Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
News | October 23, 2026
Nominate a deserving colleague for an OBA Award
Each year, the Ontario Bar Association honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our profession, our association and the broader justice community. These awards shine a light on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the legal profession, advance access to justice, support their colleagues and build a better justice system.
Advocacy | October 12, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 12
Toronto Written Consent Release Pilot Project: Effective October 19th, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project in Toronto that allows for out of Court written consent release orders to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office.
News | October 08, 2026
Real Clients. Real Files. Real Skills.
For a new lawyer, pro bono work through the OBA's Pro Bono Portal may be one of the most valuable professional development opportunities available to a new lawyer.
Article | October 02, 2026
Client Management for the Young Lawyer: What I Wish I Had Known Sooner
Every difficult client Dr. Zhang has had became difficult because she did not set expectations clearly at intake. Drawing on a recent CARL webinar with three senior immigration lawyers and several years of her own solo practice, Dr. Zhang offers young lawyers three hard-earned lessons: front-load your friction before you sign the retainer, give anxious clients structure rather than reassurance, and understand that the skeptical client is not testing you. She closes with the removal file she still carries with her, and what it taught her about refusing to carry weight that is not hers.
Legislative Update | October 02, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 28
Ontario Judicial Appointments: The Honourable Sean Fraser, announced eight judicial appointments to the Court of Appeal of Ontario and Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The appointments were done under the judicial application process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population.
Legislative Update | September 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21
Starlink Costs: Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”
Legislative Update | August 10, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 3
Provincial By-Elections: Premier Ford has called byelections in three Ontario ridings: Scarborough Southwest, York–Simcoe and Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. The voting day will be on Sept. 3.
Article | June 03, 2026
Why Where You Post Legal Career Opportunities Matters More Than Ever
In hiring lawyers, context, credibility, and connection can shape better outcomes for employers and candidates alike.
Article | May 25, 2026
When the Minimum Fine is Too Much: Section 59(2) Submissions in Provincial Offences Court
This article discusses the use of section 59(2) of Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act as a sentencing tool to reduce mandatory minimum fines in exceptional circumstances where imposing the statutory minimum would be unduly oppressive or contrary to the interests of justice. It explains the legal principles governing section 59(2) submissions, the distinction between inconvenience and genuine hardship, and the evidentiary requirements counsel should prepare to support relief applications. The article also examines the limitations imposed by appellate jurisprudence, including the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Ontario (Environment, Conservation and Parks) v. Henry of Pelham Inc., emphasizing that mandatory minimum fines serve important deterrence and public welfare objectives. Practical guidance is provided for counsel representing clients facing significant fines under provincial regulatory legislation.
Media Release | May 11, 2026
Ontario Justice Centres Honoured with OBA President’s Award for Transforming Access to Justice
Ontario Bar Association President, Katy Commisso, is recognizing Ontario’s Justice Centres with the association’s annual OBA President’s Award.
