As leaders in advancing inclusive, innovative and thriving firms and organizations, what can lawyers do to combat stigma, bias and ableism, and build workplaces that work for all brains?

No firm is the same, but there are common keys to establishing a successful enterprise uniquely yours while building a solid reputation and stepping up client service. Sparing would-be sole and small-firm practitioners potential missteps or missed opportunities, OBA members from a variety of practice areas share what they wish they'd known before setting out on their own.

Legal leaders on the rise reveal how the OBA Career Accelerator Program, an innovative initiative designed to advance the participation of Black, Indigenous and racialized early- and mid-career lawyers in emerging areas of law, has provided them with the specialized training and unparalleled support to forge new paths and ascend to roles of impact on the cutting edge of the profession.

Colleagues and social media friends, Robin Leighton and Bobbi Olsen share personal perspectives on how a devastating diagnosis led to a life-changing decision, an act of genuine selflessness, and an everlasting bond.

A discussion of the discriminatory impact of the single-family rule on the grounds of sexual orientation, the HRTO’s unsettled jurisdiction over the issue, and the broader implications for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

With threats against legal professionals escalating, experts in the fields of law enforcement, security, clinical psychology and conflict resolution weigh in on how lawyers can protect themselves and their staff from violence.

A special achievement marred by a stereotypical statuette sparks a candid conversation between two leading human rights lawyers – one a non-binary, trans person and the other a first-generation immigrant South Asian woman – about the rigid expectations and barriers related to gender identity that persist in the legal profession, and what we can do to create space for diverse people while better serving the trans community.

It’s never too early – or too late – to find your fit in law and forge a path that is meaningful and rewarding; the first step is remembering why you went to law school in the first place.

Make a plan this fall to not let yourself get snowed under. Melt those stress cubes before you burn out!

The OBA’s Supreme Evening brought together admiring members of the bench and bar to pay tribute to The Honourable Rosalie Abella and The Honourable Mahmud Jamal and celebrate “a passing of a precious baton from safe, strong hands to safe, strong hands.” The gala’s highlight were the remarks from the guests of honour, whose praise for each other conveyed respect, kinship, humour, and genuine affection – excerpts from which they have kindly shared.