OBA Association Awards winners reflect on achievement
The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 Association Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the legal profession in Ontario. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their exceptional achievements in categories such as career accomplishments, pro bono services, volunteerism, and mental health advocacy.
This year’s honorees include notable figures from across Ontario’s legal community. Justice Darla Wilson of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, Steve Pengelly, Chair of Legal Aid Ontario, and Raymond Leclair, Vice President of Public Affairs at LAWPRO, were awarded the Award for Distinguished Service. Pengelly expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition a “humbling honor” among so many deserving professionals.
Barbara Legate, a senior trial lawyer at Legate Injury Lawyers, received the Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility. She reflected on the importance of upholding high standards of practice and fostering respect within the legal community, emphasizing the value of civility in advancing justice.
Louis Frapporti, a partner at Gowling WLG, was honored with the David Scott Award for Pro Bono Law. He highlighted the challenges of accessing legal aid and the need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap for underserved communities, calling the award a testament to his commitment to making legal services more accessible.
Angela Ogang, a sole practitioner at AngeLAW, received the Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism. Ogang, who has been instrumental in advancing OBA’s mission, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her dedication to initiatives like the annual Make A Will Month, which promotes access to legal services.
The Orlando Da Silva Award for Improvement of Mental Wellbeing in the Justice Sector was awarded to Voices for Mental Health and Teresa Donnelly from the Ministry of the Attorney General. This award celebrates their efforts to address mental health challenges within the legal community, promoting a healthier justice sector.
Adam Goldenberg of McCarthy Tétrault LLP was named the recipient of the Heather McArthur Memorial Young Lawyers Award. This award, which will be presented at the OBA’s Young Lawyers Gala on May 22, recognizes emerging talent and contributions to the legal profession.
Kathryn Manning, President of the OBA, praised the winners for exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and a passion for advancing the legal field. “Their work strengthens our profession and inspires others through their leadership and dedication,” she said. The awards highlight the diversity of contributions across Ontario’s legal community and uphold the high standards of the OBA.
Founded in 1907, the OBA is Ontario’s largest voluntary legal association, representing over 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students. It advocates for legal reform, offers continuous professional development, and works to enrich the legal profession’s contributions to society.
As the annual awards gala approaches on June 19 in Toronto, the OBA invites the legal community to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals and organizations. Their achievements not only reflect the highest standards of the legal profession but also inspire future generations of legal professionals.
Recipients Share Insights on Their Contributions and the Future of Ontario’s Legal Profession
As the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) prepares for its annual awards gala on June 19 in Toronto, the recipients of the 2025 Association Awards have shared their thoughts on the significance of their work and the impact of their contributions to Ontario’s legal profession. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication, innovation, and passion that define the legal community in the province.
Justice Darla Wilson, who received the Award for Distinguished Service, emphasized the importance of mentorship and leadership in shaping the future of the legal profession. “It is a privilege to be recognized among such an impressive group of professionals,” she said. “I hope my career serves as an inspiration for younger lawyers to pursue excellence and give back to the community.”
Raymond Leclair, Vice President of Public Affairs at LAWPRO and another recipient of the Award for Distinguished Service, highlighted the evolving role of legal professionals in addressing societal challenges. “The legal profession must continue to adapt to changing times while upholding the highest standards of integrity and service,” he remarked. “This award is a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to advance justice and protect the public interest.”
Barbara Legate, recipient of the Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility, shared her perspective on the importance of fostering a respectful and collaborative legal environment. “Civility is not just a professional courtesy; it is essential to the administration of justice,” she said. “I am proud to be part of a community that values these principles and works tirelessly to uphold them.”
Louis Frapporti, who received the David Scott Award for Pro Bono Law, called attention to the ongoing challenges in access to justice. “Pro bono work is a cornerstone of our profession, but we must continue to innovate and collaborate to address the growing needs of underserved communities,” he said. “This award is a motivation to keep pushing boundaries and finding creative solutions to make legal services more accessible.”
Angela Ogang, recipient of the Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism, spoke about the transformative impact of volunteer work within the legal profession. “Volunteering has not only allowed me to give back to the community but has also enriched my professional journey,” she said. “Initiatives like Make A Will Month demonstrate how lawyers can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Teresa Donnelly, who, along with Voices for Mental Health, received the Orlando Da Silva Award for Improvement of Mental Wellbeing in the Justice Sector, emphasized the critical need for mental health support in the legal community. “Mental health is everyone’s responsibility,” she said. “By working together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for legal professionals at all stages of their careers.”
Adam Goldenberg, recipient of the Heather McArthur Memorial Young Lawyers Award, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the legal profession. “It is an honor to be recognized among such a talented group of young lawyers,” he said. “I look forward to continuing my contributions to the profession and inspiring others to pursue their passions with dedication and purpose.”
Kathryn Manning, President of the OBA, reiterated the association’s commitment to celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of leadership and service. “These awards are a testament to the incredible work being done across Ontario’s legal community,” she said. “We are proud to recognize individuals and organizations that embody the values of the OBA and set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”
With the awards gala approaching, the OBA is encouraging members of the legal community to attend and celebrate the achievements of this year’s recipients. The event promises to be an inspiring tribute to the dedication, innovation, and leadership that define Ontario’s legal profession.
Conclusion
The Ontario Bar Association’s 2025 Association Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations within Ontario’s legal community. This year’s recipients, including Justice Darla Wilson, Steve Pengelly, Barbara Legate, Louis Frapporti, Angela Ogang, Voices for Mental Health, Teresa Donnelly, and Adam Goldenberg, exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and dedication to advancing justice and improving access to legal services. Their work not only strengthens the legal profession but also inspires future generations of legal professionals. As the OBA prepares for its annual gala on June 19 in Toronto, the legal community is invited to come together and celebrate these outstanding achievements, fostering a culture of excellence and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the OBA Association Awards?
The OBA Association Awards recognize individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the legal profession in Ontario, celebrating achievements in areas such as career accomplishments, pro bono services, volunteerism, and mental health advocacy.
Who are the recipients of the 2025 OBA Association Awards?
The 2025 recipients include Justice Darla Wilson, Steve Pengelly, Barbara Legate, Louis Frapporti, Angela Ogang, Voices for Mental Health, Teresa Donnelly, and Adam Goldenberg. They were honored for their distinguished service, professionalism, pro bono work, volunteerism, and mental health advocacy.
When and where is the OBA Association Awards Gala?
The 2025 OBA Association Awards Gala will take place on June 19 in Toronto. It is an opportunity for the legal community to celebrate the achievements of this year’s recipients.
How can I attend the OBA Awards Gala?
Details about attending the OBA Awards Gala, including registration and ticket information, can be found on the OBA website.
Where can I find more information about the OBA and the awards?
For more information about the Ontario Bar Association and the Association Awards, visit the OBA website.
