Seeks to help lawyers connect with their communities
Brampton, ON – Local lawyer, Ed Upenieks, is the new president of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA).
As a civil litigator and managing partner at Lawrences Lawyers in Brampton for more than 19 years, Upenieks will bring great experience and a valuable regional perspective to the more than 16,000-member association.
“Over the course of my career, I have had several lawyers and judges who have mentored me and encouraged me to become more involved in the profession and my community,” said Upenieks. “Now, as OBA President, I want to pass that encouragement along. I am inviting the entire profession to join together and demonstrate the value lawyers provide to their communities.”
The OBA is well-positioned to build a stronger community connection among lawyers and their local communities. With members on the frontlines of the justice system in 39 different practice sections and in every region of the province, the OBA can provide opportunities for lawyers to get involved in volunteerism, mentorship and education in communities across Ontario.
“OBA members represent the best and brightest in virtually every area of the law,” said Upenieks. “During the coming year, I will be looking for additional ways to let the public know that lawyers are here to help them.”
Upenieks hopes to grow the OBA’s efforts in a way that better connects lawyers within their own professional networks and relationships with local communities through activities such as plans to further expand the OBA/OJEN mock trial program, that began as one of the OBA’s Law Day activities. This will allow for more secondary school students to have the opportunity to experience how the legal system works. Also, “Make-A-Will Toolkits” is a resource available for lawyers to use with the general public, and promoting the OBA’s new Speakers Bureau to name just a few examples.
Upenieks will serve a one-year term during 2015-16. Under the OBA’s governance structure, the second vice-president is elected and then successively becomes first vice president and then president. The OBA also alternates between presidents from Toronto and the rest of Ontario in order to ensure all parts of the province have a strong voice.
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Established in 1907, the OBA is the largest voluntary legal association in Ontario and represents over 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The OBA provides continuing professional development and advocates for improvements to the law in the interests of the profession and public.
For more information: Julie Bannerjea, 416-869-1047 x 319 jbannerjea@oba.org