OTLA and CDL Joint Conference 2026

A program focused on professional growth, constructive dialogue and collaborative engagement

The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and the Canadian Defence Lawyers (CDL) are jointly presenting a continuing professional development program on February 26, 2026, at OBA Conference Centre, Toronto, Ontario, led by Conference Chairs Laurie Tucker (Burn Tucker Lachaîne P.C.) and Andrea Lim (Dutton Brock LLP).

This in-person conference brings plaintiff and defence counsel together for shared learning, practical discussion and the exchange of diverse perspectives on issues affecting the personal injury bar.

PsycIME: Partnering with Law professionals at CDL & OTLA

PsycIME’s silver sponsorship with CDL reflects its dedication to improving standards across the personal injury field—where medical, psychological, and legal expertise converge.

Expert Collaboration: PsycIME provides independent medical and psychological evaluations that help clarify complex issues of causation, trauma, and recovery in personal injury cases.
Commitment to Standards: By supporting the CDL-OTLA Joint Conference 2026, PsycIME promotes best practices, professionalism, and sensitivity in the handling of injury-related claims.
Championing Education: PsycIME recognizes that continued learning—across both legal and medical domains—is essential to ensuring fair and informed outcomes for clients.

About Canadian Defence Lawyers

The Canadian Defence Lawyers is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to the defence of civil litigation. Through advocacy, education, and collegial exchange, CDL provides members with the tools and professional development necessary to deliver strong, principled representation for insurers and defendants across Canada.

What is OTLA?

Founded in 1991, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) is the leading professional organization for Ontario lawyers who represent individuals who have suffered injury or injustice due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others.

Today, OTLA includes more than 1,500 members, including plaintiff lawyers, law clerks, articling students, and law students. The Association is recognized as the voice of Ontario’s plaintiff personal injury bar and is highly regarded by the courts, legislature, and public for its advocacy and expertise in civil justice and personal injury law.

About the CDL-OTLA Joint Conference

The Conference offers a full-day, Complementary Perspectives: Navigating Changes to Come, brings together leading voices from both the plaintiff and defence bars to explore significant legal developments shaping personal injury practice.

Date: February 26, 2026
Location: OBA Conference Centre, 20 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON.
Time: 8:45 am to 4:30 pm, reception to follow

The program includes:

Expert perspectives on broker liability from experienced defence and plaintiff counsel.
Civil Rules updates, with analysis of anticipated impacts on personal injury litigation.
Reviews of leading tort and accident benefits decisions, highlighting emerging trends and key developments.
An in-depth look at the July 1, 2026 Accident Benefits reforms, with practical guidance for both plaintiff and defence counsel.
Panels focused on civility, professionalism, and EDI, offering strategies to uphold excellence across the bar.
Specialized sessions covering sexual assault civil litigation, discoverability issues, tavern liability, and recreational vehicle claims.
Joint plaintiff–defence discussions addressing common challenges in trial preparation and discovery, informed by judicial and practitioner insights.