Student Division

From programming and advocacy to peer recognition and relevant resources, OBA Section membership connects you with education, engagement and leadership opportunities to propel you to the forefront of your professional community.

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Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Article | May 04, 2025

The Borderland Pride Decision: Can Freedom of Expression save McQuaker?

The Township of Emo and its incumbent mayor appealed a decision from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, which held that the Township and its mayor discriminated against Borderland Pride when it refused to grant its request for a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month in the Township of Emo. This article provides an overview of the Borderland case and will briefly discuss the merits, if any, of escalating opinions that the decision contradicts freedom of expression rights.

Legislative Update | May 02, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of April 28

Province Proposes Plan to Get ‘Tough on Crime’: The Ontario government is proposing changes to the bail system that it says will protect communities by keeping violent repeat offenders off the streets and behind bars. 

Article | May 02, 2025

Flying North: From Thunder Bay to Ogoki Post

On February 12, 2025, I had the honour and privilege of participating in a fly-court at Ogoki Post, a remote First Nations community in northern Ontario. As an articling student with the Thunder Bay Crown Attorney's Office, I knew this experience would be different from my usual workdays, but I didn't realize just how much it would change my perspective on justice, community, and resilience.

Article | May 02, 2025

The OBA's Public Sector Lawyers Group and Me: What I Love About Being Involved with the OBA's Public Sector Lawyers Section

You know that feeling when you stumble into exactly where you're meant to be? That's what happened to me twenty or so years ago when I joined the Ontario Bar Association's Public Sector Lawyers Section. I had no idea then that clicking "submit" on that membership form would lead to some of the most rewarding relationships of my legal career. 

Article | May 02, 2025

What the CBA Charity Law Conference Taught Me About the Future of Giving

When I first signed up for the CBA Charity Law Conference, I expected to learn a few technical updates and maybe connect with others working in the sector. What I did not expect was to walk away thinking differently about forests, international partnerships, and the power of law to shape how we care for people and the planet.

Article | April 30, 2025

Introducing your 2025 Susan Davidson Memorial Award for Excellence in Health Law Winner: Valerie Wise

In this edition of the OBA Health Law’s Section Insider, we spoke with the 2025 recipient of the Susan Davidson Memorial Award for Excellence in Health Law, Valerie Wise. Here’s what she had to say.

Article | April 28, 2025

Court of Appeal Summaries (April 21 – 25)

Following are our summaries of the civil decisions of the Court of Appeal for Ontario for the week of April 21, 2025.