The former Ontario Bar Association president has been recognized as a champion of equity and inclusion
Former Ontario Bar Association president Kelly McDermott has received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, acknowledging her significant contributions to Canada's legal profession.
The region of Durham senior solicitor had led the OBA for 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic. During her term, she focused on support for lawyers with disabilities as well as peer support; she has also championed equity and inclusion in the justice system.
Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey nominated McDermott for the award.
"I am exceptionally humbled and honoured to receive this medal from the attorney general. His dedication to the legal profession is unparalleled,” McDermott said in a statement. “I am also grateful to the Ontario Bar Association for giving me a platform and voice to advocate for the needs and rights of lawyers living and working with a disability. It has been the most meaningful work of my career to date."
OBA President Kathryn Manning said that McDermott being the King Charles III Coronation Medal awardee "comes as no surprise to those of us who’ve had the privilege of working alongside her."
"As a colleague and friend, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and service — both in the legal profession and beyond. During her term as OBA president, she led with empathy and strength. Kelly’s courage in sharing her MS diagnosis and creating a provincewide peer support network for lawyers with disabilities has inspired so many of us," Manning said. "Her leadership, integrity and deep compassion truly embody the spirit of this honour and of the OBA."
Downey presented McDermott with the medal during the the OBA’s Municipal Law Section Award Reception on May 28.
"I’ve had the privilege of working alongside her as we worked to advance meaningful reforms across Ontario’s justice system. Her leadership in dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, her advocacy for lawyers with disabilities, and her personal resilience reflect the very best of our profession," Downey said. "The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a fitting recognition of her outstanding service to Ontario and the legal community."
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was unveiled on May 6, 2023 in honour of King Charles III's coronation. The award's Canadian iteration was launched in 2024 to recognize those who contributed significantly to Canada or to their communities.
