Selection Criteria:
The Laidlaw Medal honours a member of the profession who has:
- Practised for 10 to 20 years
- Distinguished themselves as an outstanding oral advocate in civil and/or criminal matters
- Actively participated in the training and mentoring of junior members in the art and science of oral advocacy
- Been an active member of The Advocates’ Society and is held in high regard by the Members of the bench and bar
Preference may be given to Society members who have not been previously honoured by the profession. The recipient must be a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and is required to be a member of The Advocates’ Society. The Laidlaw Medal is awarded every three years at the End of Term Dinner.
About Douglas K. Laidlaw:
Douglas K. Laidlaw, Q.C., was a leading Canadian litigator who was killed in a traffic accident in Toronto in 1984 at the height of his career. He joined McCarthy & McCarthy in 1956, and by the time of his death in 1984, he had argued more than 50 appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada, covering many areas of law. Doug Laidlaw had strong connections to The Advocates’ Society. He was a Founding Member in 1963, served as a Director (1966-1969) and was Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee. Doug Laidlaw was awarded The Advocates’ Society Medal posthumously in 1985.
Considerations for all Awards:
When considering nominees, the Selection Committee will take into consideration the barriers faced by nominees within the legal profession due to: language, race, Indigeneity, disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. In selecting the recipient of this award, the Selection Committee will consider the diversity of litigators in practice including: language, race, Indigeneity, disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and will endeavour to ensure that recipients of the award over the years reflect these considerations.