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The Advocates' Society

@advocates-soc.bsky.social
197 followers 73 following 274 posts

The Advocates' Society is a national not-for-profit professional association with over 6,500 members, dedicated to Canadian advocates, and Canada’s premier advocacy skills training provider. www.advocates.ca

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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 20h
La CSC a autorisé la Société à intervenir dans l’affaire PGQ c. Petrishki. La Société fera valoir que le point de vue des justiciables devrait éclairer l’analyse des tribunaux quant à la portée appropriée de l’indépendance judiciaire d’un décideur. Pour en savoir plus : buff.ly/aPzI5F0
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 20h
The SCC has granted TAS leave to intervene in PGQ v. Petrishki. TAS will argue that, in determining the appropriate scope of a decision-maker’s judicial independence, courts must take into account the perspectives of the public and users of the justice system. Read more: buff.ly/aPzI5F0
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
TAS has written to the National Post to express concerns about the outlet’s troubling trend of publishing opinion pieces critical of court decisions that contain personal attacks against individual judges – read it here advocates.ca/Common/Uploa...
image of lady justice on dark blue background
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
📢 Membres de La Société : Le numéro de septembre 2026 de Plaideurs en action est maintenant en ligne. Cette infolettre tient nos membres informés et engagés dans l'important travail de défense des intérêts mené par La Société tout au long de l'année. Lisez-la ici: buff.ly/S3g8pzC
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Félicitations à Me Ayse Dalli du cabinet McCarthy Tétrault, récipiendaire du Prix excellence en mentorat - Québec 2026. Ce prix récompense les plaideurs et plaideuses qui ont fait preuve d'un engagement exceptionnel et d'excellence envers le mentorat au Québec.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The BC Court of Appeal has granted TAS leave to intervene in LSBC v. BC. TAS will propose a framework for courts to assess whether legislation infringes the independence of the bar. Our sincere thanks to McEwan Partners for representing TAS in this appeal. Read more: buff.ly/b5F9NTc
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The room is full, the conversation is flowing, and we’re ready to begin tonight’s program. A special thank you to Lerners, our Dinner Wine Sponsor, for supporting this memorable evening. #TASMedal26
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What a wonderful evening celebrating Brian Gover, OOnt, LSM and his extraordinary contributions to advocacy, the Society and the broader legal community. (1/2)
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Craig Ferris, TAS President, presents The Advocates’ Society Medal to Brian Gover, OOnt, LSM. The Medal is the highest expression of esteem that The Advocates’ Society can bestow upon one of its members, recognizing outstanding skill as counsel, leadership at the bar, (1/2)
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Some of the most meaningful reflections tonight come from closer to home. Clare Gover, Brian’s daughter and a cousel at the Department of Justice Canada, shares her perspective on Brian as a father, and on the influence he has had on her own path in the legal profession. #TASMedal26
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Paul Le Vay of Stockwoods LLP shares memories and reflections on Brian Gover, celebrating the colleague, advocate and friend behind an extraordinary career. #TASMedal26
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A warm welcome from Luisa Ritacca of Stockwoods LLP, as we begin tonight’s celebration of Brian Gover and his remarkable career in advocacy. Our sincere thanks to Stockwoods, our Premier Dinner Sponsor, for generously supporting this special evening. #TASMedal26
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The Advocates' Society Medal Dinner is underway! Guests are arriving at The Carlu for an evening dedicated to celebrating Brian Gover, OOnt, LSM, and the lasting impact he has made on our profession and community. We’re looking forward to an evening of connection and celebration. #TASMedal26
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
TAS has responded to the Ontario Civil Rules Committee’s consultation on potential amendments to Rule 63.01(1), which provides for an automatic stay of monetary judgments pending appeal. To develop its response, TAS surveyed its Ontario members for their views. Read TAS’s letter: buff.ly/yHKK97g
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
La Société a demandé l’autorisation d’intervenir dans l’affaire PGQ c. Petrishki devant la CSC afin de faire valoir que le point de vue des justiciables devrait éclairer l’analyse des tribunaux quant à la portée appropriée de l’indépendance judiciaire d’un décideur. buff.ly/pNBAQr5
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
TAS has applied to intervene in PGQ v. Petrishki at the SCC to argue that the perspectives of users of the justice system should inform the court’s analysis of the appropriate scope of a decisionmaker’s judicial independence. Read more: buff.ly/pNBAQr5
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Congratulations to Robin Basu, Ministry of the Attorney General, the 2026 recipient of The Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility. This award celebrates individuals who embody the values exemplified by the late Justice Catzman throughout his distinguished career. Learn more buff.ly/ChVPp7D
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
In honour of the late Hon. Ritu Khullar, we share this Fireside Chat where David Tupper, KC spoke with Her Honour about her journey to the bench and her goals as Chief Justice. CJ Khullar’s thoughtful presence will be missed by TAS’s community in Alberta and beyond. vimeo.com/share/c90a14...
vimeo.com
Virtual Fireside Chat with Chief Justice Khullar
Please join David Tupper, member of The Advocates' Society's Alberta Regional Advisory Committee, for a virtual fireside chat with The Honourable Chief Justice Ritu Khullar of the Court of Appeal of A...
