New FOLA head was Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince’s first female partner
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) has announced the appointment of Jennifer S. Rooke – who has previously been the non-profit organization’s first vice chair and its Southwest regional representative – as its new chair.
“I am honoured to serve as Chair of FOLA,” Rooke said in a news release. “County and district law associations are essential to supporting lawyers, fostering collegiality and civility in the profession, and strengthening access to justice in communities across Ontario.”
“FOLA is proud to welcome Jennifer S. Rooke as Chair,” said Allen Wynperle, FOLA’s outgoing chair.
FOLA expressed gratitude to Wynperle for his contributions during his incumbency as chair. He now steps into the role of past chair.
Regarding Rooke, Wynperle stated: “Her longstanding involvement with FOLA and local law associations makes her exceptionally well positioned to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
“I look forward to working alongside FOLA’s members, leaders, and stakeholders to continue advocating for the legal profession and advancing the important work of local law associations,” Rooke said in the news release.
FOLA acts on behalf of the province’s 46 county and district law associations. Most FOLA members work as sole practitioners or in small firms across Ontario.
“Jennifer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the legal profession, public service, and community leadership throughout her career,” Wynperle said in FOLA’s news release, which provided more information regarding Rooke’s professional experience and community activities.
As a legal practitioner, Rooke has focused on areas such as family law and federal prosecutions, including as an agent for Canada’s director of public prosecutions.
In 2018, she became the first female partner and visible minority partner at Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP.
Apart from her legal practice, Rooke’s experience has encompassed governance, advocacy, and education.
She has taught at St. Clair College and the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. Also at the University of Windsor, she has belonged to the Alumni Association and the board of governors.
In 2022, Rooke received the University of Windsor Faculty of Law’s Distinguished Alumni Award for her efforts devoted to the profession and the community.
At the Essex Law Association, she has served as its director, president, and past president.
Rooke’s community work has also covered leadership roles at the John Howard Society in Windsor and Ontario, at Children First, at Hiatus House, and at multiple justice-related initiatives.
She is fluent in both English and French.
