TORONTO – The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) is proud to announce that its former president, Kelly McDermott, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honour recognizes her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within the legal profession.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or has attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to the country.
McDermott’s name was put forward by Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the profession and her advocacy for equity and inclusion in the justice system. As president of the OBA during an extended 18-month term following the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided leadership and steered key initiatives that strengthened the legal community across Ontario.
“I am exceptionally humbled and honoured to receive this medal from the attorney general. His dedication to the legal profession is unparalleled,” said McDermott, who is senior solicitor at the Region of Durham. “I am also grateful to the Ontario Bar Association for giving me a platform and voice to advocate for the needs and rights of lawyers living and working with a disability. It has been the most meaningful work of my career to date.”
Downey, who presented McDermott with her medal on May 28 during the OBA’s Municipal Law Section Award Reception, describes her as someone who never waits for change — she leads it.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside her as we worked to advance meaningful reforms across Ontario’s justice system. Her leadership in dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, her advocacy for lawyers with disabilities, and her personal resilience reflect the very best of our profession,” he said. “The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a fitting recognition of her outstanding service to Ontario and the legal community.”
During her tenure as OBA president, McDermott championed initiatives aimed at supporting lawyers with disabilities, promoting peer support, and fostering a more inclusive legal community. Her efforts have left a lasting impact on the profession and have set a standard for future leaders.
“Kelly’s recognition with the King Charles III Coronation Medal comes as no surprise to those of us who’ve had the privilege of working alongside her. As a colleague and friend, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and service — both in the legal profession and beyond,” said OBA President Kathryn Manning. “During her term as OBA president, she led with empathy and strength. Kelly’s courage in sharing her MS diagnosis and creating a provincewide peer support network for lawyers with disabilities has inspired so many of us.
“Her leadership, integrity and deep compassion truly embody the spirit of this honour and of the OBA.”
For more information about the OBA’s Peer Support Network, click here.
Quick Facts
- The King Charles III Coronation Medal was established to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023. The Canadian version of the medal was introduced in 2024 to acknowledge individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or their communities.