Learning Options:

Live webinar with chat
includes 60 day replay
9:00 am – 10:30 am (Pacific)
10:00 am – 11:30 am (Mountain)
11:00 am – 12:30 pm (Central)
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Eastern)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Atlantic)
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Newfoundland)

*This program features real-time video of the presenter with synchronized presentation slides, and a chat feature that allows for live Q & A. SK attendees please verify whether you align with Central (MB) or Mountain (AB) time based on season and location.

Groups Save!

Register 3+ attendees and save up to 25%. See our group discounts here. Contact jennifer@seminarpartners.ca.

Technical Information:

Live webinars allow you to view faculty, see their presentation slides, and ask questions by chat. You will need a current web browser (Chrome (Chrome works best), Safari, Firefox), a wired (better than wireless) connection to the Internet of at least 2 Mbps. You can test your internet speed/bandwidth here. If you miss the live program, you can access the archive, at your convenience, for 60 days.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for new and experienced civil litigators, general practitioners whose work includes civil disputes, and recently called lawyers seeking practical advocacy skills.

About the Program

With claims now reaching $50,000, lawyers are increasingly litigating matters in Ontario Small Claims Court that would once have proceeded in Superior Court. Despite the higher stakes, many of the familiar procedural guardrails remain absent or significantly relaxed. The result is a litigation environment that can be unpredictable, where the outcome often depends less on process and more on adaptability. This highly practical program with experienced Small Claims Court counsel Jonathan Kleiman examines the realities of litigating in today’s Ontario Small Claims Court. Jonathan will address how to build strong cases without traditional litigation tools, adapt advocacy techniques to a less formal forum, navigate broad judicial discretion, and respond effectively to procedural surprises. By the end of the program, you will be able to:

• determine when Small Claims Court is the right forum for a dispute.
• develop stronger pleadings and evidence.
• navigate disclosure challenges and pre-trial processes.
• be alert to the uncertainties self-represented litigants can present.

While the program is presented from an Ontario perspective, many principles and techniques discussed will be of interest to lawyers in other jurisdictions. Lawyers who approach Small Claims Court the same way as Superior Court often leave frustrated – learn how to rethink your approach and improve outcomes.

Schedule (Eastern)

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Welcome and Introduction

The New Reality of Small Claims Court

Building Your Litigation Strategy

Navigating Procedure in a Different Forum

Settlement Conferences

Advocacy When the Usual Playbook Doesn't Apply

Practical Lessons from the Front Lines

Program Wrap-up and Evaluation

Praise for Past Programs

“Very good program, I learned some new things.”

“I have an upcoming trial and this was a great course for me.”

“I learned so much today that will make me think more carefully about witnesses.”

“Great presentation, well organized, concise, highly informative. Well done!!”

“Impressed with how much information was relayed in such a short time.”

“Right level, not too basic, not too advanced. Like hearing about presenters' own experiences.”

“Thank you for a timely, relevant, highly informative and useful presentation.”

“I will just reiterate that this was one of the best seminars I have attended in a long time.”