Although I have two months remaining in this role, this will be my last President’s Message in JUST. When I first began my term as President, I knew that I wanted to commit my year to encouraging members to “Join In” and become involved in the profession and their community. I expressed that being part of the OBA is more than having a membership; it is about being truly an “active” member, whether sitting on the executive of one of our 39 practice Sections, participating in our award winning continuing professional development, and contributing to our advocacy efforts.

It has been a great honour to represent our 16,000 members. Over the course of this year, I hope that I have helped facilitate members making connections within the OBA community, along with outreach to their local community. I have had the privilege of bringing greetings on behalf of the OBA to a number of law associations across Ontario as well as to witness the swearing in of new Calls to the Bar and an appointment to the Ontario Court of Justice. The numerous Section meetings and awards dinners I attended provided me with an awareness of the variety and vigor of our membership. OBA members represent the best and brightest in virtually every area of the Law.

Looking back at our continuing professional development this year, it’s amazing all that‘s been accomplished: at OBA Institute in February 2016, we hosted the 41st installment of Canada’s largest annual legal gathering. Institute 2016 brought together more than 2,000 registrants made up of Ontario lawyers, judges, law teachers and law students from across the province.

I can say that as the legal industry is becoming increasingly competitive and diverse, the OBA is helping to equip its members with the new competencies they need to thrive in this environment. To that end, this year we developed The Enterprising Lawyer Series. Experts were brought in to help our members not only with running their firms in a business savvy manner but also with becoming proficient at building relationships that are fundamental to best serving clients and supporting a collegial bar.

I’m pleased to say the OBA is continuing the work started by past president Orlando Da Silva to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues for lawyers and to ensure lawyers have the knowledge and supports they need to manage their own mental health. More than 2,300 people took part in the Mindful Lawyer CPD Series by the end of June.

During this past year, members were able to connect with youth across the province through participation in the OBA’s annual Law Day and Mock trials. Congratulations to the more than 1,000 secondary school students who participated and thanks to all of the OBA members who gave of their time to help educate the students about our legal system. Events were held in all eight judicial districts in Ontario, starting in Sudbury on January 11 and finishing in Ottawa on May 14.

Not only do these activities give primary and secondary school students a unique glimpse into the legal profession, this helps to educate about the role and importance of the law, and also gives OBA members a chance to connect with their community.

With the Speakers Bureau, the OBA has begun providing a complimentary service that helps connect OBA lawyers who are willing to give of their time and expertise to speak with community groups who are interested in learning more about the law. With sessions running or planned across the province, the initiative has been very well received.

I applaud those members who already take part and encourage others. Check online to get involved with either Law Day or Speakers Bureau initiatives.

With regard to ongoing advocacy work, the OBA has provided input on such matters as alternative business structures, compliance, advertising and fee sharing. Two major areas of focus include entity regulations and the provision of family law services:

• The OBA provided a submission to the Law Society of Upper Canada Task Force on Compliance-Based Entity Regulation in response to its Consultation Paper: “Promoting Better Legal Practices”.

• As well, comments were submitted on the Family Law Services Review Consultation Paper issued by the Ministry of the Attorney General, which asks whether the delivery of family legal services should be expanded to include people who are not lawyers, such as paralegals, law clerks and law students.

I would like to extend best wishes and congratulations on their terms of service to departing Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur and Law Society Treasurer Janet Minor.

The involvement of the membership in this year’s Section and Board Elections speaks well of the health and future of our association.  I know the OBA is in good hands with incoming President David Sterns, well assisted by First Vice President Quinn Ross.

I can honestly say that the activities and results we’ve seen this year would not be possible without the tireless effort of both staff and member volunteers. The commitment, enthusiasm and dedication shown by all those involved are greatly appreciated.

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with so many of the talented and skilled lawyers, law students and judges who make up the OBA’s membership.

Thank you.

Ed Upenieks, OBA President