Stand Informed Foundational Training
In 2023, CLAS offered a series of webinars as part of the foundational training for roster lawyers providing advice to people who experienced sexual assault. Several sessions were delivered through our partnership with Courthouse Libraries and the recorded webinars are available for viewing.
See also Resources for Stand Informed Lawyers and information on the service.
See also Resources for SHARP Workplaces Lawyers and SHARP Workplace Lawyer Training for resources and training offered to workplace sexual harassment lawyers.
Civil Claims for Sexual Assault (May 2023 – 1.5 hours)
This presentation provides an overview of the challenges and complexities of pursuing a civil claim for sexual assault and issues to consider when representing a survivor/complainant of sexual assault. Our presenter, Megan Ellis, KC, discusses understanding and assessing the claim, the evidence required, common issues of privacy that arise, and damages available. She also highlights best practices in working with and supporting clients through the process.
The presenter is Megan Ellis, KC, Megan Ellis & Company.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD with the Law Society of BC.
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence Training (May 2023 – 6 hours)
Ending Violence Association of BC facilitated two online workshops on the topic of Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence. The first day covered: the social context of sexual violence, the impact of sexual violence on survivors, options for survivors, and supporting survivors. The second day covered: drugs, alcohol and sexual assault, community-based services, and vicarious trauma, self-care and wellness.
The presenters were Wendy Potter and Kate Rossiter, Ending Violence Association of BC.
These sessions were only open to roster lawyers and not recorded. Participants who attended may claim CPD hours with the Law Society of BC:
- Day 1 – 3 hours total, including 1 hour for professional responsibility and ethics, client care and practice management; and
- Day 2 – 3 hours total, including 0.5 hour for client care and practice management.
Human Rights Complaints: When is it an option in situations of sexual assault? (June 2023 – 1 hour)
Human rights legislation provides fundamental protection against discrimination, based on a number of protected grounds. Understand the grounds and contexts for which the Human Rights Code may provide an avenue to address sexual assault and the protections human rights legislation provides to pursue accommodations which may be necessary for survivors of sexual assault. Learn how such complaints are handled by the BC Human Rights Tribunal: elements to prove discrimination, the process, and remedies.
The presenter is Laura Track, Director of CLAS’s Human Rights Clinic.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
Sexual Assault Prosecutions (June 2023 – 3 hours)
This presentation provided an overview of the prosecution process for sexual assault and relevant criminal law. The presenters discussed issues to consider in providing advice to complainants from the Crown perspective. Disclosure, testimonial accommodations, s.276 and s. 278.3 applications (sexual history and records), victim impact statements, and communications with media were discussed.
The presenters were Janet Dickie and Debbie Granger, BC Prosecution Service.
This presentation was only open to roster lawyers and not recorded. Participants who attended may claim 3 CPD hours, including 0.5 hours for professional responsibility and ethics, with the Law Society of BC.
Advising Complainants in Criminal Sexual Assault Cases (June 2023 – 1.5 hours)
Complainants of sexual assault face a daunting journey through the criminal law process. Assisting a complainant to understand the process, what to expect, and when they may be able to obtain legal representation through Legal Aid BC, may help complainants decide whether to make a complaint and navigate the process. In this presentation, Gwendoline Allison shares her experience as complainant’s counsel, and discusses issues of publication bans, third party records, sexual history, and privacy issues.
The presenter is Gwendoline Allison, Barton Thaney Law.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with LSBC.
Immigration Issues in Cases of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (June 2023 – 1 hour)
Immigration concerns may arise for complainants of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Clients may not be aware of their rights to bring a complaint or pursue legal options, and have concerns about any impacts on their immigration status. Clients who are international students, temporary foreign workers, migrant workers, refugees, sponsored immigrants, trafficked persons, may have particular issues in maintaining their status and accessing supports they need to deal with the impacts of sexual assault or sexual harassment.
The presenter is Kamaljit Lehal, Lehal Law.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Family Law for Sexual Assault (June 2023 – 1.5 hours)
In circumstances where a sexual assault may be perpetrated within a family or by a family relation, lawyers and advocates need to understand and advise on family law. This presentation offers an overview of family law issues to consider when advising a person who has experienced sexual assault. The presenters discuss the context of intimate partner violence, considerations when sexual assault/abuse of a child is raised, protection orders, the interplay of family law with other legal processes. Particular considerations when advising clients who identify as Indigenous, or with ethic, cultural or religious background, are discussed.
