Monday, March 14, 2016

TORONTO LAWYERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS PRESENTED
Ontario Chief Justice George R. Strathy has received the Toronto Lawyers Association’s 2016 Award of Distinction for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the Toronto legal community.

“By conferring its Award of Distinction on Chief Justice Strathy, the TLA recognizes Chief Justice Strathy’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession and to the Toronto legal community over the course of his distinguished career,” said a TLA news release.

“Chief Justice Strathy, in his time on the judiciary and at the bar, has contributed immensely to the legal profession. He has earned a distinguished reputation amongst his peers.”

Strathy was appointed in 2014 after serving on the Court of Appeal, and in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, said the release.

Mark Lichty, a partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP, received the Honsberger Award.

“Mark is a speaker, teacher, writer, and advocate in the area of insurance coverage law and practice,” said the TLA.

“Integrity and commitment to the community are very important to Mark, who deeply values his Mennonite heritage and believes that senior lawyers should use their expertise to act as mentors for younger practitioners.”

LAWYER TO FACE SECOND TRIAL
Toronto lawyer Deryk Gravesande will head to trial again regarding allegations he smuggled marijuana to a client in the now-shuttered Don Jail in 2012.

A Public Prosecution Service of Canada spokeswoman says his trial is scheduled for Oct. 31, 2016 and is set for seven days. She said Gravesande is charged with one count of trafficking and the trial will take place at Old City Hall in Toronto. The Ontario Court of Appeal had overturned the drug-smuggling conviction of Gravesande last year.

KOREAN CANADIAN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION LAUNCH EVENT
The Korean Canadian Lawyers Association is holding its 2016 launch event later on March 24 at Goodmans LLP’s offices at 333 Bay St.

The event is an open and an opportunity for interested parties to connect with the KCLA members, members of other legal organizations and representatives of Korean professional organizations. KCLA will also be announcing its upcoming initiatives and events for 2016-2017. There is no cost. Those interested in attending can RSVP to [email protected].

GOWLING WLG STRENGTHENS NUCLEAR PRACTICE
Gowling WLG has recruited Paul Murphy to be managing director of its nuclear team. A firm news release said Murphy’s practice focuses on different areas related to nuclear energy, including project development and financing, international regulatory and treaty frameworks, and nuclear liability issues.

LAW TIMES POLL
When it comes to the Law Society of Upper Canada’s new rules on how criminal lawyers handle incriminating evidence, readers are split. In light of a story Law Times covered on these new rules, we asked our readers if they felt these rules will help provide clarity for lawyers in sensitive situations.
Eighty per cent of respondents said these rules are long overdue and will provide important guidance on how lawyers handle sensitive matters. Twenty per cent of respondents said these rules need additional clarity and more specifics so lawyers do not inadvertently end up in trouble.