The 2019 Annual Award Gala was a resounding success. The Rosewater Room in Toronto was filled to capacity as eight dynamic and inspirational women recieved there much deserved recognition.

The evening began with the presentation of the partnered student awards.  Pamela Miehls presented the Aird & Berlis LLP Equality Awards to Alana Robert, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University and Stacia Loft, Faculty of Law, Queen’s University

Avril Farlam presented her Advocacy Award to Diana McBey, Faculty of Law, Queen’s University. Diana was unable to attend however her parents Kathy and Rob enjoyed the evening and proudly accepted the award on her behalf.

The Honourable Sandra Chapnik presented her Women-In-Law Award to Rosamund Taylor, Windsor Law, University of Windsor.  Rosamund was chosen for her outstanding dedication to attaining her law degree.

Loretta Merritt of Torkin Manes LLP presented the Trailblazer Award to Nataly Dil, Faculty of Law, Queen’s University.

And Cynthia Mancia presented the Chappell Partners LLP/June Bushell Award to Human Rights Lawyer Lorin MacDonald.

The WLAO General Counsel Chapter Award winner was Mary Martin, recently retired from Metrolinx.

President Jacquelyn Stevens graciously introduced the 2019 President’s Award winner, Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, Senior Judge, The Supreme Court of Canada, who gave an inpirational, educational, humourus, and supportive speech to both young and old alike.

Women’s Law Association of Ontario would like to recognize all who have contributed to and helped support to the 2019 celebration.

Thank you to the law firms and lawyers who generously partnered with WLAO to provide the student and lawyer awards including: Aird & Berlis LLP, Avril Farlam, the Honourable Sandra Chapnik, Chappell Partners LLP and June Bushell, Torkin Manes LLP, and the WLAO General Counsel Chapter.

We would like to acknowledge the law firms and organizations that have purchased tables for the Gala: Aird & Berlis LLP, Chappell Partners LLP, Lerners LLP, Torkin Manes LLP, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP, the Law Society of Ontario, and Ryerson University.

We would also like to thank our photographer Julie Williams, Pretty in Pictures, and Chappell Partners LLP, our Accessibility Sponsor.

And finally, our heartfelt thanks to our committed Board of Directors, members, event coordinating team and volunteers - without whom our events and programs would not take place.