OBA Award of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution

About the Award

The ADR Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional contributions and/or achievements in Alternative Dispute Resolution in two or more of the following areas: Excellence in the practice of ADR; Participation in continuing legal education at the OBA, Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario or other organizations on ADR issues; Writing and teaching on ADR issues; Mentoring of other persons in ADR; Participation in law reform initiatives that touch upon ADR; and Promotion of the use of, and generally providing leadership in ADR.

Eligibility

The nominee must be a member of the CBA/OBA in good standing, but cannot be a member of the current Executive Committee of the section
Criteria
The following criteria will be considered in determining the recipient of the Award.
- Excellence in the practice of ADR;
- Participation in continuing legal education at the OBA, Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario or other organizations on ADR issues;
- Writing and teaching on ADR issues;
- Mentoring of other persons in ADR;
- Participation in law reform initiatives that touch upon ADR; and
- Promotion of the use of, and generally providing leadership in ADR.
- The nominee must qualify under at least two of the criteria set out above.
The nominator is required to advise (or obtain the consent of) the nominee of the nomination prior to the nomination deadline.
Nomination Procedure

A nomination requires the signature of one OBA member in good standing. To assist the Committee, each nomination shall be accompanied by a summary of the reasons for the nomination. The CV of the candidate will also be required. And a maximum of 2 additional letters of support are allowed and encouraged.
Selection Process

The Selection Committee shall consider OBA policies, rules and guidelines on Diversity and Inclusion when selecting the winner of the Award. The final decision shall be made by a majority vote of the Executive at a regular meeting of the Section Executive or at a special meeting of the Executive called for the purpose.
Award

A plaque is presented to the recipient.
Presentation

The award is presented usually in the Fall of the current year. In 2024, the presentation occured on October 29, 2024.

Section Executive Liaison

Ontario Bar Association
Coordinator, Sections

(416) 869-1047 x 312
Email

Past Winners

2024 - Susan L. Stewart and Stephen Raymond

2023 - Bernard Morrow

2022 – Vance Cooper

2021 - The Honourable Mary Jo M. Nolan

2020 - William G. Horton

2019 - Elaine Newman

2017 - Cinnie Noble

2016 - Jonathan T. Fidler

2015 - Harvey J. Kirsh

2014 - Hilary Linton, Toronto

2013 - R. Roy McMurtry, Q.C., Toronto

2012 - Philip Epstein, Q.C., Toronto

2011 - Barry B. Fisher, Toronto

2010 - The Honourable MR. Robert N. Beaudoin, Ottawa

2009 - Paul M. Iacono, Q.C., Toronto

2008 - The Honourable Warren K. Winkler, Toronto

2007 - Anne E. Grant, Toronto

2006 - Allan J. Stitt - Toronto

2005 - Leslie Macleod - Toronto

2004 - Rick Weiler - Toronto

2003 - Kathleen Kelly - Toronto

2002 - Dr. Barbara Landau - Toronto

2001 - Donald E. Short - Toronto

2000 - Joint recipients - D. Paul Emond & June Maresca - both of Toronto (Maresca - now a Judge)

1999 - Genevieve A. Chornenki - Toronto

Call Forward Series 2024-2025

OBA Award of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution

About the Award

Past Winners