TLA Awards Gala is a chance to socialize and celebrate

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • It is “full steam ahead” for the Toronto Lawyers’ Association’s (TLA) annual Awards Gala next month, says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang.

“People are really starting to get excited about it,” she says. “The gala has established itself as a marquee event. People know that it is a lovely time and that it provides an opportunity to network with their colleagues. The event is a significant one for the legal community.”  

The TLA’s signature event will take place on March 2, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Carlu, 444 Yonge St., Toronto.

“It is a gorgeous venue. We are in a beautiful art deco room,” Rataic-Lang tells LegalMattersCanada.ca. “We begin with a cocktail reception, which is a wonderful opportunity to network while enjoying great food, and then get to sit down for the Awards presentation. The speeches are the highlight of the event.”

It is the second year the association has been able to plan a large event following the uncertainty caused by the forced isolation of the pandemic, she says.

‘This event reminds people that community is important’

“Some members are still being a little careful and avoiding large gatherings but many more are looking forward to the gala,” Rataic-Lang says. “They are just so happy to be together. People need to be able to take a break and socialize, to see old friends and make new ones. This event reminds people that community is important. Community is one of the TLA’s three pillars, along with knowledge and advocacy. We bring people together in a celebratory way to acknowledge our own and it has become one of the highlights of the annual legal social calendar.

“Any Toronto lawyer or organization is eligible to receive one of our three awards. We do not limit eligibility to our members,” adds Rataic-Lang. “For the TLA, recognizing excellence is inspiring.”

The 2023 TLA Award of Distinction recipient is Chris Paliare, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession throughout his distinguished career.

“Chris Paliare’s service to his clients, the legal profession and his community is exemplary and widely acknowledged. He is regarded nationally and internationally as a consummate professional and protector of human rights, truth and justice,” says Erin O’Donovan, TLA president. “Chris is an outstanding influence on all those within the legal profession, wherever they are in their journey. His humility, combined with his loyalty to family and passion for justice are qualities to which we all aspire.” 

A ‘pioneer in boutique litigation’

Paliare is a “pioneer in boutique litigation and his unique combination of sophisticated legal skills, strategic instincts, and creativity has earned him recognition as one of the top litigators in the country,” according to the association.

For more on Paliare, click here.

Devin Persaud will receive the Toronto Lawyers’ Association Emerging Excellence Award.

The award recognizes a lawyer who has been in practice for 10 years or less and exemplifies leadership and/or innovation in advancing the TLA’s three pillars of knowledge, community and advocacy.

Persaud is a senior associate at Goodmans LLP practising in competition, antitrust, foreign investment, marketing, and corporate compliance law. He also advises clients on consumer protection best practices and runs internal investigations while implementing corporate compliance programs.

“Devin’s commitment to his clients and the practice of law, combined with his ongoing efforts in helping to bring more inclusivity to the profession have earned him the respect of legal professionals and community members from all backgrounds,” says O’Donovan.

For more on Persaud, click here.

Honsberger Award will go to an organization for the first time

For the first time in its nine-year history, the Honsberger Award will be presented to an organization, Pro Bono Ontario (PBO). 

The award has traditionally been presented annually to a Toronto lawyer in recognition of a single unique accomplishment or ongoing contribution to the legal community and the community at large.

Since its inception in 2001, the PBO administrative team and volunteer lawyers have helped an increasing number of people who have nowhere else to turn to resolve their unmet legal needs, according to the TLA.

“PBO fulfills a vital role in encouraging lawyers to share their time and expertise to the benefit of more than 30,000 clients a year who would otherwise have to navigate Ontario’s legal system on their own,” O’Donovan says. “Community members in need benefit and volunteer lawyers gain a greater appreciation of how much they are giving while doing what motivated them to become lawyers – helping others without easy access to legal counsel to understand and exercise their legal rights.”

For more on PBO, click here.

For more information about the event or to purchase individual or group tickets,  click here.

More from the Toronto Lawyers’ Association:

New lawyers get valuable insight with TLA’s multi-series forum