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American Bar Association President Bill Bay accepts the 2025 OBA President's Award from Ontario Bar Association President Kathryn Manning

Hot Topics Recognizing and Rallying to the Moment: Sworn Guardians of the Justice System Unite

In two stirring addresses during the presentation of the 2025 OBA President’s Award, leaders of the Ontario and American bar associations eloquently underscored the urgency of lawyers’ shared purpose to protect the rule of law – a mission that transcends borders and politics alike.

BY Bill Bay and Kathryn Manning

Photo of Katy Commisso, dressed in white shirt and grey jacket, against a light grey background

Initiatives and Events Setting the Stage with Incoming President Katy Commisso

Parlaying theatre-kid energy and problem-solving acuity into a successful litigation career, Katy Commisso has nimbly navigated her share of transitions – recently becoming a parent, a firm partner, and the first lawyer from the Northwest to lead the OBA in more than 50 years. In this quickfire Q&A, she offers fresh perspectives on a rapidly changing profession and the skills pivotal to modern practice, while previewing her plans to support members through their own transitions in life and law.

BY: Katy Commisso

two women, one young, one middle-aged, sit across from each other in engaged conversation, while the younger woman takes notes and the older leans in with advice

Professional Development Meaningful Mentorship in Law: There’s a Recipe for That

During the OBA’s most recent Diversity Dialogue, participants expressed how invested, insightful and inspiring mentors had positively impacted their legal careers. This has certainly been the case for facilitator Misha Munim, whose ingredients for a fruitful mentorship – culled from her own transformative experience – blend advice and encouragement with advocacy and concrete support.

BY: Misha Munim

collaged illustration in shades of grey of women's faces in silhouette, with two red hands reaching across from either side attempting to cover their mouths

Opinion Naming the Crime: Why Canada Must Legally Recognize Femicide

In a call for reform, Lais Gomes argues that recognizing femicide is not only about punishing perpetrators; it’s also about intervening in intergenerational harm and treating gender-based violence as a public health and mental health crisis.

BY: Lais Gomes

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