Richards to receive award on Sept. 10
Gregory Richards, counsel and former managing partner and chair of WeirFoulds LLP, has been selected as the 2019 recipient of the Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility.
Richards will receive the award at the Opening of the Courts Ceremony on Sept. 10 in Toronto.
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate “an exemplary knowledge of the law; integrity, fairness and civility; generosity of time and expertise, with a commitment to mentorship and/or legal education; and dedication to the highest ideals of the legal profession”, WeirFoulds said in a statement.
Created in 2008 by the Catzman family, together with The Advocates’ Society and the Chief Justice of Ontario’s Advisory Committee on Professionalism, the award commemorates Marvin A. Catzman of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, who passed away in 2007.
Throughout his 37-year law career, Richards has litigated a wide variety of cases, some of which have been precedent-setting. His practice included corporate and commercial matters, complex contracts, tort claims, government liability, and a range of other issues, taking him before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
“Greg exemplifies all of the qualities that the Catzman Award seeks to recognize”, said Bryan Finlay, partner emeritus at WeirFoulds. “Greg has demonstrated time and again that the truly effective advocate is one who exhibits the confidence of knowing that the client’s case is enhanced — not harmed — by respecting one’s opponents, speaking plainly and candidly to the client and the court, and carefully choosing the hills on which to stand and fight. Of Greg’s many contributions to the profession and our firm, it is this one that resonates loudest of all.”
WeirFoulds counsel Derry Millar also received the Catzman Award in 2013.
