TLA awards gala honours trio of exceptional litigators

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Toronto area lawyers are invited to unwind with their peers as they celebrate the achievements of three exceptional lawyers at the Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) Annual Awards Gala,  on March 5 at the Omni King Edward Hotel.

“Many lawyers don’t allow themselves enough time away from their work,” says Joan Rataic-Lang, executive director/library director at the TLA.

“This gala is work-related, but it gives them an opportunity to mingle in a very pleasant environment, where they can enjoy a social evening while acknowledging the work of others,” she tells LegalMattersCanada.ca.

With its ornate mouldings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the 5,000-square-foot Crystal Ballroom has played host to prime ministers and royalty, as well as performances from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Harry James and Benny Goodman.

Brian Greenspan to be honoured

Rataic-Lang says the highlight of the gala will be the presentation of three honours:, the TLA Emerging Excellence Award, the Honsberger Award and the TLA Award of Distinction. The last one is given to someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to the integrity and worth of the legal profession.

“This year the award is going to Brian Greenspan, senior partner in Greenspan, Humphrey, Weinstein, who has enjoyed such a high-profile and important career for so many years, that we wanted to honour him,” says Rataic-Lang.

“Brian Greenspan’s remarkable contribution to the practice of law is universally acknowledged. adds Margaret Waddell, TLA board president and a partner with Waddell Phillips Professional Corporation. “His passion and knowledge of the criminal justice system inspire students, recently called, and established lawyers alike, as he demonstrates the high professional standards to which we commit in our profession.”

The Honsberger Award, given to a Toronto area lawyer who exemplifies the TLA’s three pillars of knowledge, community and advocacy, will go to Gillian Hnatiw, principal of Gillian Hnatiw & Co.

“She’s a formidable advocate for women’s civil rights and empowerment, as well as a compassionate representative for victims of violence, in the courtroom and in the community,” says Rataic-Lang, adding, “she has emerged as one of the country’s foremost practitioners in claims for sexual assault, abuse and exploitation.”

The TLA Emerging Excellence Award will be presented to Ceyda Turan, barrister and solicitor at Turan Law Office for her work for the Williams Treaties First Nations, among other things. This is the first year for this honour, Rataic-Lang says, acknowledging exceptional performance in a lawyer’s first 10 years of practice.

“The19 nominations we received for this award is a real indication that there are some amazing young lawyers out there,” she says. “Lawyers who were called to the bar in the last decade and their careers are really taking off.”

Awards reward significant achievements

Rataic-Lang says the three awards allow the TLA to recognize lawyers at all stages of their careers.

“The Emerging Excellence award is a welcome addition, as our membership runs the gamut in terms of years of experience and age,” she says.

The ticket prices for the event also recognize the financial constraints new lawyers may find themselves in, Rataic-Lang says.

 “We have a special rate for those with less than 10 years of experience, because we wanted to make it easier for people at the beginning of their careers to attend the gala,” she says.

 “We just want to bring legal professionals together, to share some food and drinks while honouring three exceptional lawyers at different stages in their careers,” Rataic-Lang says.

The gala has sold out for the last two years, with tickets and more information available here.