“Access to Justice in Family Law and Navigating a File with a Self-Represented Litigant”

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EVENT DETAILS

Host: The Manitoba Bar Association

When: Friday October 27th, 2023, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm CDT

Where: online

CPD: This program offers 1 hour of continuing professional development, all of which may be reported as EPPM (Ethics, Professionalism, Practice Management) hours

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The panel will cover an array of issues with respect to the triage process and in the context of files where one party is self-represented and how that effects best practices in completing the triage prerequisites.

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The Panel

Jessica Schofield

Jessica is a partner at Taylor McCaffrey LLP with extensive experience in Family Law. Her expertise spans all areas of this practice including prenuptials, separation, and divorce agreements. Jessica has significant litigation experience with respect to parenting and financial matters. She has represented clients in both the Court of King’s Bench and the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Her practice and client base spans across Manitoba including Winnipeg, Brandon and Dauphin.  Another key part of Jessica’s practice includes Collaborative Law, where she assists clients in resolving their disputes through alternative dispute resolution processes.

While Jessica prides herself on being well versed in all aspects of Family Law, she also deals in regulatory matters with experience appearing before the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

Jessica devotes a significant amount of time to her clients and practice, but firmly believes in giving back to her profession and community.  Throughout her career, Jessica has been active in the Manitoba Bar Association and is currently the Co-Chair of the Family Law Section and a member of the Executive (currently as the Director of Membership).   Jessica also regularly volunteers her time at Robson Hall and has acted as a judge in the National Family Law Negotiation Competition since 2021.

The Honourable Justice William Johnston

Justice Johnston was appointed to the (then) Court of Queen’s Bench (Family Division) on July 29th, 2009. He received his LLB from University of Manitoba and was called to the bar in 1985. Before judicial appointment, Justice Johnston was in private practice in Brandon and Carberry for twenty five years. He practiced in the areas of family, civil litigation, real estate, and wills and estates. Justice Johnston was also the president of the Law Society of Manitoba 2004 – 2005.

Clayton Stewart

Clayton is a lawyer at Willow Community Law Centre where he practices primarily in the area of family law. He received his LLB from Western University.

Stacey Ennis

Stacey obtained a Juris Doctor in 2015 from the University of Manitoba and was called to the bar in 2016. She practices primarily in the area of Family Law as an Associate at Fraser Law. Prior to joining Fraser Law, Stacey completed her articles and practiced Family Law, Real Estate Law and Wills and Estates at McRoberts Law Office.

While Stacey has gained litigation experience, she believes that many of her clients would be better served through a less aggressive process.  She has completed the collaborative training program and believes that those skills are essential to assisting clients in finding creative resolutions that better suit their families.