Event Type: External Event

Young Advocates’ Mentoring Panel

The Advocates’ Society

Join this engaging mentoring panel on career development for young advocates. Hear from a diverse group of lawyers at different stages of their careers as they share insights, experiences, and practical advice. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions and gain valuable perspectives.

Following the panel, stay for a networking reception to continue the conversation and connect with peers and mentors.

This event is open to exclusively to TAS Members. Spaces are limited, grab yours now!

Pallett Valo Co-chair:

Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi, Partner

Location:

The Advocates’ Society, 2700-250 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

The Only Constant Is Change: Ontario Construction Act Amendments & CCDC Contract Updates

Why This Matters Now

Since 2018, including the most recent amendments in force as of January 1, 2026, Ontario’s Construction Act and regulations have undergone the most significant changes in a generation, modernizing the lien provisions, introducing prompt payment and interim binding adjudication, annual release of holdback, mandatory bonds for public contracts, and notice and invoicing requirements.

In parallel, the CCDC released updated versions of key standard form contracts to modernize language, reflect current practices and legislative changes, and introduce new concepts such as Ready for Takeover (RFT) milestones, which are reshaping how risk, insurance, warranties, and project handover are addressed. For owners, contractors, subcontractors, lenders, and other construction industry stakeholders, the rules have changed, and contracts must evolve to keep pace.

Don’t get caught working with yesterday’s playbook. Register now for practical, experience based guidance on how to navigate the Construction Act reforms within your organization and confidently apply the updated CCDC contracts in practice.

What You’ll Learn

  • The full arc of the reforms to the Ontario Construction Act and regulations, from the modernization of the lien provisions (2018), to prompt payment and adjudication (2019), to annual release of holdback (2026) and beyond
  • When to lien vs when to adjudicate
  • Performance Bond and Labour & Material Payment Bond claims
  • Prompt Payment and Notices of Non-Payment
  • Interim Binding Adjudication: the process, ODACC and the use of private adjudicators
  • Practical tips on document preservation, notices and ensuring you are prepared for adjudication
  • How the new CCDC Ready for Takeover (RFT) milestone redefines risk transfer, insurance, warranties, and project handover
  • Practical contract drafting strategies to stay compliant and protect your interests

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for all players in the construction industry, including but not limited to business owners, in-house counsel, institutional clients, project owners, general contractors, construction managers, project managers, credit managers, design professionals, subcontractors, material suppliers, sureties, construction lenders.

Featured Speakers

  • Maria Ruberto, Practice Lead & Partner, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure
  • Neeta Sandhu, Partner, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure
  • Matthew Greco, Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure
  • Jeremy Power, Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure
  • Jonathan Beiles, Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure
  • Harinder Singh, Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP, Construction & Infrastructure

Location

Novotel Toronto Vaughan – 200 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan (Concord)

Date and Time

June 11, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Accreditation

This program contains 2h substantive content

Cost

$50 + HST.

Includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch.

Limited seats available. Registration required.

Questions? Email events@pallettvalo.com

REGISTER

Emerging Trends in Group Benefits & HR

C2 Employee Benefits

This breakfast event is designed to help employers stay ahead of the latest trends, legislative updates, and practical considerations in Group Benefits and HR.

This will be a valuable opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and hear timely, relevant insights that can help you stay informed and prepared for the year ahead.

The C2 Employee Benefits team, along with Pallett Valo lawyers will be speaking on topics including:

  • Emerging trends in Group Benefits and HR
  • Reasonable and customary formulations and prior authorizations
  • New legislation and HR practices for 2026
  • Legal considerations in benefits administration
  • Enforceability of employment agreements
  • Terminations – best practices and benefit considerations
  • AI and HR considerations

Pallett Valo Speakers

Andy Balaura, Partner

Zoya Alam, Lawyer

Location

Glenerin Inn & Spa, Mississauga

Anatomy of a Trial: Taking the Plunge Into a Jury Trial

OBA | Professional Development

Anatomy of a Trial is back by popular demand!

Join a stellar faculty of Superior Court judges and experienced advocates as they engage in live demonstrations and a comprehensive examination of the best techniques for conducting a trial. Lawyers of all levels, from the new litigator to the seasoned veteran, will benefit from this practical and insightful program.

Don’t miss out on this signature event! Register now to secure your spot.

