The forthright new memoir from renowned criminal defence attorney Marie Henein formed the basis of a fascinating OBA Community Book Club event. Attending virtually and answering questions on everything from public perception of law to double-standards that plague powerful women, Henein lived up to her reputation for candour and acuity.

As she prepares to take the reins as OBA president on September 1, with a mandate to strengthen the vital links between lawyers in all regions across Ontario and ensure they capitalize on the opportunity in this diverse community, Karen Perron talks to us about the lure of association involvement, the advice and advice-givers she turns to, and the hopes she has for her presidential term.

When asked in August 2020 what I’d like to be able to say in a year’s time about my presidency, I replied, “I hope my term as president is a chapter of the OBA’s history that will put the profession forever on the right road on the issues in our workplaces we have been collectively grappling with for far too long.”

The author of 2020’s award-winning essay discusses language rights, legal writing, remote learning and cultural diversity in the legal community.

We like to say at the OBA that there is “opportunity in community,” and we are dedicated to helping you leverage all that belonging to this diverse and dynamic, experienced and insightful, generous and compassionate community affords.

One common thread in the conversations I’ve led through my Work that Works podcast with those who deal directly with workplace leaders on organizational change is that the fear of making a misstep can be paralyzing. This paralysis is amplified when tackling deeply personal, potentially sensitive issues in the workplace such as systemic discrimination.

The new Tenant-Lawyer Connection Portal introduces tenants who are facing eviction for non-payment of rent and who have scheduled hearings before the Landlord Tenant Board to volunteer OBA members across Ontario.

SOGIC leaders tell us about the opportunities that involvement in this vital community offers lawyers today, and where they see the section making an impact – in the profession and in the advancement of equality – in the future.

In the last year, the justice sector has advanced by leaps and bounds in modernization. By next year, I hope we’ll be able to look back on similarly substantial –and carefully plotted – progress when it comes to innovation and inclusion in our own legal workplaces.

The OBA has a long history of leading the charge on EDI, lawyer mental health and wellness, access to justice and innovation, but in this game-changing year, our work in these areas has converged with greater impact than ever before. When I introduced my Innovation mandate at the outset of my presidency,