The John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy

Formerly known as the Ottawa Honouree Dinner, the John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy was established in 2016 to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of John P. Nelligan, Q.C., LSM, long-time member and the first Ottawa President of The Advocates' Society.

Congratulations to Eric R. Williams, Williams Litigation Lawyers, the 2024 recipient of The John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy. This award will be presented to Eric at a stand-alone dinner in Ottawa in the spring. Stay tuned to this page for more details coming soon.

Selection Criteria:

Throughout his career, John Nelligan exemplified excellence and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. He held numerous leadership positions in the legal community, and for decades was a committed mentor and teacher of advocacy.

This award is presented to an advocate who exemplifies excellence in advocacy and meets the following criteria:

• Practises advocacy in Ottawa or the surrounding region
• Has clearly demonstrated distinction as counsel, having made a significant contribution to the profession of law and to the well-being of the community at large
• Has been a dedicated and active member of The Advocates’ Society
• Is a current member of The Advocates’ Society and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

Past Recipients:

1995 – John P. Nelligan, QC, LSM
2002 – F. Allan Huckabone, QC
2004 – Wayne B. Spooner, KC & David Sgayias, KC
2005 – M. James O’Grady, QC
2006 – Greg P. Kelly, KC
2007 – Janice B. Payne
2008 – B. Donald Rasmussen
2009 – Bruce Carr-Harris, LSM
2010 – Brian A. Crane, KC
2011 – Donald B. Bayne
2012 – Robert E. Houston, KC
2013 – Barbara A. McIsaac, KC
2014 - Jacques A. Emond
2015 - Bryan A. Carroll
2016 - Mary Jane Binks, KC
2017 - Allan R. O'Brien
2018 - Peter Hagen
2019 - William J. Sammon
2020 - Richard G. Dearden