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
TAS has applied for leave to intervene in LSBC v. BC at the B.C. Court of Appeal to propose a framework for assessing whether legislation infringes the independence of the bar. Our sincere thanks to McEwan Partners for representing TAS in this important appeal. Read more: buff.ly/aroGStq
Stylized scales of justice in front of different sized and shaded blue bars. The Advocates' Society logo and name are displayed below.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
FYI Ontario litigators – the Central East Region’s Sept. 2026 Civil Blitz Trial List has been posted to the SCJ’s website, for the upcoming civil trial sittings starting Sept. 14. See the Consolidated Practice Direction for the Central East Region for a link to the list: buff.ly/OYeVD37
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Consolidated Practice Direction for the Central East Region – Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Effective June 30, 2025, Updated July 7, 2026
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Ontario's Civil Rules Committee is considering potential changes to the rules governing automatic stays of money judgments pending appeal—and TAS wants to hear from you. Fill out TAS’s brief survey on the potential reforms by August 12: buff.ly/C8arhqM
Colorful graphic design featuring icons of governance, justice, and community, arranged around a teal silhouette of a head.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Welcome to our new Executive Committee for 2026-2027! We are proud to announce this year's committee, led by new President Craig Ferris, K.C., and joined by Cynthia Kuehl (Vice-President), Monique Jilesen (Treasurer) & Cynthia Spry (Secretary). See our Officers and Directors: buff.ly/HsSwo8qq
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Bienvenue à notre comité exécutif 2026-2027! Heureux d’annoncer l’équipe dirigée par le président Craig Ferris, c.r., avec Cynthia Kuehl (VP), Monique Jilesen (trésorière) et Cynthia Spry (secrétaire). Voir les dirigeants: buff.ly/NH8pqGn. Félicitations!
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
TAS urges the B.C. Government to remedy the chronic underfunding of the justice system in Budget 2027. Read our budget submission here: buff.ly/MvPRVf4
Stylized scales of justice in front of different sized and shaded blue bars. The Advocates' Society logo and name are displayed below.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
What an evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us for #EOT2026 and helped make this year's End of Term Dinner™ one to remember. Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and award recipients for being part of this remarkable night. #TASProud
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
🎶 Music, food, and friends — what more could you ask for? Head to the Discovery Centre to enjoy live music from Oui B Jammon, sponsored by Victory Verbatim, while sampling bites from the Burger Shack. #EOT2026
a band plays in the acquarium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
A fitting conclusion to an incredible evening ✨ Sandra A. Forbes of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (incoming President of ACTL and Past President of TAS) delivers the keynote speech at #EOT2026, sharing reflections drawn from a distinguished career in advocacy and leadership.
Sandra A. Forbes speaks at a podium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
As #EOT2026 continues, incoming TAS President Craig Ferris pays tribute to outgoing President Hilary Book. Thank you, Hilary, for your inspiring leadership, dedication to the Society, and commitment to advancing the future of advocacy. #TASProud
Craig and Hilary stand on stage
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
We are honoured to present the Eric Hoaken Excellence in Mentoring Award posthumously to Alan Gardner of Bennett Jones LLP - accepted by Dominique Hussey on Alan's behalf. Alan's distinguished career and profound commitment to mentoring inspired advocates across the profession. #EOT2026
Dominique Hussey speaks at a podium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Congratulations Matthew Gourlay, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, recipient of the Douglas K. Laidlaw Medal for Excellence in Advocacy. Presented by Melanie Baird & Scott Croteau. This award recognizes exceptional skill in oral advocacy & contributions to the profession. #EOT2026
Matthew Gourlay speaks at a podium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Congratulations, Terrance Yuan Li of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, recipient of the David Stockwood Memorial Prize. Presented by Linda Rothstein (Journal Editor) & Andrea Gonsalves (Deputy Editor). We look forward to featuring Terrance's submission in the Fall issue of The Advocates' Journal. #EOT2026
Terrance Yuan Li speaks at a podium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Congratulations to John McIntyre of McIntyre Szabo PC, recipient of the Arleen Goss Young Advocates' Award. His leadership, advocacy & dedication to public service embody the spirit of this distinguished award. The award was presented by TAS Director Luisa Ritacca & Brent Kettles from MASC. #EOT2026
John McIntyre speaks at a podium
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Here's to community 🥂 Outgoing YASC Chair Sean Petrou invites guests to raise a glass in celebration of community, collegiality, and the enduring strength of our profession. #EOT2026 Thank you to Array, our Dinner Wine Sponsor (who also added a little treat on the table for each guest).
