Your cart is currently empty!
The 2024 Awards nominations are now open until May 1, 2024.
The annual WLAO Awards Gala takes place on May 30th in Toronto. We invite you to attend here. As part of this annual celebration, we present various awards listed below to well-deserved emerging leaders. Please see the open awards below. Submissions are due by May 1st, 2024.
- Self-nominations will be accepted and are encouraged
- WLAO will review each nomination/application package that meets the eligibility criteria set out below. Nominees can be nominated for more that one category but are entitled to win in one category only.
- WLAO reserves the right to propose nominations.
- Nominations must be received by no later than 5:00 PM on May 1, 2024. Late submissions may be accepted in the WLAO’s sole discretion.
- WLAO exercises the sole and absolute discretion to determine Award eligibility and Award recipients. WLAO decisions are final and there is no right to appeal against any decision.
- Award recipients will be notified of the WLAO’s decision as soon as is practicable along with information regarding the WLAO President’s Award’s Gala, where an in-person presentation of the awards will occur. Those not selected may not be notified.
WLAO President’s Award
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
This award recognizes a lawyer who exemplifies leadership and excellence. To be eligible for this award, the recipient must:
The WLAO President’s Award recognizes a woman who has made a substantial contribution to the legal community as an academic, adjudicator, litigator, solicitor, author, or related profession. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the promotion of women in the law and be recognized as a leader. Encompassing the ideals of the Women’s Law Association, the recipient of the President’s Award will be engaged, aware and connected to issues, substantive and personal, facing women in the legal profession today. The Award may also be presented to a firm or organization exemplifying the ideals for which it is given.
If you are, or know a person, deserving of the recognition, we invite you to submit a nomination. In order for the nomination to be valid, we ask that you fill in the information requested below, sign the form, and return it to the email address listed below. A WLAO Executive will then contact the nominee for her consent to the nomination. Nominations must be received by May 1 2024.
Criteria for recipient(s) to include:
1. Advances the interests of women in the legal profession through; advocacy; professional
achievements; success in practice; progressive reform and; equitable policies.
2. Provides mentorship to women in the legal profession;
3. Recognized as a leader within the specific area of practice;
4. Is a member or past member of WLAO, or is supportive of WLAO and its initiatives;
5. Has a strong commitment to improve the quality of life for people of equity seeking groups, including women;
6. Will encourage support for WLAO;
7. The individual must be in good standing with LSUC and must abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct;
The recipient will be invited, as a guest of honour, to the WLAO President’s Awards Gala on May 30, 2024.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit a letter of merit (not exceeding two pages) detailing their qualifications for this award. Where possible, provide supporting documentation (e.g.: publications in academic journals, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae) in PDF format. To apply, submit your letter or nomination application form below by May 1, 2024 via email to [email protected] with the subject title: 2024 President’s Award.
WLAO Emerging Leader Award, Sponsored by Howie Sacks & Henry LLP
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
This award recognizes a lawyer who exemplifies leadership and excellence. To be eligible for this award, the recipient must:
- Called to the bar in Ontario
- Under 12 years of call
- Engaged in the practice of law or in a non-practicing role that advances the legal profession; and
- Have a track record of leadership, professional achievement, and community involvement
The WLAO encourages applications from underrepresented groups (a non-exhaustive list includes racially diverse candidates, candidates from indigenous communities, LGBTQ+, etc.).
The recipient will be invited, as a guest of honour, to the WLAO President’s Awards Gala on May 30, 2024.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit a letter of merit (not exceeding two pages) detailing their qualifications for this award. Where possible, provide supporting documentation (e.g.: publications in academic journals, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae) in PDF format. To apply, submit your letter and application form below by May 1, 2024 via email to [email protected] with subject title: Emerging Leader Award 2024.
Award Amount: $2,000.00
The Honourable Sandra Chapnik Women-in-Law Award, Sponsored by Sandra Shime in Memory of Millie Rotman Shime
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
The Honourable Sandra Chapnik Women-in-Law Award recognizes women law students who exemplify the drive and determination to achieve a law degree after having spent time in the workforce.
- Currently enrolled in an Ontario law school (include transcripts and a CV);
- A defined need for financial assistance (to be determined at law school with supporting documentation); and
- An essay of no less than 200 words explaining the above, and past experiences and future goals.
As a guest of honour at the WLAO Annual Awards dinner on May 30, 2024, the recipient will receive her award and be introduced to many influential and successful women lawyers, legal educators, and judges from the Toronto area. This award will be administered through the WLAO and Ontario law schools with final selection by a panel consisting of the Honourable Sandra Chapnik and two WLAO board members.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit their transcript, CV, essay and application form below by May 1, 2024 via email to [email protected] with subject title: Honourable Sandra Chapnik Award 2024.
Annual Award Amount: $1,000
Aird & Berlis Equality Award
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
The Women’s Law Association of Ontario and Aird & Berlis LLP Equality Award is designed to recognize a woman law student who has dedicated her time and talents to advancing equality rights. The recipient will receive a monetary award of $1500.00. The recipient of the award will demonstrate the following characteristics:
- women registered, in good standing, at an Ontario faculty of law and studying for an LL.B, J.D. or LL.M.; and
- a record of dedication to advancing equality rights (such as, but not limited to religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, mental health, refugee, aboriginal, minority and HIV/AIDS victim’s rights).
As a guest of honour at the Annual Awards dinner on May 30, 2024, the recipient will receive her award and the opportunity to meet many influential and successful women lawyers, legal educators, and judges.
The application form is available below, or contact Women’s Law Association of Ontario directly via email to [email protected].
How to Apply: Applicants must submit the application form below by May 1, 2024 via email to [email protected] with the subject title: Aird & Berlis Equality Award 2024.
Annual Award Amount: $1,500
Torkin Manes LLP Trailblazer Award
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
Torkin Manes LLP and WLAO have established the Trailblazer Award to recognize a female law student for her leadership role in business and the law (this could be corporate/commercial, not-for-profit, or entrepreneurial). This award is given to a student that best exemplifies the qualities of effective business leadership, innovatively applied know-how, and potential for growth. The award (with a monetary award of $1,500) will be presented at the Annual Awards dinner on May 30, 2024.
The recipient of this award will demonstrate the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Female student registered in 2nd or 3rd year and in good standing at an Ontario faculty of law, and studying for a J.D. or LL.M. (the successful candidate will likely be enrolled in a joint J.D./LL.M. and MBA degree program);
- an acknowledged leader, actively demonstrating the promotion of women in business;
- exceptional legal expertise and proven business acumen; and
- demonstrates an entrepreneurial and business focused spirit, with a strong sense of how to put a project or idea into action.
How to Submit: Please return the completed application form along with a letter of merit (not to exceed two pages) outlining the candidate’s qualifications for this award. If appropriate, please provide supporting documentation (i.e. letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae). Applicants must submit the application form below by May 1, 2024 via email to [email protected] with the subject title: Torkin Manes LLP Trailblazer Award 2024.
Torkin Manes is a full service law firm based in downtown Toronto. Our 125+ lawyers practice in all areas of business law and litigation. Torkin Manes is ranked the #1 Ontario Regional Law Firm by Canadian Lawyer.
Annual Award Amount: $1,500