The presenters are Agnes Huang, Saltwater Law, and Frances Rosner, Rise Women’s Legal Centre.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hour of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Stand Informed Continuing Training
The Increasing Risk of Defamation Claims and Privacy Concerns (April 2023- 1.5 hours)
Since the #MeToo Movement more complainants have chosen to speak out about their experiences to the press or online. Defamation lawsuits are increasingly used to silence complainants or commentary on allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct and other types of complaints. Learn how the law is rapidly evolving in this area, particular complexities in cases involving sharing comments online, and the realities of defamation lawsuits, limits of available defences, and anti-SLAPP legislation.
Presented by Daniel Reid and Roshni Veerapen, Harper Grey LLP.
Attendees may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
Complainants of workplace sexual harassment in a unionized environment often encounter multiple forums including grievance processes and arbitration, WorkSafe BC claims, human rights, civil and criminal proceedings. Assisting them to understand the different proceedings may help them prioritize their options and navigate the processes. In this presentation, Sara Hanson discusses the challenges and pitfalls of various employment processes, issues of overlapping jurisdiction, and general concerns in parallel proceedings. She also offers practical considerations for lawyers providing legal advice to clients, and how best to support the client navigate their options.
The presenter is Sara Hanson, Senior Associate, Moore Edgar Lyster LLP.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD with the Law Society of BC.
Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Approaches for Working with Indigenous Clients (November 2023 – 1.5 hours)
Employing Indigenous-centred and trauma-informed approaches is essential to assisting Indigenous clients facing workplace sexual harassment situations. To be effective, lawyers must be able to understand the diversity, complexities, and intersectionality of Indigenous people. In this presentation, Karen Snowshoe, KC, discussed intercultural competency, trauma-informed advocacy, Indigenous Reconciliation and how to identify appropriate jurisdiction for workplace sexual harassment claims. She also offered her perspective as a BC Human Rights Tribunal Member hearing sexual harassment complaints, and provided practice tips for lawyers providing legal advice to clients engaged in mediation/settlement process at the Tribunal, and how to prepare clients for these processes.
The presenter was Karen L. Snowshoe, K.C., Snowshoe Law.
Participants who attended this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
The webinar recording is available to roster lawyers only. Roster lawyers: please contact us for the link.
Providing limited scope legal services to SHARP Workplaces clients in workplace sexual harassment situations engages special considerations, especially when advising self-represented clients – unionized and non-unionized – who are navigating workplace investigations. In this 1.5 hour interactive webinar, Jessica Forman discusses legal coaching practice tips in the context of workplace sexual harassment investigations: from initial interview with the clients to empowering them to identify their goals and navigate their options. This training session was structured as a meeting (not a webinar). Attendees were expected to participate in small groups during breakout room discussions.
The presenter is Jessica Forman, Employment Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Forte Workplace Law
Participants may claim 1.5 hours (including .5 hours ethics) of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC if attending the live presentation including participatory group work, or 1 hour if viewing recording.
- Navigating Workplace Investigations: Legal Coaching slides
- Navigating Workplace Investigations: Legal Coaching case studies
Learn about who Workers’ Advisers Office (WAO) is, what they do, the advice and assistance provided to complainants of workplace sexual harassment claims, and when to refer clients to WAO in this webinar. This also covers Prohibited Action complaints under sections 47 and 48 of the Workers Compensation Act and parallel compensation claims, respective timelines to file the complaints with WorkSafeBC, the evidence required, how to appeal or request a review of WorkSafeBC decision, how the complaints may be resolved and types of remedies.
The presenter is Christina Dorsch, Regional Manager, Workers Advisers Office.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
This is the second of two-part sessions by Workers’ Advisers Office (WAO) on assisting clients with mental disorder claims under section 135 of the Workers Compensation Act. Anette Hoffer, Workers’ Adviser at WAO, discusses some historical highlights of legislative changes, and how they have affected the adjudication of mental disorder claims. Anette also addresses the common areas of denial in mental disorder claims with specific focus on bullying and harassment, how to assist clients navigate the mental disorder claims process, and preparing records and obtaining evidence that demonstrate the workplace bullying and harassment was a significant stressor for WorkSafeBC reviews or appeals.
