Winners Recognized for Advancing Gender Equality in Legal Profession
TORONTO – Ontario Bar Association President Lynne Vicars today named this year’s recipients of the OBA’s President’s Award.
The Hon. Justice Patricia C. Hennessy, a Supernumerary Judge of the Superior Court of Justice in the North East Region, and James D.G. Douglas, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais, will share the honour at the annual OBA Awards Gala on April 17 in Toronto.
“It was important to me to recognize that advancing gender equality requires effort from everyone. This is why two winners will share this year’s award,” Vicars said.
“As a lawyer and as a member of the judiciary, Justice Hennessy has worked tirelessly throughout her career to encourage, support and advance the interests of women in the legal profession. When it comes to supporting women to enable them to excel in their legal practices, Mr. Douglas is a genuine leader, who consistently demonstrates the importance of providing truly equal opportunities for men and women.”
The OBA Pr
esident's Award recognizes the significant contribution of an individual Canadian or Canadian organization, which, in the view of the OBA President, has made a significant contribution to the advancement of Justice in Ontario or elsewhere. Previous winners include the Canadian Cross-Border Legal Coalition (2018), The Hon. Warren K. Winkler (2013) and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (2011).
“Gender equality within the profession benefits not only those who work within it, but also bolsters the public's confidence in the legal system. I have been fortunate to have had the support and the opportunities to play a small part in advancing this cause,” Justice Hennessy said. “Thanks to the many other women and men who do this work in their own practices and their communities, and to the OBA for this honour.”
“I am honoured to be one of this year's recipients of the President's Award,” Douglas added.
For more on the OBA Awards Gala on April 17 and to purchase tickets, click here.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 40% of OBA members are women; 54% of the OBA’s Section Executives are women
- The OBA will be hosting a series of OBA Solution Circles over the coming months. Solution Circles will address certain issues that we know are barriers to advancing gender equality (e.g., work interruptions and their impact on a legal career). Click here to learn more or to register for an upcoming Circle.
About the Ontario Bar Association
Established in 1907, the OBA is the largest voluntary legal association in Ontario representing over 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The OBA provides continuing professional development and advocates for improvements to the law in the interests of the profession and public.
– 30 –
For more information:
Michael Speers
Media & Communications Specialist
mspeers@oba.org
416-869-1047 ext. 365