Mastering Civil Motions: Insights from Toronto Associate Judges
Get helpful tips from two Toronto Associate Judges (formerly called “Masters”) before whom you might appear. This program is a must for Licensing Candidates, recent calls, and others who are new to arguing motions or want a refresher.
“Deconstructing Civil Motions. "The program addresses the critical stages of a civil motion, including procedure, presentation, practice management, remote communications, professionalism, and ethics.
Avoiding motions ○ Why you want to avoid motions and how to go about it.
Preparing written materials ○ How to write persuasively. ○ Start by considering what you want. Then draft your notice of motion to reflect that. ○ Ensure you understand the legal tests that apply so your evidentiary record covers each point. ○ Accurately present the current state of the law.
Service before filing ○ How to avoid pitfalls so your motion is not adjourned because it was not served on time or properly.
The oral presentation ○ Tips for effective oral advocacy, whether in person or remotely. ○ How to make a compelling argument, without deviating from the evidence or the applicable law, to ensure you’re heard and understood.
Advice on remote motions.
Ethical advocacy.
Presenters • Master Linda Abrams • Mark Gannage • Master Jay Josefo
Toronto Lawyers Association
For more than 135 years, the Toronto Lawyers' Association, located within the Courthouse Library, has represented the interests of lawyers practising in the City of Toronto. The association was founded to support its members in three key areas: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Community. To uphold these pillars, the association offers a year-round mix of online and in-person education programs for lawyers, hosts both free and paid events to foster in-person networking, and submits advocacy pieces on behalf of its members to the Ontario bench and bar, all levels of government, and the broader public.