The presenter is Anette Hoffer, Workers’ Adviser, Workers Advisers Office BC.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
This session is an interactive overview of specific employment and civil law responsibilities for employers, available remedies for complainants of workplace sexual harassment claims, the challenges and complexities of pursuing these claims, and how best to advise and prepare clients to navigate the intersecting processes. Rose Keith, KC, discusses understanding and accessing various workplace sexual harassments civil claims, and identify what the common law remedies are and when those remedies are available. She also highlights best practices in working and supporting clients through the process. This training session involves a case study and include participatory polls.
The presenter is Rose Keith, KC, Partner, Harper Grey LLP.
Participants in this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with LSBC.
Silencing Non-Disclosure Agreements: Preventing the Harm they Cause (February 2024 – 1.5 hours)
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are being misused by employers, organizations to silence complainants of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, and whistleblowers causing further harm. With the #MeToo movement, jurisdictions have introduced legislation to restrict the use of NDAs and companies have pledged not to use them. Join us for a panel discussion on the harms caused by NDAs, strategies and emerging case law, and legislative developments across Canada to address them.
The presenters are Dr. Julie Macfarlane, Emerita Distinguished Professor, University of Windsor, Co-Founder Can’t by my Silence, Jennifer Khor, Supervising Lawyer, SHARP Workplaces and Stand Informed, CLAS, and Clea Parfitt, Lawyer, Clea F. Parfitt.
Participants in this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with LSBC.
- Silencing Non-Disclosure Agreements – Preventing the Harm they Cause – Slides Part 1
- Silencing Non-Disclosure Agreements – Preventing the Harm they Cause – Slides Part 2
Unionized employees who experience workplace sexual harassment, including sexual assault, may have concerns about how their union is supporting them during workplace sexual harassment investigations and grievance processes. In this 1.5 hour webinar, Jennifer Glougie, Chair and Jennifer O’Rourke, Staff Lawyer, discuss what the BC Labour Relations Board (the Board) is and what its mandate is with respect to individual employee complaints, including those filed by individuals who experience workplace sexual harassment. The Board presenters discuss the rights under the BC Labour Relations Code that self-represented individuals most often access: specifically, s. 12 (duty of fair representation), s. 10 (internal union affairs), and s. 99 (review of workplace arbitration decisions). They provide practical information on related processes and legal framework, time limits, evidentiary proof, standard of proof, the relevant legal tests and the process for making applications for internal reconsideration of the Board’s decisions.
The presenters are Jennifer Glougie, Chair, and Jennifer O’Rourke, Staff Lawyer, BC Labour Relations Board.
Participants in this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with LSBC.
In March 2023, the BC Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA) was enacted as a mechanism for redress by people in BC who experience, or are threatened by, non-consensual distribution of intimate images (NCDII). Join us for a discussion with members from the Civil Resolution Tribunal-Intimate Images (CRT) and Intimate Images Protection Services (IIPS). Learn about what they do, and types of assistance and supports provided by the CRT and IIPS for NCDII claims. The CRT discusses the legal framework, CRT application process, special considerations for young people pursuing NCDII claims, evidence required, and types of remedies available to claimants of NCDII.
The presenters are:
- BC Intimate Images Protection Services (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/intimate-images): Misha Dhillon; Policy Analyst, Nicole Redekopp, Manager; and, Sioned Dyer, Director of Justice and Safety Programs
- BC Civil Resolution Tribunal – Intimate Images (https://civilresolutionbc.ca/solution-explorer/intimate-images/): Jessica Taubensee, Senior Case Manager; Lauryn Kerr, Legal Counsel; and Andrea Ritchie, Vice Chair – Small Claims and Intimate Images Claims
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
- Intimate Images Protection Services Slides
- Civil Resolution Tribunal Slides
- Answers to attendee questions
This is a panel presentation with presenters from the Child and Youth Legal Centre (CYLC) of the Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCYOFBC) who have extensive, front-line experience working with, and representing, children and young people. The presenters discuss specific safety issues, practical tips/best practices and resources. They provide practical guidance to show how to advise young people navigating legal processes.
The presenters are Suzette Narbonne, Managing Child and Youth Lawyer; and Chrissy Kendrick, SCY Social Worker.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD ethics credit with the Law Society of BC.
