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Home / Get Involved / Award

Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility

Join us in celebrating the outstanding contributions of Barbara Legate at the OBA Awards Gala on June 19, 2025, at the OBA Conference Centre.

Register for the event
Ontario Bar Association Celebrating Excellence graphic with a gold-edged circular emblem featuring scales of justice on a blurred light background.

About the Award

OBA's Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility was created to honour one OBA member each year who has consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to the ideals of professionalism and civility in the practice of law.

  • Eligibility

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    Any member in good standing (except a Member of the current Board and the Awards Committee) of the Ontario Bar Association is eligible for the award.

  • Criteria for Selection

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    • One recipient per year;
    • The following factors, in addition to the OBA’s Minimum Criteria for Section Awards, will be considered in determining the recipient of the Award:
      1. A demonstrated commitment to professionalism;
      2.  A demonstrated commitment to civility, fairness, and integrity, and a dedication to the highest ideals of the profession;
      3. Knowledge of the law and a willingness to share that knowledge through mentorship, participation in legal education, writing, and lecturing;
      4. Exemplary participation and generosity with one’s time through involvement in  activities or events of this association or other professional association.
  • Nomination Procedure

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    A nomination requires the signatures of three OBA Members in good standing. To assist the Committee in its selection, please include the nominee’s resume and supporting letters if possible. The Committee is also interested in contributions to the community made by the nominee.

Valerie Dallas

Staff Liaison

Valerie Dallas

Ontario Bar Association
Executive Office Lead

(416) 869-1047 x 322
Email


Award Winner

2025 Award Winner

Barbara Legate

Legate Injury Lawyers

Presentation
The OBA Awards Gala on June 19, 2025, at the OBA Conference Centre.

Past Recipients

2024 - Katherine DiTomaso

2023 - Frances Wood

2021 - Susan Gunter

2020 - Esi A. Codjoe  and J. Gregory Richards

2019 - John R. Cockburn, Q.C. and B. Robin Moodie

2018 - Marcia J. Oliver and R. Lee Akazaki

Become a Member

Become a Member

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