Accolade honours legacy of the late Abdalla Barqawi, a lawyer who advocated for inclusion
The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has announced its new Abdalla Barqawi Bridge Builder Award, named after and honouring the legacy of an OBA board member and equality committee chair who died last June.
The award arose from the “Discourse over Division” presidential mandate of Kathryn Manning, the OBA’s immediate past president.
“With this award, we hope to honour those whose work is guided by that same principle that what unites us is stronger than what divides us,” Manning said in the OBA’s media release.
In a September 2024 interview with Law Times shortly after she assumed her presidency, Manning discussed her plans to address division and polarization within the bar, among other priorities.
“Under Past-President Kathryn Manning’s leadership, the Discourse over Division mandate served as a powerful call to action that rallied Ontario lawyers to lead the way in tackling complex, potentially polarizing topics respectfully and productively,” said Katy Commisso, the OBA’s president.
Those interested can submit nominations for the new accolade and the OBA’s other awards by Jan. 30. The OBA noted that it will present the inaugural Abdalla Barqawi Bridge Builder Award and its other awards at its gala on May 13.
In its media release, the OBA explained that the new award will recognize an individual or organization with an initiative, strategy, tool, campaign, policy, or program aimed at fighting the rising polarization within the legal profession or the wider society.
The OBA added that it will spotlight the awardee’s courageous, effective, and impactful contributions that have created space for discussions of divisive issues through civil engagement and an improved understanding of opposing sides.
The OBA noted that the award is one of its initiatives seeking to advance its commitment to encourage respectful engagement, rather than irreparable entrenchment, within the profession.
In its media release, the OBA shared that Barqawi was a lawyer at Conway Baxter Wilson LLP and a champion for equality and inclusion.
Barqawi helped develop the OBA’s Peer Support Network for Lawyers Living with Disabilities. In 2024, he was one of the recipients of the OBA President’s Award, which recognized his efforts to create spaces for all lawyers to thrive.
“Abdalla’s approach to even the most difficult conversations helped to combat polarization and focus people on their common humanity,” Manning said. “With his compassion, intelligence, kindness and respect, he has made an extraordinary impact.”
“With this new award, we not only carry forward Abdalla’s legacy of civility and integrity, but signal our ongoing commitment to providing lawyers with the tools, guidance and examples necessary to engage in conversation that solves the issues of our time,” Commisso added.
