Class Action Training Program | Session 6: Preparing for Common Issues Trial (LEG00367)

Overview

Delivery method

Virtual classroom

Duration

1.5 hours

Audience

Legal Professionnals

Description

Please note that this course is open to Justice Canada legal professionals only (lawyers, notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and paralegals).

This program is designed to provide practical, end-to-end training on class actions. It will consist of 10 sessions covering the full lifecycle of a class proceeding, from early strategy and certification through to common issues trial, settlement, and implementation. The program is open to all counsel and paralegals, particularly those looking to build expertise in this area, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this complex and evolving field.

Session 6: This session focuses on preparing a class action for Common Issues Trial and presenting complex evidence effectively. Participants will examine the practical, procedural, and strategic considerations involved in proving common issues, and managing the significant evidentiary and logistical challenges that arise in large-scale class proceedings.

Topics will include the selection, management, and examination of expert witnesses; project management and staffing considerations for trial teams; developing and refining the theory of the case; identifying and proving systemic causes; establishing causation and damages on a class-wide basis; witness preparation and class member participation; managing documentary and electronic evidence; working with the court on case management and trial organization; and practical trial logistics, including scheduling, courtroom management, and the coordination of lengthy and complex proceedings.

The session will also highlight strategic considerations for Crown counsel in preparing and presenting common issues trials, managing extensive evidentiary records, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and advancing efficient and effective resolution of complex class actions.

Learning Objectives / Topics covered

The training session will cover the following topics:

• The effective use of expert evidence in class proceedings, including expert selection, expert reports, coordination of multiple experts, and preparation for expert examinations and cross-examinations;
• Project management and staffing considerations for complex class actions, including team structure, coordination, and management of large-scale litigation files;
• Developing and refining the theory of the case, identifying common issues, and analyzing the systemic causes underlying class-wide claims;
• Establishing causation and damages in class proceedings;
• Witness preparation and management, including representative plaintiffs, fact witnesses, institutional witnesses, and issues relating to class member participation at trial;
• Documentary, electronic, and evidence, including collection, organization, disclosure, admissibility, and the presentation of large evidentiary records;
• Working with the court on trial organization and case management, including scheduling, trial management conferences, evidentiary protocols, and coordination of complex proceedings;
• Practical trial logistics, including document management systems, hearing formats, witness scheduling, and the coordination of lengthy common issues trials;
• Strategic considerations in preparing for and conducting common issues trials in both common law jurisdictions and Quebec, including approaches to efficient case presentation and management of complex evidentiary and procedural issues.

Client: Civil Litigation Section in collaboration with the Centre of Expertise for Learning and Professional Development (CoELPD).

Registration deadline: 5 working days prior to the course date.

Participants are responsible for adding their training activities to their Outlook calendars.

Cancelling your registration: Simply log into your JUScampus account and select "Unregister" from this event page.

Accommodation Measures: The Department of Justice is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free learning environment. If you need workplace accommodations to fully participate in this training, contact your manager or the Centre for Workplace Access-Ability, Health and Wellness (CWAHW). Please note, the CWAHW requires at least 72 hours to respond.

Please contact the Centre of Expertise for Learning and Professional Development (CoELPD):

• For training material, at least 5 business days before the training session if needed in advance.
• To flag any other requests or accommodations needs, at least 10 business days before the training session.
• For more information or if you have any issues with this course.

For information about the continuing professional development (CPD) hours for this course, please consult the 2026 Accreditation Summary.

If you have questions concerning the accreditation process, please contact our accreditation team by email (Accreditations@justice.gc.ca).