FLOODING THE BENCHES
The federal Department of Justice recently announced a slew of judicial appointments, with seven new names added to the list of Ontario Superior Court judges.
The Superior Court appointments include Rick Leroy, a partner with Gorrell Grenkie Leroy & Remillard in Morrisburg, according to an announcement from the department. Leroy received his LLP from Queen’s University in 1976 and was called to the Ontario bar in 1978. He practised mainly in the areas of family, civil contracts litigation, mediation, real estate, estates, and financial planning.
Michael Parayeski, a partner with Agro Zaffiro LLP in Hamilton, replaces Justice J. Ramsay in Kitchener, who was transferred to Hamilton. Parayeski received his LLB from the University of Western Ontario in 1978 and was called to the bar in 1980. Parayeski has developed an expertise in insurance defence work including personal injury and professional negligence defence.
Edward Gareau, a partner with Feifel Broadbent Gareau Gualazzi in Sault Ste. Marie, replaces Justice W. L. Whalen, who elected to become a supernumerary judge. Gareau received his LLB from the University of Windsor Law School in 1983, and was called to the bar in 1985. Gareau’s main practice areas include family law, mediation, collaborative law, civil litigation, wills, estate, and residential real estate.
Thomas McEwen, a partner with Adair Morse LLP in Toronto, replaces Justice J.R. McIsaac in Newmarket, who elected to become supernumerary judge as of Sept. 25, 2008. McEwen received his LLB from the University of Western Ontario in 1984 and was called to the bar in 1986.
His main practice areas are personal injury, professional negligence, products liability, libel and slander, insurance coverage, statutory accident benefits, worker’s compensation, sexual abuse, and commercial litigation.
Hugh O’Connell, a deputy director with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Ontario Regional Office, replaces Justice T. Maddalena in Newmarket, who will be transferred to Welland. O’Connell received his LLB in 1987 from Queen’s University and was called to the bar in 1989. He has expertise in criminal law.
Susan Healey, a partner at Stewart Esten in Barrie, replaces Justice R.N. Weekes in Barrie, who resigned. Healey received her LLB from the University of Western Ontario in 1991, and was called to the bar in 1993. She has practised in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, estate litigation, commercial litigation, family law, family mediation, and estate mediation.
Caroline Brown, a sole practitioner in Hamilton, has also been appointed to the Superior Court. Brown received her LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1991, and was called to the bar in 1993. She has practised family law.
These appointments are effective immediately, said the department.
MILLER THOMSON AWARDS SCHOLARS
The Miller Thomson Foundation's National Scholarship Program is awarding $1,000 academic scholarships to 200 Canadian students, bringing its total contribution to $2.35 million in scholarship awards to 2,350 graduating high-school students since 1995, the firm has announced.
“The Miller Thomson Foundation's National Scholarship Program was created to recognize the achievements and aspirations of remarkable young Canadians,”
says Judson Whiteside, chairwoman of the Miller Thomson Foundation.
“The scholarships encourage and promote the attainment of the higher education goals of exceptional high-school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities.”
OGILVY VOTED TOP FIRM
Ogilvy Renault LLP has again received a major compliment from the International Legal Alliance Summit, which has named it the Best Canadian Law Firm for a second year in a row.
Norm Steinberg, Ogilvy’s chairman, accepted the award at a ceremony held in Paris on June 18, said the firm.
The International Legal Awards recognize the best global performers in the legal profession. Ten leading Canadian firms - and more than 200 worldwide - were in the running for this year's Golden Law Awards.
Law firms from more than 20 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia attended the ceremony.
Fifteen jury panels of more than 100 senior legal executives across all major industry sectors judged the nominees. In-house counsels and senior financial executives decided who got top spot.
“Ogilvy Renault’s second consecutive Golden Law Award for Canada recognizes the firm’s excellent results for the year and lasting performance in management and leadership,” said the firm in announcing the award.
MCAUSLAND TO MCCARTHYS
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has brought a major figure in the Canadian legal and business communities into the fold, announcing that David McAusland will join the firm as partner.
“David’s impressive track record as a strategist, hands-on leader, and innovative thinker within the corporate world reinforces our commitment to thoroughly understand the challenges our clients face and to provide the resources they need,” said Marc-André Blanchard, McCarthy Tétrault managing partner for the Québec Region.
“David's exceptional business and legal experience adds deep client and industry insight to our business law group.”
McAusland has experience “leading growth initiatives and complex cross-border transactions with multi-jurisdictional legal, tax, regulatory, and political challenges will benefit clients across the country and abroad,” said the firm in announcing the hire.
He previously served as executive vice president, corporate development and chief legal officer of Alcan Inc., and since January 2008 has been an active business adviser and corporate director.
“David’s expertise and background will be invaluable to our clients as they continue to demand more from outside counsel in terms of advice, service, and efficiency,” said Iain Scott, the firm’s chairman and CEO.
“Beyond being leaders in legal excellence, innovation, and client service, law firms must also have the capability to provide clients with broader business advisory expertise and insight.
The McCarthy Tétrault team has an outlook and goals which are very much aligned with this thinking,” said McAusland. “I look forward to making a significant difference and valuable contribution to the firm.”
He is expected to “play a broad and substantial leadership role in building the firm’s practice and profile across Canada, in the USA, and abroad,” said the firm.
