If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Perceptions from Three Recently-Appointed Judges

As litigators, you spend your entire career seeing the courtroom from the counsel podium, watching the often-inscrutable face of a judge looking back. You have probably wondered: "What is the judge thinking? Is my argument making sense? How can I do better?"  Unfortunately, there is no rule of procedure that allows us to call a timeout and ask, “How am I doing so far?”  

This unique program addresses these common concerns through a distinguished panel that consists of three recently appointed Ontario judges, one from each of the Court of Appeal, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice . The speakers share what they have observed from the bench that they wish they knew when they were counsel. They reflect on what they would have told their former lawyer selves if they could turn back time. Drawing on their recent and long-term experience as lawyers, the speakers tell you what they frequently see (and do not see but should). What advocacy skills work? What traits annoy them? How can you as an advocate be more effective?