McLeish to receive OBA Award of Excellence in Insurance Law

As he prepares to receive the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) 2016 Award of Excellence in Insurance Law in May, Toronto critical injury lawyer John McLeish says his “outstanding” clients continue to inspire him.

“Our clients have to work through some very difficult circumstances and to be able help them in their journey is very gratifying,” says McLeish, a founding partner at McLeish Orlando LLP.

“I tell each client that he or she is a client for life and that I will help them long after their case is resolved, in every way I can. I stay in touch with many of my clients and their families years after their cases have finished. I cannot imagine practising in any other area of law.”

The award was created to recognize outstanding members of the OBA for their exceptional achievements, distinguished service, and contributions. Winners have been noted for maintaining high standards of professional competence as well as their enhancement of and leadership in the profession of law. McLeish will be recognized this year alongside Wilfrid Menninga of Templeman Menninga LLP in Kingston.

Giants in advocacy

“John and Wilfrid are recognized giants in advocacy, mentorship, and their contribution to the development of the law,” says Audrey Ramsay, OBA Insurance Law Section Chair, in a press release. “Both have blazed trails in their area of practice: John in the area of personal injury law, and Wilfrid, in the area of insurance defence and civil litigation. Both have left their mark on the law and the profession and continue to do so.”

McLeish was previously chosen as Toronto’s 2013 Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada. He has recovered the largest personal injury damages award in Canada: $18.4-million for a young, brain-injured girl and her family against a negligent driver, an insurance company and the Ministry of Transportation.

“Receiving this award is an enormous honour,” says McLeish, who specializes in cases dealing with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, serious orthopaedic injuries and fatal accidents.

“I consider others who have received this award to be titans in the field of personal injury and insurance law. I am extremely grateful to the OBA to be included with this group.

“I have always given my best on behalf of each and every client, and this award is recognition for those efforts.”

The award will be presented May 26 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel.