Join us for the Lunch and Learn Series
Who? Honourable Justice Renee Cochard
Justice Renée Cochard is a supernumerary criminal justice of the Alberta Court of Justice (appointed to the Edmonton Criminal Division in October 2015), and is a Deputy Justice for NWT, and has recently been appointed to the Law Commission of Canada. While on the bench overseeing criminal proceedings, Justice Cochard was instrumental in developing and opening Edmonton’s Mental Health Court and the Edmonton Indigenous Court, and as a result was awarded the 2023 Indigenous Justice Award from the University of Alberta. Prior to the judicial appointment, Justice Cochard was a leading litigator for 36 years in Alberta’s family law bar working on complex family matters. During this legal career, she trained as a mediator and arbitrator, and received the Q.C. (now K.C.) designation in 2004.
Over the years, she has taught a diversity of courses (Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Women, Law and Social Change, and Mental Health and the Law). In 2025, she taught Sentencing in Criminal Law at University of Victoria Law. Justice Cochard has been actively involved in the Canadian Mental Health Association, LEAF - Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund, and more recently she has volunteered with two housing builds for Habitat for Humanity Legal Builds in Edmonton and with the International Association of Women Judges, and in particular two projects, the Retention of Women in the legal Profession and the settlement of Afghan women judges in Canada.
What? On the Frontlines of Family and Criminal Justice: Insights from the Honourable Justice Renee Cochard (Alta and NWT)
The Honourable Justice Cochard will offer insight into the lessons learned as a leading family law litigator, who transited to serving on the bench as a criminal law judge in Alberta, where she was instrumental in developing Edmonton’s Mental Health Court and the Edmonton Indigenous Court. Justice Cochard also is a Deputy Justice for NWT and an appointee to the Law Commission of Canada.
Topics for discussion:
· Dealing with mental health and /or substance abuse in family and criminal law cases
· Challenges in family law files — ie managing two laws (Territorial vs the new Divorce Act); outdated laws and limited family justice; access to child support, spousal support and property division to combat family violence and child poverty; managing a family law file with little resources and time
· Tips for lawyers during circuit court - views from a judge
· Sentencing tips for lawyers
· Time for questions
When? Decemeber 2, 2025 from 12- 1 pm ET Online
How? Register Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/74mvoGeSRG-6zL3u_9rGMg
Recognised CLE hours: 1 hour of Substantive legal or procedural issues, Professional responsibility & Ethics / Live or On-Demand Programs / Courses