Program Chair
Jason Balgopal
Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
At sentencing, your submissions are critical. If they are not well-crafted and persuasive, the consequences can be severe.
This intensive program will explore all the key components of the sentencing phase and provide you with effective tips and best practices on making effective submissions.
Led by a distinguished faculty of seasoned Crown Attorneys, defence counsel, and judges, this intensive program is designed to sharpen your advocacy skills and equip you with practical tools, proven strategies and established best practices. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or newly called to the bar, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to advocate effectively at one of the most critical stages of a criminal proceeding.
Participants who register for the full-day option will also gain access to our unique sentencing submissions workshop. Working in small groups, you’ll deliver sentencing submissions before a judge and receive personalized feedback from a team of experienced facilitators, including both Crown Attorneys and defence lawyers.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
Negotiation strategies (how to approach, restrictions on counsel to negotiate freely)
Identifying aggravating and mitigating factors on sentencing
Collateral consequences (immigration, employment and volunteering issues, driving prohibitions and restrictions, family and civil litigation consequences)
Types of sentences (suspended, conditional, etc.)
- Suspended sentence vs. 1 further day custody: Why do this?
- Prison vs. penitentiary sentence (when is probation possible?)
- Discharges
The effects of a joint submission
Advocacy tips for persuasive and impactful submissions
Who Should Attend
Criminal defence lawyers
Crown Attorneys
Paralegals
Faculty
Program Chair
Jason Balgopal
Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
Instructor
Julianna Greenspan
Greenspan Partners LLP
Lorna George
Private Practice Lawyer
“An excellent program!”
Register
Nov 20, 2026
Morning Sessions + Afternoon Workshop (Please note: the November 20 workshop will be live only and will not be recorded.)
$595 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)
Nov 20, 2026
Morning Sessions Only.
$249 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 12:30 p.m (ET)
Jan 22, 2027
Online Replay will only include the morning sessions recorded on November 20.
$249 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 12:30 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.
| (Morning Sessions) Substantive | 2h 15m |
|---|---|
| (Morning Sessions) Professionalism | 30m |
| (Morning Sessions) EDI | 30m |
| (Morning Sessions) Total | 3h 15m |
| (Full Day) Substantive | 4h 30m |
| (Full Day) Professionalism | 1h 15m |
| (Full Day) EDI | 30m |
| (Full Day) Total | 6h 15m |
| Substantive | 2h 15m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 30m |
| EDI | 30m |
| Total | 3h 15m |
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
Stéphane McRoberts, Program Lawyer
smcroberts@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.