PBSC SUMMER
LEARNING INSTITUTE
June - August 2025
ABOUT THE
SUMMER LEARNING INSTITUTE
In 2023, PBSC launched the Summer Learning Institute (SLI) to equip the legal profession, particularly emerging lawyers, with the skills and capacity to challenge systemic inequities and promote inclusion. Through a series of virtual sessions delivered by knowledgeable facilitators in both English and French, the SLI brings together PBSC’s extended network to engage in critical learning and reflection.
AGENDA
June 4, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Indigenous Worldviews & Cultural Humility
(English with live French interpretation)
This workshop will cover the history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This session opportunities for participants to consider how reconciliation can be supported in their work.
June 18, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Authentic Allyship
(English)
Authentic Allyship is a dynamic session grounded in anti-oppression principles that explores real-world examples from current events to illuminate the challenges and responsibilities of meaningful allyship. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect, connect, and engage with one another in conversation about actionable steps toward equity and justice.
June 18, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
L'alliance inclusive authentique
(French)
Presented by Asia Kotasinka
Facilitator, Curated Leadership
L’alliance inclusive authentique est une session dynamique, fondée sur les principes anti-oppression, qui explore des exemples concrets tirés de l’actualité afin de mettre en lumière les défis et les responsabilités d’une véritable alliance. Les participant·es auront l’occasion de réfléchir et d’échanger sur des démarches concrètes en faveur de l’équité et de la justice.
July 2, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Gender Expression and Identity
(English)
This session will cover the human rights framework and will serve as a basis for discussing relevant terms and definitions (e.g. sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), as well as the shared rights and responsibilities involved. Additionally, the session will explore inclusive language as a means of challenging systemic discrimination and establishing the foundations for understanding affirmation and allyship.
July 3, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Formation portant sur le langage inclusif
(French)
Presented by Michaël Lessard
Professor, Faculty of Law, Université de Sherbrooke
La formation offrira un tour d’horizon des principales techniques de rédaction inclusive ainsi que le contexte historique qui a mené à leur émergence. Elle illustrera également comment ces techniques prennent forme dans un contexte juridique et proposera des exercices pour mettre en pratique les connaissances acquises.
July 16, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Clear Legal Language
(English)
Presented by Éducaloi
Charitable organization whose mission is to make law accessible through clear communication and legal education.
Éducaloi’s interactive workshop on clear legal communication will allow participants to identify practical tips for making the law more accessible, explain the importance of tailoring their communications to their audience, and understand the fundamentals of clear legal communication, its benefits, and concrete ways to put it into practice.
July 16, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Langage juridique clair
(French)
Presented by Éducaloi
Charitable organization whose mission is to make law accessible through clear communication and legal education.
L’atelier interactif d’Éducaloi sur la communication claire du droit permettra aux participant·es d’identifier des trucs pratiques pour vulgariser le droit de façon plus accessible, d’expliquer l’importance d’adapter leurs communications à leur public, ainsi que de comprendre les bases de la communication juridique claire, ses avantages et les façons concrètes de la mettre en pratique.
July 30, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Trauma-Informed Lawyering
(English)
Presented by Yukimi Henry
Associate Vice President, Student Experience
Sheridan College
This session on trauma-informed lawyering explores the physiological impacts of trauma and offers strategies for effectively supporting and working with individuals who have experienced it. Participants will also examine the realities of vicarious trauma and reflect on practices to sustain their own well-being in legal and advocacy work.
July 30, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
La pratique du droit tenant compte des traumatismes
(French)
Presented by Dr. Katia Germain
Psychiatrist and lawyer
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Cette formation aborde à la fois l’impact du trauma sur les clients et les autres parties concernées, ainsi que les effets possibles sur les avocats eux-mêmes, en vue de favoriser une pratique plus éthique, réfléchie et humaine.
August 13, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Legal Practice, Self Care, & Stress Management
(English)
Presented by Yukimi Henry
Associate Vice President, Student Experience
Sheridan College
This session offers practical tools for navigating challenging cases and emotionally demanding topics in a way that supports both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. This session will explore sustainable approaches to managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining resilience while continuing to serve clients with care and competence.
August 13, 2025 | 12-1:30pm EDT
Pratique juridique, bien-être et gestion du stress
(French)
Presented by Nathalie Parent
Psychologist, nathalieparentpsychologue.com
Pour prévenir l’épuisement professionnel et l’usure de compassion, il est essentiel de prendre soin de soi. Il s’agit de cultiver la résilience et de maintenir un équilibre sain entre vie personnelle et professionnelle. Lors de cette rencontre, nous explorerons les sources de stress, les signes avant-coureurs, ainsi que des stratégies concrètes pour intégrer le bien-être au quotidien.
NATIONAL FUNDERS
Leaders in the industry, our national funders and partners make PBSC's mission possible.
Principal Funder
Founding Partner
National Law Firm Partner
National Research Partner
