| Format | Includes | Access | CPD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-paced | 4-part municipal law series + bonus fraud webinar | Lifetime | See accreditation information for the series and accreditation information for the fraud webinar. |
Quick links: Who should participate | What's included | Pricing
Why this program?
Municipal legal practice comes with its own structures, relationships, pressures, and risks.
In-house municipal counsel advise organizations that deliver essential public services, operate within complex legislative frameworks, and remain accountable to elected councils and the communities they serve. Lawyers must understand not only the law, but also who the client is, how decisions are made, and how legal services can deliver measurable value.
In-House Municipal Legal Practice brings together experienced municipal lawyers to examine the realities of working within a municipality—from managing the lawyer-client relationship and structuring an effective legal department to making the most of limited resources.
A bonus webinar on municipal fraud adds practical guidance on strengthening financial controls and recognizing vulnerabilities before they result in significant losses.
Who should participate?
This program is designed for:
- in-house lawyers working for municipalities and other public-sector organizations;
- lawyers considering a move into municipal legal practice;
- general counsel and legal department leaders responsible for service delivery, budgeting, recruitment, and performance;
- lawyers who advise municipal councils, mayors, staff, boards, or agencies; and
- external counsel who work closely with municipal legal departments.
Register now for the series + register for the bonus webinar
Practical insight from municipal legal professionals.
The program brings together municipal lawyers from communities and legal departments of different sizes, including Toronto, Durham Region, York Region, Vaughan, Hamilton, Windsor, Caledon, Leamington, Perth County, Saugeen Shores, and other Ontario municipalities.
Panelists share firsthand experience managing municipal files, advising elected officials and staff, structuring legal departments, measuring performance, recruiting talent, and maintaining effective service delivery with limited resources.
The bonus session features forensic and litigation support specialists from MNP who examine a real municipal fraud case and the controls that could have reduced the municipality's exposure.
Four connected sessions plus a bonus webinar.
Begin with the role of municipal counsel, then explore the lawyer-client relationship, legal department performance, and the realities of practising in departments of different sizes. The bonus session applies that municipal context to fraud prevention, detection, and financial oversight.
| Session | Focus | You will learn to |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | The Role of In-House Municipal Counsel Explore the day-to-day work of municipal lawyers and the distinct role legal services play within a municipal corporation. Speakers: Jason Hunt, Matthew Todd, Ray Mickevicius, Diana Soos, and Lisa Shields |
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| Session 2 | The Lawyer-Client Relationship in a Municipal Setting Examine who provides instructions, who receives advice, and how lawyers should navigate relationships with council, mayors, staff, and external counsel. Speakers: Louise Vrebosch, Ray Mickevicius, and Arend Wakeford |
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| Session 3 | Maximizing the Value of a Municipal Legal Department Learn how municipal legal departments can demonstrate value, anticipate demand, allocate resources, and make the business case for appropriate staffing and investment. Speakers: Annette Diamond, Alexis Alyea, and Paula Boutis |
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| Session 4 | In-House Municipal Law Round-Up Hear how lawyers in municipal departments of different sizes manage workloads, use available resources, and maintain effective, high-quality legal services. Speakers: Louise Vrebosch, Tammy Grove, Jameson Pritiko, Zella Phillips, and Kate Tracey |
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| Bonus Session | Trust but Verify: Navigating the Modern Fraud Landscape for Municipalities Examine a real case in which a Manitoba municipality lost more than $500,000 through fraud committed by its former chief administrative officer. Speakers: Lisa Majeau Gordon and Michael McCormack, MNP |
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Build your municipal law toolkit.
Register for the complete municipal legal practice bundle to receive all four sessions. Register separately for the bonus municipal fraud webinar.
| Option | CBA Members | Non-Members | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-House Municipal Legal Practice Series | Complimentary | $75 for the series (or $25 per webinar) | Four recorded municipal legal practice sessions and lifetime access |
| Municipal Fraud Webinar | Complimentary | $50 | One recorded webinar and lifetime access |
Understand the legal, operational, and financial realities of municipal practice.
Five practical sessions to help in-house lawyers advise municipal clients, strengthen legal service delivery, and manage emerging risks.
Register now for the series + register for the bonus webinar
Frequently asked questions
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Is this the same as the original live webinar series? The on-demand program contains recordings from the original four-part In-House Municipal Legal Practice series, allowing you to complete the sessions on your own schedule.
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What is included in the complete bundle? The bundle includes all four sessions in the municipal legal practice series, plus Trust but Verify: Navigating the Modern Fraud Landscape for Municipalities.
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Is the fraud webinar part of the original series? No. It was presented separately in 2025 and has been added as a complementary bonus session because it addresses a significant operational and financial risk facing municipalities. It requires separate registration.
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Is the program only relevant to Ontario lawyers? Several sessions examine Ontario municipal structures and legislation, including strong mayor powers. However, the broader discussions about municipal legal practice, client relationships, department management, resource allocation, and fraud risk will be useful to municipal and public-sector lawyers across Canada.
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Do I need municipal law experience? No. The program is suitable for established municipal counsel, lawyers who work with municipal clients, and those considering a move into municipal or public-sector practice.
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How long do I have access? Access is yours for as long as the program is hosted on this site. You can revisit the recordings as your role and responsibilities change.
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Do I need to be a CBA member? No. Non-members can purchase the program at the non-member rate. CBA members receive the member rate once logged in.
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Is this program eligible for CPD credits? See accreditation information for the series and accreditation information for the fraud webinar.
Register now for the series + register for the bonus webinar