The bar association's annual awards recognize lawyers with notable career achievements and more
The Ontario Bar Association has unveiled the list of winners for its Association Awards, an annual recognition of lawyers who have made significant contributions to Ontario’s legal profession.
The award categories celebrate career achievements, pro bono and volunteer contributions, and initiatives to improve mental health in the industry. The OBA will hold an awards gala in Toronto in June.
Legal Aid Ontario chair Steve Pengelly, one of three recipients of the OBA’s Award for Distinguished Service, told Law Times on Friday that he was surprised and honoured to be nominated and selected for the award. “Like others, I am sure, I feel that there are hundreds of other lawyers who deserve this award more than I do,” he said in a statement.
“On reflection, it is most gratifying to realize that my very modest contributions to the profession and the legal system in Ontario are perceived as being worthy of any recognition whatsoever, let alone being selected to receive this very significant award,” he added.
The Award for Distinguished Service recognizes OBA members' exceptional career contributions and achievements. Court of Appeal for Ontario Justice Darla Wilson and LAWPRO vice president of public affairs Raymond Leclair were also recipients.
Angela Ogang, a sole practitioner at AngeLAW, won the Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism, recognizing her volunteer contributions that “advanced the interests of the OBA Membership and promoted the role of the legal profession in Ontario,” according to the OBA.
Ogang told Law Times, “This recognition is especially meaningful to me because the OBA has played a significant role in my personal and professional growth.
“Over the years, engaging in various programs and collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and practice areas has deepened my commitment to the practice of law and reinforced the values that guide my community involvement,” Ogang said.
“I am profoundly grateful to the OBA awards committee for this acknowledgment and look forward to continuing to serve the OBA, its members, and the public in whatever way I can, including through initiatives like the OBA's annual Make A Will Month.​”
Barbara Legate, a senior trial lawyer at Legate Injury Lawyers, received the Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility, which honours OBA members who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the ideals of professionalism and civility in their practice. Speaking to Law Times while on break during a trial, Legate says, “Obviously everybody talks about the fact that it is an honour, and it is because you really don't know what other people think of how you practice, and you just kind of set your own standards and live and learn.
“That's what I've tried to do, is try to set a standard of excellence, but try as well to appreciate what my friends at the bar are going through… and what their pressures are,” she adds. “At the end of the day, they have a job to do too.”
She adds, “I like lawyers, and I like to make friends with people on the other side, and so that's been my principle. To see that others have seen me in that light – that's really pleasant.”
Louis Frapporti, a partner at Gowling WLG, received the David Scott Award for Pro Bono Law, which recognizes OBA members’ contributions and achievements in pro bono legal services.
Frapporti said, “For the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens, access to competent legal services at a reasonable price is increasingly elusive. Conversely, too few lawyers experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with championing those who lack the financial means to access our services.
“As with so many other vexing societal problems, innovative approaches and partnerships hold enormous promise in addressing these issues,” he added. “I’m privileged to be one of many working to bring innovation to the world of pro bono law and am deeply honoured to be recognized for this effort by the Ontario Bar Association.”
A complete list of winners is available on the OBA’s website.
