In this episode, commercial litigator Dora Konomi sits down with The Honourable Justice Koehnen of the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto to peel back the layers of the self-represented litigant.

Are your self-reps difficult or often caught in a complex system? This episode explores the modern trends driving this rise in self-reps—including the skyrocketing cost of legal services and the "illusion of knowledge" created by AI. We also emphasize the needs to be both an advocate for your client but also a court officer and how to maintain that balance. Best practices, practical tips, and some anecdotes. Whether you are dealing with a well-meaning but overwhelmed individual or a persistent vexatious litigant, this episode provides a roadmap for separating the wheat from the chaff while maintaining professional integrity.

Justice M. Koehnen practised complex commercial litigation at McMillan LLP for 29 years before being appointed to the bench, during which he appeared before courts of all levels, securities commissions, and international arbitration tribunals. His practice led him to work with a wide variety of legal and social cultures, including those of China, Iran, and Nigeria. He was active in the International Bar Association, where he served as chair of the Litigation Committee. Justice Koehnen is the author of Oppression and Related Remedies, which has been cited frequently by courts throughout Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition, he has contributed to various books dealing with director and officer liability, privilege, and arbitration.

Justice Koehnen was born to immigrant parents and grew up in modest circumstances in Toronto. He was the first of his extended family to attend university, earning a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Toronto and a diplôme d’études approfondies in international economic law from the Université Paris 1 (Panthéon-Sorbonne).

Dora Konomi is a partner at Walker Law in Toronto. She is a dedicated litigator with a passion for delivering practical, client‐focused solutions in civil litigation. She has a particular interest in commercial litigation, including construction disputes, fraud, debt enforcement, and condominium law.

Since being called to the Ontario Bar, Dora has gained significant experience advocating for clients in various disputes, including construction liens, shareholder issues, and fraud cases. She has represented clients across industries, from construction and financial institutions to condominium corporations, bringing her deep understanding of legal and business complexities to every case.

Dora is also an award‐winning radio host and hosts a weekly radio show.

Land Acknowledgement

The Advocates’ Society acknowledges that our offices, located in Toronto, are on the customary and traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinabek, the Huron-Wendat and now home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.  We acknowledge current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit and honour their long history of welcoming many nations to this territory.

While The Advocates’ Society is based in Toronto, we are a national organization with Directors and members located across Canada in the treaty and traditional territories of many Indigenous Peoples. We encourage our members to reflect upon their relationships with the Indigenous Peoples in these territories, and the history of the land on which they live and work.

We acknowledge the devastating impacts of colonization, including the history of residential schools, for many Indigenous peoples, families, and communities and commit to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in an informed legal profession in Canada and within The Advocates’ Society.