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.
We now offer this adjudication certificate in a variety of delivery methods, whether it is five days consecutive or a blended version of self learning through modules (3 days) and interactive experiential learning (2 days).
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.
The Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards and Tribunals
May 12-16, 2025 Online, live
You may also consider the non consecutive five-day certificate course, blended online and in-person, live and interactive:
The Certificate in Adjudication (Blended Online)
January 29, February 12, 26 2025 asynchronous self-paced modules, March 21 and 22, 2025 online blended, interactive
Register or be placed on the waitlist through Osgoode Professional Development website
LOCATION: Online, until further notice
PRICE: $3595.00 plus HST REGISTRATION NOW OPEN through Osgoode PD.
Program Director - Liz Nastasi and Deb Pressman
Program Lawyer, Gail Geronimo
Decision Writing Courses for 2025
Effective Decision Writing for Administrative Adjudicators, March 3, 2025 (Live, Online)
A core SOAR decision writing course: You will learn the fundamental skills involved in writing clear, concise and well-reasoned decisions. Expert facilitators from the administrative justice community will lead small group discussions and provide individualized feedback.
This is one of our most popular courses so don't delay your registration!
Advanced Decision Writing for Administrative Adjudicators, April 24 and 25, 2025
April 24 & 25, 2025
9:00am-4:00pm (online live)
Fee: $1395.00 plus HST
The hearing process can sometimes be lengthy and complex. Your written decision should not be.
Learn to deliver a clear, credible and concise written decision that meets the needs of your audience. Decision writing is an art and a skill that requires continuing refinement.
Over two days, this interactive, learn-by-doing program will help you improve your decision writing skills through discussions and individualized feedback from leading writing experts. You will have an opportunity to:
- Identify the deep issues central to your decision
- Receive constructive feedback and critique on your own writing sample
- Analyze your own writing process, and adjust it to work more effectively for you
- Improve clarity at the paragraph, sentence and word level
This hands-on program takes a deep dive into key areas of written decisions and will strengthen your decision-writing skills through individualized feedback on your own writing style and voice. Work with our decision writing experts to finely hone your writing skills. This course requires some pre-program preparation.
Plus! You’ll obtain tips, precedents and checklists that will act as a valuable resource.
Program Director
Caroline Mandell, Legal Educator and Consultant
Program Lawyer, Gail Geronimo