Engagement, Innovation and Inclusion: Civil Litigation in 2021-2022

  • October 03, 2021
  • Chantelle Cseh, chair of the Civil Litigation Section, partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP; Rachel Migicovsky, vice-chair of the Civil Litigation Section, TAP Law

To all of our Section members, and to all members of the bar, welcome to the OBA’s 2021-2022 term!

Over the past year our members, regardless of practice area or year of call, have coped with difficulty, loss, and above all, change. With change however comes the opportunity for renewal. Most of us have examined the areas of our lives and practices that we feel could, in some way, be better.

As we look to the year ahead, our priorities are (i) fostering innovation; (ii) promoting meaningful member engagement; and (iii) advancing diversity and inclusiveness in the civil litigation bar. We invite you to contribute your voice to our initiatives centered around these organizing principles.

This past year has seen innovation in the practice of law and civil litigation that , two years ago, most of us would not have believed possible. Waiting for hours in person in Masters Court is likely a thing of the past. Virtual litigation is here to stay. Electronic filing! Beyond the courtroom we have also found creative ways to network and build relationships. We are committed to programming that will advance not only your legal knowledge, but our ability to connect with one other.

We cannot overstate the importance of your engagement. Your ideas and energy are what keep the Civil Litigation Section at at the forefront of policy and practice reform. Some of our successful initiatives from past years include recommendations that were adopted by the Ministry of the Attorney General and courts, including concerning electronic filing and service, remote commissioning, pregnancy gowning, double-sided printing and other proposed reforms. Each of these ideas came from a Section member who said, “I think a change could make this better”.

Finally, we are committed to advancing representation and inclusion in our policy work and programming. We will work to amplify voices and issues that are important and meaningful to all members of the bar, including through programs delivered by a diverse range of individuals with unique perspectives. We aim to create a safe and respectful space for learning and discussion.