy – The Art and Science 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, and selecting the right mediator or arbitrator.

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 mediation and arbitration contexts.

Techniques for navigating challenges like breaking through impasses and managing persuasion pitfalls.

The psychological 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 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

Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

Jay Rudolph

Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.

Planning Committee

The Hon. Todd L. Archibald

Archibald Mediation and Arbitration Solutions Inc.

Jon Fidler

M+F Mediation & Arbitration Services; Past President, IAM

Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury

Founder, Gibson Chowdhury Clear Collaborative Mediation

Marie Henein

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

Conflict Analyst & Mediator, YorkStreet Dispute Resolution Group Inc. at ADR Chambers

Jay Rudolph

Rudolph Mediation & Arbitration Services Inc.

The Hon. Warren K. Winkler

Former Chief Justice of Ontario, Mediator & Arbitrator

Register

May 8, 2025

Government Rate: $347.50 + HST (use code GOV-50 when registering)
Student Rate: $40 + HST (use code WINKLER40 when registering)

$695 + TAX

Time

May 8, 2025
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.

CPD Hours
Format
Contact us for inquiries about other provinces.
Substantive 2h 35m
Professionalism1h 25m
Total4h
Substantive2h 35m
Professionalism1h 25m
Total4h

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

Gail Geronimo, Program Lawyer
ggeronimo@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.