Jeffrey Leon honoured by Ontario Bar Association

  • October 10, 2014

TORONTO – Jeffrey Leon, one of Ontario’s most respected civil litigation lawyers, is being honoured by the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) with its prestigious Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation.

The award recognizes exceptional contributions and achievements by members of the OBA in the following areas: outstanding advocacy skills; professionalism, integrity and civility; teaching of civil litigation and practice; the enhancement of the practice of civil litigation; and leadership in the civil litigation bar. Past award recipients include: John Evans Q.C. in 2013, Bryan Finlay, Q.C. in 2012 and Harvey Strosberg, Q.C. in 2011.

A partner at Bennett Jones in Toronto, Leon is well-recognized as an intelligent, practical, talented litigator.  Throughout his 25 year career, he has generously given back to his profession and the community it serves. He served as Chair of the Board of Pro Bono Law Ontario and is a mentor and a prolific contributor to continuing professional development programs and law school courses.  He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada and Lexpert as a leading lawyer in ten categories.  His professional achievements and generous commitment to the community have earned him many accolades including the Law Society Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. 

 “Jeff Leon personifies everything this award is meant to recognize.  His outstanding advocacy skills are matched only by his integrity and civility,” said Chris Jaglowitz, partner at Gardiner Miller Arnold, LLP in Toronto and chair of the Nomination and Selection Committee.

“Jeff Leon is the consummate professional.  He has given back to the profession through his involvement in the OBA and countless other endeavours, including chairing the Board of Pro Bono Law Ontario.  He is a tribute to civil litigation and to our organization,” said Mervyn Abramowitz, a Partner at Kronis Rotsztain Margles Cappel LLP and Chair of the OBA Civil Litigation Section.    

The award will be presented to Leon at a gala dinner on October 16, 2014 at the Ritz – Carlton Hotel in Toronto.  Speakers at the dinner include highly respected lawyer Ben Zarnett and eminent jurist The Honourable Madame Justice Eleanore Cronk of the Court of Appeal.

The OBA, a branch of the Canadian Bar Association, is the voice of the legal profession in Ontario, representing more than 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students throughout the province.

To register to attend the gala, please visit: http://www.cbapd.org/details_en.aspx?id=ON_14CIV1016T

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