- Advising Children & Young People Slides
- Document from SCYOFBC (“What Can You Expect When A CYLC Lawyer Represents Your Child”)
Mitigating Vicarious Trauma and Preventing Burnout: Diverse Strategies for Sustainable, Trauma-informed Legal Services (December 2024 – 1.5 hours)
Andrea Bryson led an interactive discussion on how to manage vicarious trauma and prevent burnout in the legal profession. Andrea is a social worker by training, worked as a family law advocate from 2006 to 2017, and is Rise Women’s Legal Centre’s first navigator. Andrea has extensive experience working on the front lines supporting survivors often in crisis to navigate family law and related legal systems. She has watched many amazing lawyers leave law because of what we call burnout. Since the first cohort of students started at Rise, Andrea has talked to them about diverse strategies of remaining alive in this work. Drawing on activist, social work, and counselling theory – but centered on the legal practices and requirements of lawyers – Andrea brought forward a variety of strategies to be more sustainable in the work and for us to consider how to remain alive and connected in the work we do.
The presenter was Andrea Bryson, Family Advocate Educator, Rise Women’s Legal Centre.
This session was only open to roster lawyers and not recorded. Participants who attended this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
Break the Silence on Sexual Violence: Ending the use of coercive legal agreements (January 2025 – 1.5 hours)
Through the #MeToo Movement we learned that silencing complainants with Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) causes further trauma and harm, and protects perpetrators, enabling them to continue abusing others. Presenters from Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)’s Speak Out project held an interactive discussion on the misuse of NDAs, and their role in perpetuating gender-based violence and systemic inequalities. The presenters introduced CLAS’s new community consultation initiative, Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence, aimed to develop policy and law reform recommendations to improve reporting in organizations of gender-based violence and regulate NDAs. This workshop was open to anyone interested in learning more about NDAs and the Speak Out project. As well as lawyers and advocates, those working in community-serving organizations in non-legal roles and members of the public were welcome to attend.
The presenters were Sarah Marsden, Director of Systems Change and Legal, First United Church and Consultant for Stand Informed-Speak Out, CLAS, and Elizabeth Korompai, Outreach Coordinator, CLAS.
This session was not recorded. Participants who attended this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
Criminal proceedings are especially daunting for sexual assault complainants when their credibility and reliability are questioned, and their private records disclosed during trials. R. v. J.J., 2022 SCC 28 improved privacy protections of sexual assault complainants and expanded their rights to participate in court applications that decide when their private information, including third party records, can be used in trials. In this presentation, Stephanie Dickson discusses R. v. J.J., relevant Criminal Code sections 276-278, and when and how such applications may be made. Stephanie also highlights best practices in working and supporting clients to navigate sections 276-278 in criminal proceedings.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
The presenter is Stephanie Dickson, Principal, Pender Litigation, Vancouver BC.
Criminal and civil legal processes are conventional punitive systems that often fail to repair the harms caused to sexual assault complainants. Restorative Justice (RJ) has been in practice in BC for decades as a possible transformative alternative to addressing crime and conflict – but has not been readily available to those who have experienced sexual harm. RJ has the potential to offer an approach more conducive to offering repair of harm for the complainant. RJ is rooted in Indigenous and other practices emphasizing accountability, community care and reconciliation rather than punishment, and can focus on the complainant’s healing, wrongdoer’s accountability, and the community’s role in allowing the harm and the involvement to find lasting solutions. This participatory discussion with Dalya Israel and Nermin Karim covers RJ, its historical context with sexual harms, differences between RJ and Transformative Justice, and how RJ works in our legal landscape. The presenters explain how to identify the most appropriate cases for diversion to RJ, when and how RJ may be useful for the complainants, RJ supports available in BC, and how to make referrals to RJ programs.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
The presenters are Dalya Israel, Executive Director, Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre, and Nermin Karim, Director of Operations and Programs, North Shore Restorative Justice Society.
Until October 2023, sexual assault complainants who wanted to tell their story were often silenced by publication bans under Criminal Code section 486.4, many of whom were never informed about when criminal proceedings commenced. Recently enacted Criminal Code section 486.51 now provides sexual assault complainants the opportunity to change or revoke publication ban orders on their own identities. This is a panel discussion with Janet Dickie, Crown Counsel, Chantal Paquette, Independent Legal Counsel for sexual assault complainants, and Morrell Andrews, co-founder of now inactive My Voice, My Choice and staunch advocate for amending Criminal Code sections 486.4 and 486.5. Janet Dickie, Chantal Paquette, and Morrell Andrews provide their respective perspectives on revoking or varying publication bans, discuss the application process and offer practical information for lawyers providing independent legal advice to sexual assault complainants navigating section 486.51 applications.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
The presenters are Janet Dickie, Crown Counsel, BC Prosecution Service; Chantal Paquette, Vancouver BC; and Morrell Andrews.
