News & Announcements

We are pleased to announce that Hilary Linton will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Canadian Bar Association (CBA) webinar, “An Urgent Need to Address Family Violence: Professional Competence and Safety Considerations.”

This webinar will examine how ADR professionals can address family violence safely and competently—an issue that requires continued focus across the field.

Hilary will join a panel discussion, drawing on her extensive experience in family mediation, arbitration, and screening for power imbalances, to explore:

• Identifying and responding to family violence
• Ensuring safe and ethical practice
• Navigating complex power imbalances
• Strengthening professional competence in high-risk cases

This webinar is essential for mediators, arbitrators, lawyers, and other dispute resolution professionals.

Learn more and register here.

We’re proud to share that Avagene Skervin will be moderating an upcoming Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM) Lunch & Learn in recognition of Black History Month.

This special session, scheduled for February 18 (1:00 – 2:00 pm EST), will feature Rochelle Bush of Tubman Tours Canada, presenting:

“Niagara’s Freedom Trail: Exploring People, Places and Events”

This powerful and educational talk traces over three centuries (1780–1905) of early Black history in Niagara, Ontario, highlighting the individuals, communities, and pivotal moments that helped shape Canada and influence the world.

We encourage our community to attend this meaningful session and take part in the ongoing learning and reflection that Black History Month invites.

Join Hilary Linton, Borzou Tabrizi, and Judith M. Nicoll for an in-depth and timely webinar focused on one of the most critical components of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR): effective screening for power imbalances.

Screening is not only a best practice — it is mandatory for ensuring that FDR processes are conducted safely and appropriately. Yet uncertainty around who should screen, when screening should occur, and how it should be conducted can expose professionals to allegations of improper practice and create safety risks for both parties and practitioners.

This seminar is designed to strengthen your confidence and competence in this essential area of practice.

Participants will gain insight into:

• Why FDR can be safer and more effective than court in many cases

• The key elements of thorough and effective screening

• How screening requirements differ across dispute resolution processes

• The professional and safety risks associated with inadequate screening

• New tools, resources, and practical guidance to support best practices

This foundational webinar is ideal for mediators, parenting coordinators, collaborative professionals, arbitrators, and family lawyers seeking to ensure compliance, enhance client safety, and strengthen professional standards.

Learn more and register today.

December 2025:

• Hilary was appointed to the Justice Canada HELP Toolkit Review Advisory Committee. The Committee will be meeting over the coming months to consider updates to Justice Canada’s invaluable resource for family law professionals. Hilary was also a member of the original Justice Canada committed that designed the Toolkit.

December 15, 2025:

• Hilary had the honour of co-presenting to the International Conciliation and Arbitration Board on the topic of “Trauma-Informed Mediation” with colleagues Raheena Lalani Dahya and Aneez Khanani. 

December 10, 2025:

• Hilary, Joanna Radbord and Prof. Katreena Scott spoke on “Addressing Family Violence” to lawyers at the firm McCarthy Hansen.

November 3, 2025:

• Hilary spoke on “Safety First: Best Practices in Screening for IPV” at the Law Society of Ontario’s program on Practical Strategies and Best Practices in Family Violence Matters.

November 8, 2025:

• Hilary, Prof. Katreena Scott and Cindy Chisvin presented “A Culturally Conscious Model of Screening for Power Imbalances and Intimate Partner Violence” at the Rocky Mountain Collaborative Conference in Banff, Alberta.