Monday, July 11, 2016

LAW FOUNDATION WELCOMES NEW CHAIRWOMAN
Lawyer Linda Rothstein is set to become the first chairwoman of the Law Foundation of Ontario’s Board of Trustees.

Rothstein is a partner at Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP, who does civil and administrative litigation and has expertise in public law.The board had never elected a woman as chairperson before.

“It’s a real honour to take on this role,” Rothstein said.

“I’m regularly moved and impressed by the projects we fund; from teaching youth about their human rights to training front-line workers to assist women who have experienced domestic violence. We have a real opportunity and responsibility at the foundation to fund work that is actually making a difference and addressing people’s legal needs.”

Rothstein is also a past president of the Advocates’ Society and formerly served as a bencher in the Law Society of Upper Canada from 2007 to 2015. She will replace Paul Schabas, who stepped away from the position of chairman after he was elected to be the next treasurer of the law society in June.

FIDLER RECEIVES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Lawyer Jonathan Fidler is set to receive an award from the Ontario Bar Association for excellence in alternative dispute resolution.

Called to the bar with honours in 1975, Fidler is a certified specialist in civil litigation, who works as a mediator and arbitrator with Malach Fidler Sugar & Luxenberg LLP.

In addition to personal injury, he has practised negligence and insurance litigation.

The OBA award recognizes excellence in the practice of alternative dispute resolution as well as writing, teaching, and mentoring in the field.

“Jonathan’s nominator gave him the highest praise,” said Kevin Johnson, the OBA alternative dispute resolution section chairman.

“He is an exceptional advocate of the ADR process, while serving to educate and promote the skills and techniques needed to advance ADR.”

Fidler will be given the award at a dinner Oct. 27.

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SYMPOSIUM
The Centre for International Governance Innovation is set to hold a one-day symposium that will explore new ways to translate international environmental law into practice.

Participants will hear from lawyers and judges that deal with environmental compliance issues. The symposium, which is free but requires registration, will take place July 20 at the CIGI Campus in Waterloo, Ont. For more information or to register, e-mail [email protected].

LAW TIMES POLL
Law Times reported recently that a Senate committee is investigating how to help prisoners with mental health issues, including the use of solitary confinement.

Readers were asked if they thought solitary confinement should be banned.

About 48 per cent said yes, solitary confinement should be banned and that it is a travesty that such an inhumane practice is still being used to “treat” mental health problems in a developed nation such as Canada.

The remaining 52 per cent said no, while solitary confinement may not always be appropriately used, it still has a valid use in certain situations in order to amend prisoners’ behaviour.