OBA Lauren D. Rachlin Award for Excellence in International Business Law

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2023 Award Recipient

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About the Award

The Lauren D. Rachlin Award for Excellence in International Business Law was created to recognize members of the Ontario Bar Association who have made significant contributions to international business law and demonstrated a passion for furthering international cooperation among lawyers across the globe. Lauren D. Rachlin was renowned for his boundless energy, enthusiasm and dedication as a leading expert and pioneer in international law. Lauren was active in the bar, including with the Ontario Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, connecting lawyers practicing international business law. Lauren developed cross-border seminars, bringing lawyers from New York and Ontario together to discuss issues and developments in international business law, share experiences, and deepen connections. Lauren was always looking for ways to connect people to enhance their work. He taught, had roles in international bar associations outside of his own jurisdiction and became a nationally recognized expert in the area of international business law. Lauren was a mentor, guide and teacher in the area of international business law, formally and informally.

Eligibility

All members of the Ontario Bar Association who are practicing lawyers in Ontario, or in academia, but not including current officers of the Business Law Section Executive or the Executive of the Ontario Bar Association.

Criteria

• be called to the Bar in Ontario for a length of distinguished practice, either in practice (full-time or part-time) or academia;
• have made a significant contribution to the legal profession in the area of international business law through writing, speaking, volunteering and/or pro-bono work;
• have an excellent reputation in the practice of law or academia;
• have demonstrated leadership and service in the international business law sector; and
• acts (or acted) as a mentor, guide and teacher in the area of international business law (formally or informally).

Selection Process

The award recipient is confirmed by the Executive Committee of the Business Law section of the Ontario Bar Association, which is assisted in its deliberations by a Nomination and Selection Committee comprised of the Chair, Vice-Chair, past recipients and members selected from the profession at large. Members of the Section Executive and the Board are not eligible for the award.

Members of the Ontario Bar Association are invited to nominate candidates for the award by providing a summary of the candidate’s qualities, contributions and achievements in the area of international business law under the selection criteria described above. Nominations from across Ontario are welcome.

The Selection Committee shall consider OBA policies, rules and guidelines on Diversity and Inclusion when selecting the winner of the Award.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations shall be solicited by (i) a request for nominations published in the Ontario Reports at least 45 days prior to the meeting of the Nomination and Selection Committee; (ii) through members of the Executive of the Business Law Section; and/or (iii) through business lawyers licensed and in good standing to practice law in the Province of Ontario.

Any member of the Business Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association in good standing is eligible to nominate a candidate by submission in writing, together with a curriculum vitae outlining the nominee’s qualifications. The nominator must submit a request for nomination in writing, which shall include a curriculum vitae outlining the nominee’s qualifications. The nominator shall indicate that the candidate has been advised of the nomination prior to the nomination deadline and has consented to the nomination.

The Award

Engraved Metal Sculpture

Presentation

The Lauren D. Rachlin Memorial Award will be awarded biennially, by the Business Law Section.

Past Award Winners

2020 - Allan Ritchie