News from Ontario Bar Association (OBA)
The Ontario Bar Association is a branch of the Canadian Bar Association, an organization of lawyers formed to provide support by the profession to the profession so that it may render better service to its members and the public. This is accomplished by both education and representation to government on topics of current concern.
More informationNovember is Make a Will Month
Find out more by attending one of the legal information sessions presented by OBA member volunteers at libraries and community hubs across Ontario during November.
November is Make a Will month
Members of the Ontario Bar Association will present legal information sessions at libraries and community hubs across Ontario throughout the month of November.
October 10: Elder Law Information
When: Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Runnymede Public Library, 2178 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Lawyers who have expertise dealing with the unique legal issues and needs of older adults will discuss a variety of topics, including elder abuse, at this OBA presentation.
October 10: Learn about Landlord and Tenant Law
Topics include security of tenure, entry into the unit, termination of tenancy (by tenants and landlords), landlord and tenant obligations, security deposits, and more.
September 20: Harassment in the Workplace: A Proactive and Reactive Approach
When: Thursday, September 20, 2018, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Toronto Public Library - Northern District Branch, 40 Orchard View Blvd.· Toronto, ON
10 Things to Know Now That Recreational Cannabis Will Be Legal in Canada
A brief overview of the recent developments on the legalization of cannabis, associated regulations, connection to Bill C-46, and some of the key issues emerging from legalization.
September 26: Elder Law Issues
When: Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Lillian H. Smith Branch, Toronto Public Library, 239 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R5
Presentations will address a variety of considerations, different forms of elder abuse, legal rights, and ways a lawyer can help you and your family.
June 18: Introduction to Employment Law and the Workplace, Sudbury
When: Monday, June 18, 2018, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Valley East Public Library and Citizen Service Centre, 4100 Elmview Drive, Hanmer, ON
This is a discussion of the basics of the employment relationship, employment contracts, rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and recent changes to employment law.
Family Law Disputes in Ontario: Court is Only the Tip of the Iceberg - May 23, 2018
When: May 23, 2018
Where: Newmarket Library : 438 Park Avenue, Newmarket, L3Y 1W1 · Newmarket, ON
Registration link here
The Ontario Bar Association is sponsoring a "Meet up" on May 23, 2018 featuring Family Lawyer and Mediator Sina Hariri as he explores family law disputes from the lens of the court system, the lesser known alternatives to court and the many supports available to parties going through separation or divorce.
May 22: Learn about Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration, Kingston
Where: Calvin Park Branch, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, 88 Wright Crescent, Kingston, ON
May 22: What is Collaborative Practice in Family Law and how can it work for you? Lively, ON
When: Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Earl Mumford Branch, Lively Public Library and Citizen Service Centre, 15 Kin Drive, Unit A, Lively, ON
This is a presentation on family law and options available for separating spouses, including a detailed overview and discussion regarding the collaborative practice process.
May 26: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning, Kingston
When: Saturday, May 26, 2018, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Isabel Turner Branch, Community Room (Rooms A & B), 935 Gardiners Road, Kingston K7M 9A9
The seminar will focus on reasons you should conduct estate planning and will highlight some of the most common drafting and planning pitfalls you can avoid when preparing wills.
February 27: Wills and Estates: How the Law Affects You
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Turner Park Branch, 352 Rymal Road East, Hamilton
An Ontario Bar Association lawyer member with experience in wills and estates law will share information about Ontario law and how it affects you, your family, and your estates.
January 31: Learn your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to Family Law
When: Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Where:Church Street Public School, 83 Alexander St., Toronto, ON
Are you facing a major family change or a challenge? Family lawyer Shmuel Stern will answer your questions about how the law works and clear up common misconceptions about family law.
January 31: Learn about your rights when dealing with financial advisors & insurance agents
When: Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Public Library, Alta Vista Branch, 2516 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa, K1V 7T1
The presenters will provide plain language explanations of how to investigate if something has gone wrong and how to work with regulators and courts to obtain fair compensation.
January 29: Learn your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to Family Law: Mandarin
When: Monday, January 29, 2018, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Where: Charles G. Fraser Public School, 79 Manning Ave., Toronto M6J 2K8
This session, to be held in Mandarin, will discuss who are "spouses," the interaction of family law with other areas of the law such as real estate, and when to get legal advice from a family lawyer.
Racism, Xenophobia and Hate Crimes: Lawyers Fighting Back
The author outlines options available to assist clients and community in combatting racism, xenophobia, and hatred on the rise in the current political climate.
October 17: Free landlord and tenant rights session
When: Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Toronto Public Library, Northern District Branch, 40 Orchard View Blvd., Toronto
Topics will include respective rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, and the new Rental Fairness Act of 2017.
October 18: Free Session on Criminal Law
When: Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Malvern Public Library, 30 Sewells Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3G5, Scarborough
What happens when you get arrested? What are the court procedures involved? Who are the players present, and what options do you have? Who represents you and what are your recourses?
October 11: How to protect yourself in the digital age
When: Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., Newmarket
Topics covered include protecting yourself online, government surveillance and border security, and your rights when it comes to companies collecting your data.