OBA Award of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution

About the Award

The ADR Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional contributions and/or achievements in Alternative Dispute Resolution in two or more of the following areas: Excellence in the practice of ADR; Participation in continuing legal education at the OBA, Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario or other organizations on ADR issues; Writing and teaching on ADR issues; Mentoring of other persons in ADR; Participation in law reform initiatives that touch upon ADR; and Promotion of the use of, and generally providing leadership in ADR.

Eligibility

The nominee must be a member of the CBA/OBA in good standing, but cannot be a member of the current Executive Committee of the section.

Criteria

The following criteria will be considered in determining the recipient of the Award.

  • Excellence in the practice of ADR;
  • Participation in continuing legal education at the OBA, Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario or other organizations on ADR issues;
  • Writing and teaching on ADR issues;
  • Mentoring of other persons in ADR;
  • Participation in law reform initiatives that touch upon ADR; and
  • Promotion of the use of, and generally providing leadership in ADR.

The nominee must qualify under at least two of the criteria set out above.

Nomination Procedure

A nomination requires the signature of one OBA member in good standing. To assist the Committee, each nomination shall be accompanied by a summary of the reasons for the nomination. The CV of the candidate will also be required. And a maximum of 2 additional letters of support are allowed and encouraged.

Deadline for Applications

Submit a Nomination

Nominations submission must be filed by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Presentation

The award is presented usually in the Fall of the current year. This year the presentation is scheduled on October 29, 2024. Please bookmark your calendar and stay tuned.

Award

A plaque is presented to the recipient.

Selection Process

The Selection Committee shall consider OBA policies, rules and guidelines on Diversity and Inclusion when selecting the winner of the Award. The final decision shall be made by a majority vote of the Executive at a regular meeting of the Section Executive or at a special meeting of the Executive called for the purpose.

Additional Information

Janet Green
OBA Section Executive Liaison
(800) 668-8900 or (416) 869-1047 ext. 312
jgreen@oba.org

Past Winners

Past recipient winners of the Award for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution include:

  • 2023 - Bernard Morrow
  • 2022 – Vance Cooper
  • 2021 - The Honourable Mary Jo M. Nolan
  • 2020 - William G. Horton
  • 2019 - Elaine Newman
  • 2017 - Cinnie Noble
  • 2016 - Jonathan T. Fidler
  • 2015 - Harvey J. Kirsh
  • 2014 - Hilary Linton, Toronto
  • 2013 - R. Roy McMurtry, K.C., Toronto 
  • 2012 - Philip Epstein, K.C.,Toronto
  • 2011 - Barry B. Fisher, Toronto
  • 2010 - The Honourable MR. Robert N. Beaudoin, Ottawa
  • 2009 - Paul M. Iacono, K.C.,Toronto
  • 2008 - The Honourable Warren K. Winkler, Toronto
  • 2007 - Anne E. Grant,  Toronto
  • 2006 - Allan J. Stitt - Toronto
  • 2005 - Leslie Macleod - Toronto
  • 2004 - Rick Weiler - Toronto 
  • 2003 - Kathleen Kelly - Toronto
  • 2002 - Dr. Barbara Landau - Toronto 
  • 2001 - Donald E. Short - Toronto
  • 2000 - Joint recipients - D. Paul Emond & June Maresca - both of Toronto (Maresca - now a Judge)
  • 1999 - Genevieve A. Chornenki - Toronto