The Advocates' Society | Promoting Excellence in Advocacy

Awards

The Advocates' Society Medal

The Advocates' Society Medal is the highest expression of esteem that the Society can convey to one of our members. It is intended to honour those who have demonstrated clearly their pre-eminence as counsel and who are acknowledged unequivocally as leaders of the bar; who have been dedicated and active members of the Society, and who have made a significant contribution to the profession of law and to the well being of the community at large.

Recipients:

1974 - Joseph Sedgwick, Q.C.
1975 - Arthur E. Maloney, Q.C.
1976 - John J. Robinette, Q.C.
1977 - Isadore Levinter, Q.C.
1980 - Walter B. Williston, Q.C.
1983 - Brendan O'Brien, Q.C.
1985 - Douglas K. Laidlaw, Q.C., posthumously
1987 - The Honourable John D. Arnup, Q.C.
1988 - The Honourable G.Arthur Martin, Q.C.
1990 - Charles F. McKeon, Q.C.
1995 - John P. Nelligan, Q.C.
1996 - Earl A. Cherniak, Q.C.
1999 - David W. Scott, Q.C.
1999 - Kenneth E. Howie, Q.C.
2003 - C. Scott Ritchie, Q.C.
2003 - The Honourable Justice Eleanore A. Cronk
2006 - Austin M. Cooper, Q.C.
2008 - Sheila R. Block
2008 - Kristopher H. Knutsen, Q.C.
2009 - Edward L. Greenspan, Q.C.

2010 - Ronald G. Slaght, Q.C.

The Advocates' Society Medal was designed and executed by the Canadian sculptor Kenneth Jarvis. The gryphon was chosen as the central feature of the design because of its heraldic significance and ancient connection with the law. It was said to be the offspring of a lion and an eagle, and Sir Thomas Browne records that it is emblematic of watchfulness, courage, perseverance and rapidity of execution. The emblem has been used privately to some extent, but was, at a very early time, adapted by Gray's Inn. This association may have been the beginning of its use as symbolic of the law. The source of the particular representation of the gryphon used in The Advocates' Society Medal is the carved example in the Barristers' Lounge in Osgoode Hall.

For further information, please contact Sonia Holiad, Director of Communications and Events, at 416-597-0243 x.112 or sonia@advocates.ca.

The Arleen Goss Young Advocates Award

The Advocates' Society Arleen Goss Young Advocates' Award is presented biennially in recognition of distinguished advocacy to an individual demonstrating the following qualifications and characteristics:

a record of innovative and passionate advocacy;
a demonstrated concern for and contribution to the advancement of social justice;
a well-rounded person actively involved in and committed to his or her community;
engaged in the practice of law for 10 years or less with a principal focus on advocacy, and
a member in good standing of The Law Society of Upper Canada.

Arleen A. Goss passed away on December 10, 2002 at the age of 40, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She practised initially as a defense lawyer in the firm of Stern & Goss and then, for the last five years of her life, as an assistant Crown Attorney with the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario. She was an enthusiastic member of The Advocates' Society, active in educational and social events for young advocates. Arleen is remembered for her passion for the law and for the energy with which she lived her life.

Recipients:
2004 - M. Kate Stephenson
2005 - Vilko Zbogar
2007 - Joseph Di Luca
2009 - Daniel Guttman

For further information, please contact Sonia Holiad, Director of Communications & Events, 416-597-0243 x112 or sonia@advocates.ca.

The Award of Justice

The Advocates' Society Award of Justice is intended to honour advocates who exemplify the finest traditions of advocacy in representing members of our society whose cause may be politically or socially unpopular or against the mainstream. Representation of the least popular of such individuals may place personal and professional burdens on an advocate, but for the unpopular individual or group, access to our justice system and the full protection of the law depends on an advocate with skills of the finest quality being willing to take on the case.

Recipients:
1997 - Raj Anand
1999 - Jeffrey H. Wilson
2000 - Barbara L. Jackman
2003 - M. David Lepofsky
2006 - Jacquie Chic
2008 - Susan M. Vella

2010 - Lawrence Greenspon

The Award of Justice was designed and executed by the Canadian metal artist and jeweller Ivaan Kotulsky. The gryphon was chosen for the image of the award because of its heraldic significance and ancient connection with the law. It was said to be the offspring of a lion and an eagle, and Sir Thomas Browne records that it is emblematic of watchfulness, courage, perseverance and rapidity of execution. The emblem has been used privately to some extent, but was, at a very early time, adapted by Gray's Inn. This association may have been the beginning of its use as symbolic of the law.

For further information, please contact Sonia Holiad, Director of Communications and Events, at 416-597-0243 x.112 or sonia@advocates.ca.

The Catzman Award for Professionalism & Civility

The Catzman Award, established in memory of the late Justice Marvin A. Catzman, is presented annually and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and civility in the practice of law.

Recipients:
2009 – Stanley G. Fisher, Q.C.

Throughout his distinguished career both as an advocate and a judge, Justice Marvin Catzman earned an exemplary reputation for his knowledge of the law, his integrity, his fairness, his civility and his dedication to the highest ideals of the legal profession. He inspired younger lawyers by example and contributed to legal education by writing and lecturing with great insight and humour. He was unfailingly generous to colleagues with his time and expertise. Justice Catzman's career was characterized by all of the qualities that are encompassed by the terms professionalism and civility. The successful candidate for the Catzman Award will be a person who exemplifies these qualities.

For further information, please contact Sonia Holiad, Director of Communications & Events, 416-597-0243 x112 or sonia@advocates.ca.

The David Stockwood Memorial Prize

The Advocates’ Society and Stockwoods LLP established the David Stockwood Memorial Prize to honour the contribution of David Stockwood, Q.C., LSM, who served as the editor of The Advocates' Society Journal from 1991 - 2008.

We will award a prize of $1,000 biennially to the author of a previously unpublished, advocacy-related article judged for its merit by a panel.

Recipients:
2009 - Pamela D. Pengelley

For further information, please contact Sonia Holiad, Director of Communications & Events, 416-597-0243 x112 or sonia@advocates.ca.

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