OBA PROGRAM

Do you aspire to be a judge?  There is no better time to start enhancing the skills that directly align with that career goal. Not yet ready to reveal your ambition to your friends and colleagues? The on-line learning format is the perfect way to further your goal from the comfort and privacy of your home or office.

Dedicate a few lunch-time hours to strengthen your resumé with the OBA’s online Certificate Program - Foundations in Judicial Competencies.  This certificate program is designed to help you understand what to expect from the selection process and build a solid foundation of the skills and core competencies fundamental to any adjudicative role.

The first session provides an overview of the application and appointment process for federal and provincial judicial vacancies. 

This year, join us to gain valuable insights directly from The Honourable Douglas Downey, Attorney General, Province of Ontario. 
 
Then hear from François Giroux, Judicial Affairs Advisor – Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Katherine Hensel, former Ontario Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee Member, and Paul Jonathan Saguil, former Federal JAC Member - Greater Toronto Area, offering their practical insight, key “dos and don’ts”, followed by an engaging moderated discussion of candid advice from this expert faculty.  This session will be held live to allow you an opportunity to ask your questions and get the answers you need from our top-notch faculty. This session is not to be missed! 

The remaining sessions will be delivered by live replay and explore the essential pillars of judicial excellence, namely:

Transitioning From Lawyer to Judge – the first 30 days post appointment
Judicial Independence, Equality and Impartiality
Overturned: Insights from Appeals Court Judges
Managing the Courtroom – Technology and People
Basics of Judicial Reasoning
Basics of Judicial Decision Writing
Exploring Unconscious Bias, Raising Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity

Deepen your knowledge in several core areas.  Gain unparalleled insight from distinguished members of the judiciary on how they overcome challenging aspects of these core competencies and continue to remain focused on the important tenants of their role.

Upon completion of all eight  sessions, you will be presented with a Certificate in Foundations in Judicial Competencies. We want to help you position yourself to be a more prepared candidate who stands out. 

Session 1 - The Judicial Application and Appointment Process 
Session 2 - Transitioning From Lawyer to Judge – the first 30 days post appointment 
Session 3 - Judicial Independence, Equality and Impartiality 
Session 4 - Overturned: Insights from Appeals Court Judges 
Session 5 - Managing the Courtroom – Technology and People
Session 6 - Basics of Judicial Reasoning
Session 7 - Basics of Judicial Decision Writing
Session 8 - Exploring Unconscious Bias, Raising Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity