OBA Foundation Strathy Award

The OBA Foundation Strathy Award recognizes the contribution of an individual or group towards a greater understanding of mental health issues in the justice system and/or the destigmatization of mental illness, whether through community work, research, teaching, activism, participation in the justice system, or otherwise.  

The OBA Foundation Strathy Award is presented annually.

Nominees may include lawyers, paralegals, judges, academics, students, advocates, social workers, court administrators and other staff, and police officers.

Allan was awarded the Strathy Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing the understanding and destigmatization of mental health issues within the legal profession and the justice system. Allan is a vocal and authentic advocate for mental health throughout the legal community. Drawing on his lived experience with a severe anxiety disorder, he speaks openly with lawyers and students both inside and outside of his firm, helping to normalize conversations about mental health, therapy and treatment. As an instructor, he has taught a course tackling (among other things) the mental health realities and pressures of legal practice. He has also written about his personal struggle with anxiety in law school and practice. Allan’s honest and vulnerable narrative has resonated widely and helped catalyze community dialogue about mental health, vulnerability and help-seeking within the legal profession and the justice system

Carole Dagher, an accomplished legal executive and mental health advocate, received the OBA Foundation Strathy Award in 2025. Carole’s recognition reflects her impactful work in speaking publicly about mental health—drawing on her own lived experience—and her efforts to encourage compassionate conversations, support, and inclusivity across the legal community. Her dedication to mentorship, coaching, and mental health guidance has made a meaningful difference in fostering a more supportive and resilient profession. 

Stephen Kelly of Kelly Santini LLP was awarded the OBA Foundation Strathy Award in 2024. Stephen’s work -particularly his willingness to speak openly about mental health and to promote supportive conversations—has helped foster a more compassionate and resilient legal profession. He was celebrated by colleagues and peers at the award presentation as a most deserving recipient of this distinction.