Ontario Women's Law Association appoints Erin O’Donovan as president, Fariya Walji as vice president

They will lead the organization through to 2026

Ontario Women's Law Association appoints Erin O’Donovan as president, Fariya Walji as vice president

The Women’s Law Association of Ontario has appointed Erin O’Donovan as its president and Fariya Walji as its vice president for 2024-2026, marking their addition to the executive board.

O’Donovan has long been part of WLAO, participating in the organization’s events, partnerships, and equity for women in law. She used to lead the Toronto Lawyers Association, having been named president in 2022.

At present, she manages the corporate finance arm of the Ontario Securities Commission, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She has also served as senior legal counsel of corporate finance as well as senior legal counsel of M&A, corporate finance – in this role, she provided advice on takeover bids and going private deals.

O’Donovan was senior legal counsel at the Canadian Securities Transition Office from October 2014 to April 2015. She also held senior legal counsel roles at Macleod Dixon LLP (now Norton Rose Fulbright) and WeirFoulds LLP, according to LinkedIn.

In her legal career, she has tackled corporate and securities law matters such as public and private equity financings, corporate reorganizations and M&A, stock exchange listings, and securities regulatory compliance for both issuers and dealers.

Walji sits on the WLAO board of directors and co-chairs the membership committee. She is a litigator who concentrates on public sector work, having handled trial and appellate files particularly in civil law.

She leads a team of professionals at the Law Practice Program, working with law graduates on developing practical skills before they start practicing. She also supports the program’s senior leadership team.

Walji has spoken on diversity in the legal profession, building equity in hiring, the licensing process, career planning, application materials/interview skills, litigation and oral advocacy, and alternate career paths. She has also presented on training police officers on civil forfeiture and expert witness testimony.

“Her commitment to women in law, advocacy and thought-leadership will continue to be a significant impact to our community,” the WLAO said in a statement.