William Bay Recognized for Dedication to Defending the Rule of Law
TORONTO, ON — American Bar Association President William Bay accepted the 2025 Ontario Bar Association President’s Award on Thursday at the Bridging Borders event – a joint session of the ABA, OBA, Canadian Bar Association and CBA In-House Lawyers. The award was given in recognition of Bay’s leadership in defending the rule of law at the helm of the world’s largest legal association.
In presenting the award – given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the principles of justice, and the improvement of the law in Canada or around the world – OBA President Kathryn Manning praised Bay’s courage, clarity and commitment, not only as head of the ABA, but also as a representative of the many American lawyers who made personal and professional sacrifices to uphold the rule of law.
“We have been watching with admiration and gratitude the courage of the ABA and individual U.S. lawyers over the last year,” Manning said. “We have seen the sacrifices they have made to protect the rule of law. We have watched with relief as politics stopped at the lawyer’s edge – lawyers of all political stripes refused to politicize justice and insisted that all must have equal protection and accountability under the law.”
“I am honoured and humbled to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the ABA and all American lawyers,” Bay said. “In this extraordinarily challenging year, it is heartening to know that our friends from international bars have not hesitated to be partners in defence of the rule of law. The OBA and Canadian lawyers have stood with us when it would have been easy to say nothing. The ABA is greatly appreciative of the support we have received.”
Manning added: “As Bill himself has said, the rule of law is more than a set of rules; it is our calling, and a promise – one that unites all of us who serve on the frontlines of justice. In this battle we are not right wing or left wing – we are lawyers. Bill has been the reasoned voice, steady hand, and recognizable face of this critical, unexpected battle. He has stood in front of and beside us all without the luxury of anonymity.”
About the Ontario Bar Association
Established in 1907, the OBA is the largest voluntary legal association in Ontario representing over 17,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. A leader in legal innovation, the OBA provides continuing professional development, and advocates for lawyers, protection of the rule of law and justice sector improvements.
About the American Bar Association
The American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional association of lawyers in the world, dedicated to advancing the rule of law, protecting individual rights and promoting justice for all.
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Michael Speers
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