Ontario Bar Association

Grow your referral network, take part in expert-led CPD sessions, and enjoy the natural beauty and fun of Niagara Falls at the OBA’s fourth annual Ontario Legal Conference & Retreat.
www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

New in JUST. New OBA President Katy Commisso offers fresh perspectives on a rapidly changing profession and the skills pivotal to modern practice, while previewing her plans to support members through their own transitions in life and law. justmag.ca/en-ca/articl...

New in JUST. As her OBA presidential term comes to an end, @kjmanning.bsky.social reflects on how community once again came through in the face of division, polarization and entrenchment. justmag.ca/en-ca/articl...

Congratulations to Jay Rudolph, recipient of the OBA Award of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Celebrate with us at a special dinner and award presentation in Toronto on Monday, October 27. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

“Bill has been the reasoned voice, steady hand, and recognizable face of this critical, unexpected battle. He has stood in front of and beside us all. He did not have the luxury of anonymity or the character that would allow him to be anything but brave.” 4/4

“We have watched with relief as politics stopped at the lawyer’s edge – appointees of all stripes refusing to politicize justice and insisting that all must have equal protection and accountability under the law.” 3/4

“We have been watching with admiration and gratitude the courage of the ABA and individual U.S. lawyers over the last year. We have seen the personal sacrifices you have made to protect the rule of law, and other crucial elements of civil society.” 2/4

OBA President Kathryn Manning presents American Bar Association President William Bay with the 2025 President’s Award at the Bridging Borders event in Toronto on Thursday. 1/4

It’s your time to shine in the spotlight and join in the excitement as TIFF returns to Toronto. Join your fellow lawyers from the Toronto Region, and members of the OBA Entertainment, Media & Communications Law section to mix, mingle and celebrate the big screen. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

American Bar Association President warns of judicial intimidation, threats to rule of law American Bar Association President Willian “Bill” Bay warned of pervasive attacks on judges, lawyers and the rule of law during a speech at the City Club of Cleveland on Tuesday.

During a speech at the City Club of Cleveland, American Bar Association President William R. Bay warned of the dangers of widespread attacks on judges and lawyers and how these relentless assaults undermine the rule of law. Learn more:

www.cleveland.com/open/2025/07...

Join us tomorrow as we partner with the American Bar Association for a day of insightful discussion on legal perspectives from Canada and the U.S. The OBA's President's Award will also be presented during a special recognition event. Don't miss it! www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

Bar association civil litigation summit explores AI, rules reform - Law360 Canada Representatives from the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) are calling a recent summit meeting with their colleagues in the civil litigation field a success — and one that may be replicated in the future.

The Civil Litigation Leaders' Summit was a landmark gathering hosted by the Ontario Bar Association that brought together civil litigation section chairs and representatives of bar associations from right across Canada.

Engaging with AI on legal content requires particular prompting considerations for you to master. Join us to learn how to design precise, strategic prompts that yield more accurate, reliable, and legally sound outputs. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

The Civil Litigation Leaders’ Summit highlights the critical importance of national collaboration in ensuring that civil litigation continues to evolve in ways that promote fairness, efficiency, affordability and the broader public interest.

Today, the Ontario Bar Association is bringing together practice-area leaders from across the country to discuss key issues facing the civil litigation bar – from significant rules reforms to artificial intelligence.

New technologies won’t replace lawyers – but the lawyers who know how to use them effectively will have a distinct advantage over colleagues and competitors. Get hands-on exposure to new technology and practice management tools to help modernize your firm. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

Wondering what the future of the legal profession might look like? The OBA is partnering with the National Conference of Bar Presidents to bring you a panel designed for bar and law firm leaders. Gain insights and inspiration to help navigate times of momentous change. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

New in JUST. Social media has transformed the way evidence is gathered and presented in courtrooms. This shift towards virtual evidence raises critical questions about authenticity, privacy, and admissibility as it continues to shape how cases are tried and decided. justmag.ca/en-ca/articl...

New in JUST. Workplaces have been contending with an influx of work-from-home accommodation requests. Lawyers representing different perspectives agree on one thing: Navigating this process requires ongoing engagement from both sides. justmag.ca/en-ca/articl...

New in JUST. Tracing the evolving relationship between queer Canadians and the Income Tax Act, through key cases and legislative reforms, Alain Azar explores how 2SLGBTQIA+ lives have been acknowledged, and at times constrained, by a tax system built around traditional views. #OBApride

OBA SAGDA welcomes you to march with us at the 2025 Pride Parade in Toronto under the OBA banner! All are welcome, including OBA members and non-members, legal professionals, and their friends and family. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

During #PrideMonth2025, the OBA is "All In" as we stand together in solidarity and celebrate the achievements and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers, as well as those working to build a more fair, equal and inclusive profession, justice system, province and country. #OBApride

Canada ranks among least AI literate countries in the world: study As countries around the world race to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), a recent study found that Canada is falling behind, although it’s not due to a lack of innovation, but growing uncertainty ...

"Canada Ranks Among Least AI Literate Countries in the World" - KPMG
Don't worry. The OBA's AI Academy is here to help. Visit our website to learn more.

OBA SAGDA welcomes you to march with us at the 2025 Pride Parade in Toronto under the OBA banner! All are welcome, including OBA members and non-members, legal professionals, and their friends and family. www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

During #PrideMonth2025, the OBA is "All In" as we stand together in solidarity and celebrate the achievements and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers, as well as those working to build a more fair, equal and inclusive profession, justice system, province and country. #OBAPride

Remembering our colleague, Abdalla Barqawi It is with profound sadness that Conway Baxter Wilson LLP announces the sudden passing last week of our beloved friend and colleague, Abdalla Barqawi, aged 36.Abdalla joined our firm as an associate i...

We are deeply saddened by Abdalla's passing. He was a member of the OBA Board of Directors, chair of the Equality Committee and a champion of our Peer Support Network. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect and optimism. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Members of the OBA Council recently showed their #OBApride during their June meeting in Toronto. We can help you show your pride, too. Learn how at: oba.org/get-involved...

Thunder Bay lawyer Katy Commisso will be the next president of the Ontario Bar Association, beginning in September, leading a mandate to help OBA members successfully navigate Transitions in Life and Law. oba.org/news/oba-ann...

Are you interested in leaving Ontario’s big urban centres? Are you interested in purchasing an established law practice? If you answered yes to either of these questions, join us on June 26 to explore options at "Buying a Law Practice and Practicing in a Small Town." www.cbapd.org/details_en.a...

This year’s Orlando Da Silva Award for improvement of Mental Wellbeing in the Justice Sector went to Teresa Donnelly and Voices for Mental Health. #OBAawards