This five-day intensive training program for adjudicators is the first collaboration between the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) and Osgoode Professional Development of Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. The program brings together SOAR’s peer-driven model of adjudicative education and Osgoode’s leadership in legal education to set a new standard for the delivery of education and training for administrative adjudicators in Ontario and beyond.

The Certificate Program in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards & Tribunals is an introductory program, which will meet the needs of relatively recent appointees to obtain a solid grounding in the goals and principles of the administrative justice system, while learning and practising practical adjudication skills. It will also provide an opportunity for more senior adjudicators to review best practices and explore evolving issues in adjudication. This program builds on the successes of the Adjudicator Training Course (ATC) offered by SOAR for many
years, which has prepared hundreds of professionals to provide adjudicative services at a wide range of agencies, boards and tribunals.

The teaching and learning will be interactive and hands-on, with course registrants working with fact scenarios, problems and demonstrations to learn how to meet the legal requirements of administrative adjudication, while also offering efficient and effective public service. Participants will complete a decision-writing exercise, and the program will be capped off with a mock adjudication, enabling registrants to apply what they have learned during the week, while obtaining valuable individual feedback from recognized experts in this field.

Completion of this program will prepare participants for the unique challenges of
administrative adjudication, will build confidence, and will strengthen participants’
capacity to contribute effectively to their organizations.

Key Benefits

• Acquire an understanding of the key principles of administrative law
  
• Learn how to run a hearing - from start to finish
  
• Review the legal and practical requirements for administrative decisions
  
• Explore the evolving challenges faced by administrative adjudicators
  
• Discuss common challenges, and successful strategies, with
  other adjudicators
  
• Gain insight from experienced adjudicators and leaders in
  administrative justice

Plus! You will be able to apply and test your skills through a mock adjudication and practice decision-writing in a guided exercise.

Co-Chairs

Lorne Sossin, Dean of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School
Gary Stanley, President, SOAR, Chair, Ontario Highway Transport Board

OPD Program Lawyer

Heather Gore

hgore@osgoode.yorku.ca