Bridge the gap between legislative fiction and the lived reality of your clients to win complex ODSP and CPP disability claims.

For individuals facing disability-related legal challenges, the outcome of a tribunal hearing is often life-altering—dictating access to essential financial support, vital workplace accommodations, and basic human rights. "High-Stakes Disability Advocacy in Canadian Tribunals" is an intensive, practice-oriented course designed to equip lawyers, paralegals, and dedicated advocates with the advanced skills required to successfully litigate complex disability disputes.
Throughout this comprehensive program, participants will delve into the procedural and substantive intricacies of navigating Canada’s major adjudicative bodies, including the Social Security Tribunal (SST), provincial Human Rights Tribunals, and Workers' Compensation Boards. You will learn how to master the unique evidentiary rules of administrative law, strategically interpret and present complex medical documentation, and effectively prepare and cross-examine expert witnesses.
Beyond the mechanics of tribunal litigation, the curriculum tackles the nuanced ethical and practical challenges of representing vulnerable populations. You will discover proven strategies for trauma-informed client management, ensuring you can fiercely protect your clients' rights while providing empowering, empathetic support. Whether you are an experienced litigator looking to refine your administrative law strategy or a new advocate stepping into the disability rights arena, this course will transform your approach, providing the tactical toolkit you need to deliver victorious outcomes when the stakes are at their absolute highest.

Lawyer
Anna Zachariah was one of the earliest private bar lawyers to do ODSP work with legal aid clients. She was named a local hero in the Toronto Star 2008 for her handling of a high volume of successful ODSP files. She is an advocate for the return of ODSP legal aid certificates, the development of a specialization in disability law, and ODSP reform.