Sean Petrou speaks at a podiuma chocolate bar sits on a dinner plate
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
One room. One Society. Incoming #TAS President Craig Ferris, KC opens #EOT2026 with a land acknowledgement reflecting on our shared responsibility to reconciliation as this year's End of Term Dinner™ gets underway. Past President Hilary Book welcomes guests.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The room is buzzing as guests arrive for the #EOT2026 Cocktail Reception at MTCC. We're thrilled to welcome 1,500 members of The Advocates' Society as we kick off an evening dedicated to advocacy, collegiality, and celebration. Thank you to LCM Attorneys Inc. for sponsoring tonight's reception.
guests chat at the LCM reception
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The Alberta Court of Appeal has released its decision in Piikani Nation v McMullen, in which TAS intervened. The Court clarified the law re: conflicts of interest between lawyers & former near clients. Thank you Lillian Pan KC & Kelly Osaka at Dentons for representing TAS. buff.ly/0QPCjWh
Quotation on a teal background reading, "The person who instructs external counsel on behalf of a corporation or other entity is not, without more, a client, a near client or a former client. A lawyer's or firm's duty of loyalty is to the corporation in these circumstances, not to its officer." Case citation Piikani Nation v. McMullen, 2026 ABCA 189, at para. 42
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
TAS has filed its intervener factum in Saskatchewan v. UR Pride at the SCC, regarding the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause. TAS thanks Brendan MacArthur-Stevens, Spencer Livingstone, & Brenna Haggarty at Blakes for representing TAS in this important appeal. Read more: buff.ly/pSyP6Cf
Stylized scales of justice in front of different sized and shaded blue bars. The Advocates' Society logo and name are displayed below.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
TAS has responded to the BC Civil and Family Rules Committee’s consultation on reforming the Supreme Court Civil Rules re: dismissal of claims for want of prosecution. TAS recommended a more exacting and less discretionary rule to dismiss claims for delay. Read TAS’s letter: buff.ly/UJ78cfp
Stylized scales of justice in front of different sized and shaded blue bars. The Advocates' Society logo and name are displayed below.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The SCC has granted TAS leave to intervene in Ontario Place Protectors v Ontario, re: whether Crown immunity clauses in statute infringe on the core jurisdiction of superior courts. Thank you to Stephen Aylward & Spencer Bass at Stockwoods LLP for representing TAS. Read more: buff.ly/VLGIGeF
Stylized scales of justice in front of different sized and shaded blue bars. The Advocates' Society logo and name are displayed below.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Keeping Tabs Spring 2026 is out now! 🌸🌱 Inside: a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of four young advocates from across the country, mentoring tips for junior associates, insights on recent changes to Alberta law, & more! 📖 Read the new issue here: buff.ly/5OWNY1J
Cover of "Keeping Tabs" Spring 2026 issue featuring a courthouse in a field of tulips. Text reads "Read the latest issue of Keeping Tabs", and The Advocates' Society logo appears in the bottom right corner.
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Les mises en candidature sont maintenant ouvertes pour le Prix Excellence en mentorat – Québec Ce prix souligne l’engagement exceptionnel de membres de la communauté juridique qui consacrent temps, conseils et soutien à la relève. Date limite : 17 juillet 2026 Pour en savoir plus: buff.ly/DvDVp8A
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
TAS condemns Premier Doug Ford’s comments inviting threats to the security of a judge’s home – read our statement here: buff.ly/7sCer0g
Statue of Lady Justice in metallic blue hues, blindfolded, holding scales. Text: "The Advocates' Society."
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
The Advocates’ Society is honoured to present the Eric Hoaken Excellence in Mentoring Award posthumously to Alan Gardner of Bennett Jones LLP. The award will be presented at the End of Term Dinner, where we will reflect on and honour Alan’s remarkable impact on the legal community. buff.ly/0G0tWpI
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Congratulations to Terrance Yuan Li of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, the recipient of the David Stockwood Memorial Prize! 🏆📘 Terrance's winning submission will be published in a future issue of The Advocates' Journal and the award will be presented at the End of Term Dinner 2026. ➡️ buff.ly/szDe2gH
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
What a memorable evening at #NelliganDinner2026. Thanks to all who joined us in honouring D. Lynne Watt, & thanks to our sponsors! Premier Dinner Sponsor: Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP Cocktail Reception Sponsor: Cohen Hamilton Steger & Co. Supporters: Conway Litigation, MDD Forensic Accountants
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Event Chairs Siobhan Doody (Department of Justice Canada) and Celina Stoan (McCague Borlack LLP) present the John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy to D. Lynne Watt. Congratulations Lynne! 🎉 #NelliganDinner2026
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Matthew Estabrooks (Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP) speaks to Lynne's mentorship, leadership, and lasting influence in the legal community. #NelliganDinner2026
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Andrew J. F. Lenz (Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP) takes the podium to reflect on the generosity and grace that have defined D. Lynne Watt’s remarkable career. #NelliganDinner2026
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Thomas G. Conway (Conway Baxter Wilson LLP) shares personal reflections and stories about Lynne's early career and formative experiences. #NelliganDinner2026
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The Advocates' Society @advocates-soc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A warm welcome from TAS Director Anne McConville (Department of Justice Canada) on behalf of The Advocates' Society. #NelliganDinner2026
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