Pallett Valo Member of the Bar

Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi, Partner

Dates and Times

Thursday, May 28, 2026
8:00 am – registration
8:30 am – 4:45 pm – program followed by a reception

Friday, May 29, 2026
8:00 am – registration
8:30 am – 1:30 pm – program

Location

OBA Conference Centre, Toronto

Accreditation

This program contains 9 h substantive hours, 2 h professionalism hours and 1 h EDI hour

The Annotated Shareholder Agreement 2026

Law Society of Ontario

Do you want to “draft smarter”? Presenters will walk you through a fully annotated shareholder agreement and buy-sell provisions updated with recent case law, legislative changes, and plain English explanations. Explore key clauses, common pitfalls, and practical drafting tips to improve how you draft and structure agreement terms. If you advise shareholders or structure deals, this program is your starting point for better clarity and greater confidence in your drafting skills.

  • Review case law, legislation, and policy changes that impact shareholder agreements
  • Hear about different drafting perspectives and recommended clauses for different clients, such as passive investors vs. owner‑operators
  • Learn how to handle ethical and professionalism issues that arise when drafting or advising on shareholder agreements

Pallett Valo Co-Chair

Andreea Muth, Partner

Location

Online

Accreditation

This program contains 2 h 40 m substantive hours and 20 m professionalism hour(s)

The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law

Osgoode Professional Development

Can you confidently manage risk on construction projects?

Modern construction projects are complex and high-stakes, with significant legal risks for all involved. A strong understanding of the legal frameworks that govern these projects is essential to managing risk effectively.

Strengthen your legal foundation for construction success

Engage with a faculty of 30+ senior legal and construction professionals in this intensive, five-day certificate program designed for both legal and industry professionals. With an emphasis on real-world examples and interactive sessions, you’ll explore key topics—from contract formation to dispute resolution—while gaining practical strategies to reduce liability. Regional distinctions for Eastern and Western Canada are included for select topics to enhance relevance across jurisdictions.

Program format and benefits

This expert-led program includes five days of focused learning plus a new mandatory, self-paced pre-work module (opens on March 30, 2026) that covers foundational legal concepts to ensure all participants are prepared. The pre-work module includes a short online quiz (80% pass required) and sets the stage for deeper learning during the live sessions. You’ll emerge from the program with a solid understanding of the legal issues impacting construction projects, greater confidence in managing risk, and practical tools to navigate complex scenarios across jurisdictions.

Pallett Valo Speaker

Anna Esposito, Counsel and Mediator (Module 5, May 14)

The Decision Makers Speak! View from the Bench
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from high-profile decision-makers who preside over construction disputes, including perspectives from a Judge, a Mediator, an Arbitrator and an Adjudicator. Discussion will include practical elements to enhance your dispute resolution efforts with distinctions based on the type of proceeding and their tips and “pet peeves” to help you remain on the “good side” of the decision-maker.

Program Dates

April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 14

Location

Online (Blended)

Accreditation:

This program contains 31h substantive, 3h 45m professionalism, and 1h15m EDI for a total of 36h CPD hours.

SABA Toronto Annual International Women’s Day Symposium

Join SABA Toronto on March 7, 2026 as they celebrate International Women’s Day with their annual symposium.

SABA Toronto is proud to bring back its annual Women’s Day Symposium for another year. This year’s in person symposium features a keynote by Justice Sugunasiri, panels featuring stars of the South Asian bar on a variety of career development topics, and of course a chance to connect with colleagues. Full CPD accreditation is pending. Registration includes breakfast and lunch.

Pallett Valo Panelist:

Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi, Partner

Navigating Risk in Construction Projects & Contracts

Canadian Institute: 18th Annual Conference on Navigating Risk in Construction Projects & Contracts, East

Drive the Success of Your Construction Project with Critical Industry & Legal Insights, Practical Solutions, and Nationwide Networking.

Navigating risk is a constant challenge at every stage of construction projects. Managing the complexities of stakeholders, schedules, and extensive documentation requires meticulous attention from inception to completion. Global and local issues, like supply chain volatility and the Canadian labour shortage, add further layers of difficulty that can determine a project’s success or failure.

Join top construction lawyers, contractors, consultants, and project owners, as they explore cutting-edge strategies to mitigate risk, enhance project efficiency, and safeguard your contracts. Whether you’re handling medium-sized projects or large-scale mega projects, this conference will arm you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of construction contracts and resolve disputes quickly and efficiently when they arise.

Pallett Valo Speaker

Maria Ruberto, Partner

Topic

The Overhaul of Ontario’s Construction Act: What Bill 216 Means for Payment, Adjudication, and Risk Allocation 

Location

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport
Toronto, ON

Accreditation:

This program can be applied towards Substantive hours of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Law Society of Upper Canada, the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Law Society of British Columbia, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Barreau du Quebec.

