Advancing issues that matter

The OBA’s Innovator in Residence program is an annually funded initiative of the Ontario Bar Association.

Each year, the OBA President appoints an Innovator to serve a one year term in which the Innovator focuses on a designated innovation theme of importance to practicing lawyers.

View Innovator in Residence Program

Law Day is a national event celebrating the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Originated by the Canadian Bar Association and first held in Canada in 1983, Law Day is aimed at educating and informing the public about the role and importance of the law and the justice system. Law Day enhances the public’s understanding of the law, the role of lawyers and judges and empowers the public at large.

The OBA annually celebrates Law Day with three main programs: Elementary School Mock Trials (ESMT), OBA-OJEN Competitive and Alternative Mock Trials (OOCMT), and Your ChARTer. Please click on each program for more information.

We are excited to be offering on-demand videos, the Your ChARTer contest, and a virtual modified Mock Trial Program (OOCMT) through our continued partnership with OJEN. Although this year will be a little different, we are confident that we can provide an exciting and inspiring virtual program for students that will give them insight and understanding of our justice system.

View Law Day Ontario

Within the ongoing lawyer struggle to find balance between home and work life, to take care of oneself while taking care of others, to do good and give back to community, all while navigating a demanding career, those living and practicing with a disability face unique challenges. Connect with OBA community members who can empathize, understand and offer ideas and encouragement. Access upcoming programs, articles and tips that matter, as well as resources by region and discussion boards for questions and conversations that can’t wait. YOUR OBA is a safe space that is non-judgmental and is here for your needs.

View Lawyers Living with Disabilities

Make a Will Month is an opportunity for Ontario Bar Association members to help the public understand the importance of having a will and having it done by a lawyer. Make a Will Month will see multiple legal information sessions presented by our member volunteers at libraries and community hubs across Ontario throughout the month of November.

View Make a Will Month

LegUp is your weekly window into what's happening at Queen's Park and beyond, with updates on regulatory and legislative changes, OBA policy submissions and advocacy initiatives, public appointment opportunities, and more.

View OBA LegUp 

The OBA has created an easy way to match those who need robes with those who want to donate or lend them.
Using the OBA’s unmatched network and communication tools, the ROBE BANK helps to get robes from the people who have them to the people who need them. We are asking lawyers in the community like you if you are interested in donating or lending your robes to other lawyers who need them.

View OBA Robe Bank

The OBA is your source for the up-to-date justice-sector information you need from the courts, tribunals, regulator and government, including practice directions, rules updates, key deadlines, and judicial appointments.

View OBA LegUp

Opening Remarks is an Ontario Bar Association (OBA) initiative spearheaded by 2014-15 OBA President Orlando Da Silva, LSM that has made a powerful impact on the legal profession by starting an open conversation about mental health.

Recognizing the unique needs of legal professionals, the OBA’s Opening Remarks has brought mental health issues to the forefront and provided unique mental health supports, strategies and opportunities to talk more about mental health within Ontario's legal community.

View Opening Remarks

OBA’s Real Intelligence on AI is designed to demystify AI and help you to understand and mitigate its risks while enjoying its many benefits.

View Real Intelligence on AI

The Retired and Transitioning Lawyers Network is a space that provides opportunities to stay connected, involved and engaged.  Read Interesting articles and find timely tips, continue to education yourself and stay engaged.  This space has been created for you because we know you have a great deal to offer!

View Retired and Transitioning Lawyers

The OBA is committed to enhancing the connectivity of members across the province and embracing our strengths and differences to move the dial of equality, diversity and inclusion in a collaborative, empowering and meaningful way. While lawyers themselves are not immune from discrimination and hate motivated-incidents, the OBA and its members are forces to be reckoned with and steadfast champions of justice from all regions of the province. As proponents of fairness and justice, OBA lawyers are well positioned to serve our communities, drive change and support each other during stressful periods.  

Wherever you are in the province, the OBA Unite & Support Network is a community resource for education, collaboration and support by and for OBA members from all practice areas, years of experience and locations.  Here you will find information, tools and services aimed at assisting equity-seekers and allies in a supportive and inclusive environment that strengthens resilience and builds a stronger community.

View Unite and Support Network