Sexual Assault Prosecutions (May 2025 – 3 hours)
This presentation provided an overview of the prosecution process for sexual assault and relevant criminal law. The presenters discussed issues to consider in providing advice to complainants from the Crown perspective. Disclosure, testimonial accommodations, s.276 and s. 278.3 applications (sexual history and records), victim impact statements, and communications with media were discussed.
The presenters were Janet Dickie and Debbie Granger, BC Prosecution Service.
This presentation was only open to roster lawyers and not recorded. Participants who attended may claim 3 CPD hours, including 0.5 hours for professional responsibility and ethics, with the Law Society of BC.
Complainants of workplace sexual harassment face a myriad of legal options and often present with concurrent employment, human rights and WorkSafeBC claims. Accurately assessing, and providing legal services for, intersecting legal areas engages special considerations, especially when advising self-represented clients who may or may not be unionized, or are casual, part-time workers. In this 1.0 hour presentation, Jessica Forman discusses understanding and assessing employment, human rights and WorkSafeBC claims, related challenges and practical considerations for lawyers advising complainants of workplace sexual harassment. Jessica also highlights best practices in working and supporting clients navigate their options, including how to anticipate and reduce issues that may arise.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
The presenter is Jessica Forman, Employment Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Forte Workplace Law.
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence Training (June 2025 – 6 hours)
Ending Violence Association of BC facilitated two online workshops on the topic of Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence. The first day covered: the social context of sexual violence, the impact of sexual violence on survivors, options for survivors, and supporting survivors. The second day covered: drugs, alcohol and sexual assault, community-based services, and vicarious trauma, self-care and wellness.
The presenter was Wendy Potter, Ending Violence Association of BC.
These sessions were only open to roster lawyers and not recorded. Participants who attended may claim CPD hours with the Law Society of BC:
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- Day 1 – 3 hours total, including 1 hour for professional responsibility and ethics, client care and practice management; and
- Day 2 – 3 hours total, including 1 hour for professional responsibility and ethics, client care and practice management.
In this session, current roster lawyers Fred Wynne and Aditi Master walk through case scenarios with intersecting civil and criminal legal issues often faced by Stand Informed and SHARP Workplaces clients. Fred and Aditi discuss how to assess, and provide advice to, the clients on their legal options in the time-limited legal consultation. They provide practical considerations and resources on working with and supporting clients navigate through options, including how to anticipate and reduce issues that may arise.
Lawyers may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with LSBC if they attended the live webinar, or 1.0CPD if viewing the recording.
Presenters: Fred Wynne, Tevlin Gleadle Curtis Employment Law Strategies and Aditi Master, Community Legal Assistance Society BC.
New Roster Lawyer Orientation and Legal Coaching (July 2025 – 1.5 hours)
Clients who experience workplace sexual harassment and sexual assault often feel powerless and face a myriad of legal (and non-legal options) to address their situation. In addition to orientation to SHARP Workplaces and Stand Informed processes, this session includes introductory legal coaching on how to provide legal advice in ways that builds client confidence and empowers self-represented clients to identify their goals and navigate their options.
Lawyers who attended this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit (including 0.5 hours of professional ethics & practice management) with the Law Society of BC, or up to 0.5 hours of professional ethics & practice management if viewing the recording.
Presenters: Jennifer Khor, Supervising Lawyer for SHARP Workplaces and Stand Informed, and the SHARP Workplaces/Stand Informed team.
Learn about how WorkSafeBC handles the prevention, investigation and compensation for workplace sexual assault and harassment. Kevin Love discusses Workers Compensation Act (WCA) provisions that address workplace sexual assault and harassment through prevention, as a prohibited action, and with benefits and compensation. Kevin also discusses issues to consider before filing a complaint or claim with WorkSafeBC, as well as benefits and challenges of pursuing these claims, WCA updates and provides practical considerations for lawyers assisting clients who are navigating this option.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1 hour of CPD credit with the Law Society of BC.
Presenter: Kevin Love, Community Law Program, Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
This session explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, and legal practice. Drawing on the National Study on the Psychological Health of Legal Professionals in Canada (2022-2024), and experiences from legal education, Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk highlights the urgent need for systemic and individual strategies to support lawyer well-being. Judy’s work emphasizes the power of humans to help humans heal and that thriving in the legal profession requires recognizing trauma’s impact, embracing self-care as an ethical duty, and fostering compassionate, sustainable workplaces.
Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, PhD, RTC, MTC, is the Well-being Coordinator in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan and a Faculty member and Researcher in the College of Education. Judy is joined by Jennifer Khor, Supervising Lawyer of SHARP Workplaces and Stand Informed legal advice services with Community Legal Assistance Society. Jennifer provides practical insights and ethical considerations for lawyers supporting complainants as they navigate legal processes. Participants learn how trauma shapes both client and lawyer experiences, and how unaddressed stress and vicarious trauma can compromise advocacy, ethics, and health.
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit, including 0.5 hours for professional responsibility and ethics, with the Law Society of BC.
Presenters: Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, University of Saskatchewan, and Jennifer Khor, Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
Clients who experience workplace sexual assault and harassment are faced with a complex legal landscape to address their situation. In this interactive session by Sara Forte, participants learn to approach interviewing and provide legal advice in ways that will build client confidence and empower clients to identify their goals and navigate their options. Participants had the opportunity to workshop skills. This training session was interactive, with an opportunity to participate in breakout room discussions.
Lawyers who attended this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit (including up to 1.5 hours of professional ethics & practice management CPD) with the Law Society of BC, or up to 1.0 hours CPD of professional ethics & practice management if viewing the recording.
Presenter: Sara Forte, Forte Workplace Law
The Canadian Human Rights Act and BC’s Human Rights Code provide fundamental protection against discrimination based on several protected grounds, but navigating these processes can be intimidating for complainants of sexual harassment and sexual assault. In this panel discussion, expert human rights lawyers Laura Track and Menachem Freedman explain the grounds and contexts for assessing and filing human rights complaints federally and at the BC Human Rights Tribunal for sexual harassment and sexual assault. The presenters share their experiences as complainants’ counsels, and discuss elements to prove discrimination, the process, and recent trends in remedies. They also provide benefits, challenges and practical considerations for lawyers when filing human rights complaints, and how to support the complainant as they navigate the process.
The presenters are Laura Track, Director of CLAS’s Human Rights Clinic, and Menachem Freedman, HHBG Employment Lawyers
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Defamation lawsuits are increasingly used to silence complainants or commentary on allegations of sexual assault, harassment, misconduct, and other types of complaints. In this presentation, Daniel Reid, a leading practitioner in defamation and privacy law, discusses on how the law is rapidly evolving in these areas, particular complexities in cases involving sharing comments online and the realities of defamation lawsuits, limits of available defences, and BC’s anti-SLAPP legislation.
The presenter is Daniel J. Reid, Associate Counsel, Harper Grey LLP
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Employment and civil law impose responsibilities on employers and provide remedies for sexual harassment, including sexual assault if it happened in the workplace context. In this presentation, Rose Keith, KC, discusses the benefits and complexities of pursuing civil and employment law claims, common law remedies available, and privacy considerations of complainants pursuing the claims. Rose Keith also discusses recent trends in damages, evidentiary issues, and highlights best practices in working and supporting clients navigating employment law claims.
The presenter is Rose Keith, KC, Partner, Harper Grey LLP
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Advising Complainants on Civil Sexual Assault Tort Claims (December 2025 – 1.5 hours)
Complainants of sexual assault face a daunting process when pursuing tort claims for sexual assault, including if it happens in the workplace context. This presentation provides the challenges and benefits of pursuing a civil sexual assault claim, and issues to consider when advising a complainant of sexual assault. Morgyn Chandler discusses understanding and assessing a civil sexual assault claim, recent trends in damages and causes of action, evidentiary issues, and privacy considerations. She also highlights practical tips in working with and supporting clients through the process.
The presenter is Morgyn Chandler, Managing Partner, Hammerco Lawyers LLP
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.
Navigating the criminal justice system can be particularly difficult for complainants in cases of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and other sexual offences. The law is complex, the subject matter is deeply personal and private, and complainants are often left uninformed – or misinformed – about their rights and options. Lawyers representing complainants in sexual offence prosecutions can help demystify the court process, their rights to privacy and human dignity, and how the law seeks to protect those rights while also protecting the rights of the accused.
In this panel discussion with criminal law lawyers, learn more about complainants’ privacy rights when reporting to police; the law of consent; the role of complainants’ counsel in ss. 276, 278.3, and 278.92 applications; and how to effectively assist and advocate for your client when representing a complainant.
The presenters are Rebecca McConchie, McConchie Criminal Law and Trudy Au, Platform Litigation
Participants viewing this webinar may claim up to 1.5 hours of CPD credit with Law Society of BC.