Conference hours can also be used towards the Gold Seal Certification application for credits, subject to credit approval upon review. Canadian Institute will provide certificates of attendance upon request. You must request the certificate from CI and submit the certificate yourself to obtain credits.

Agenda

Corporate Reorganizations in Estate Planning: Your Practical Guide

OBA Business Law Program

With an aging population, we are more often seeing small business corporations whose founding shareholders are looking to retire and either pass on the Corporation to the next generation or wind it up.

Using a practical case study approach, join the Ontario Bar Association to examine a corporation with multi-generational shareholders and directors who are related to each other and gather practical insights into:

  • Assisting with reorganization of the corporate structures as part of a broader estate and succession planning mandate
  • Options for how to reorganize the corporate structure
  • The use of Family Trusts and dual Wills
  • How corporate lawyers, estate planners, accountants and tax advisors work together to facilitate intergenerational transfers of wealth and generally plan for the efficient and cost-effective management of affairs in the event of death.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain hands-on practical guidance from corporate and estates lawyers on managing corporate reorganizations undertaken as part of an overall estate plan.

Pallett Valo Speakers

Andreea Muth, Partner

Cassie Wasserman, Lawyer

Location

OBA Conference Centre, Toronto

Accreditation

This program contains 5h substantive content and 45m professionalism content.

Program Price

CBA Member: $457* | CBA Student Member: $212* | Non-Member: $628*
*plus applicable taxes

Ontario Construction Liens – Advanced Issues and Strategies

Osgoode Professional Development

Get the specialized knowledge and skills you need for navigating advanced liens issues in today’s construction landscape.

Go beyond the basics in this one-day intensive program designed for legal and industry professionals who already understand the fundamentals and are ready to tackle the more nuanced and high-stakes aspects of lien processes, litigation and enforcement.

Whether you’re advising clients, managing risk, or protecting payment rights, this program delivers the insights and tools you need to succeed. Led by top construction law experts and featuring a candid fireside chat with members of the judiciary, this program offers a rare opportunity to deepen your expertise and sharpen your strategic approach.

You’ll move beyond the basics and explore complex priorities, unique lien scenarios, and the strategic interplay between liens, sureties, and insolvency. You’ll emerge equipped with sophisticated, actionable tactics to protect your clients’ interests and manage risk effectively.

Pallett Valo Speaker

Maria Ruberto, Partner

Location

Online and In-Person (Toronto)

Accreditation:

This program contains 5h 50m substantive, and 1h professionalism for a total of 6h 50m CPD hours.

Resilience and Responsibility: Mistake Management Strategies and Perspectives From Lawyers in Underrepresented Communities

Canadian Defence Lawyers

This webinar will review the rules and responsibilities for litigators in mistake management, and explore stories of lived experiences and cultural awareness to inspire resilience and perseverance in underrepresented communities working in the insurance defence bar.

Key Takeaways:

  • A practical foundation on mistake management in litigation
  • Lived experiences from lawyers in underrepresented communities
  • Building resilience and learning from errors
  • Strategies for working with diverse clients, including those with limited English proficiency
  • Insights on interpreter issues in case law and how to address communication errors early

Pallett Valo Speaker:

Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi, Lawyer

Time:

12:30pm – 1:45pm

Location:

Online

Program Price:

CDL Member: Free! | Non-Member (early bird): $154.50* | Non-Member (full price): $180.25*
*plus applicable taxes

Accreditation

This program contains 1h.25 EDI CPD credit (to be confirmed post-event)

Register

Your Obligations When Acting as Estate Trustee or Attorney for Property/Personal Care

Ontario Bar Association

Ensure you are equipped to expertly take on the role of estate trustee or attorney for property or personal care without getting tripped up. Our panel of seasoned practitioners will share helpful insights and practical advice on important topics, including:

  • Determining whether to take on the role
  • Effectively discharging key obligations
  • Accounting, recordkeeping and compensation essentials
  • Important considerations for lawyers, including:
    • How your professional obligations as a lawyer fit in
    • LSO reporting requirements and LawPro coverage questions
    • Navigating potential conflicts where you prepared the underlying documents granting these authorities
    • Distinguishing between your role as trustee/attorney and your role as lawyer

Pallett Valo Speaker:

Craig Ross, Lawyer

Time:

12:00pm – 2:00pm

Location:

Online

Program Price:

CBA Member: $122* | CBA Student Member: $68* | Non-Member: $180*
*plus applicable taxes

Accreditation

This program contains 0h30 of Professionalism Content and 1h30 of Substantive Content.

Register