35 Years, 35 Voices: Meet Allen Wynperle
35 Years, 35 Voices highlights the members who have contributed to the Ontario Trial Lawyers Associations (OTLA) growth, strengthened access to justice and supported a collaborative plaintiff-side community across Ontario over the past 35 years.
Meet Allen Wynperle, OTLA Past President and member since 1994.
Member Profile
Name: Allen Wynperle
Firm: Dickson Wynperle Associates
Year called to the bar: 1996
Joined OTLA: 1994
We asked Allen to reflect on his time with OTLA, the role the association has played in his career and what being part of the OTLA community means to him.
What motivated you to join?
I was originally encouraged (told) to join OTLA by my articling principal William Morris who was a founding member of the Board of Directors.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
OTLA quickly became an essential part of my education on the path to becoming a personal injury lawyer. In Hamilton, we held regular roundtable meetings where I met senior members of the bar and learned from their experiences. I also had the opportunity to attend some of the first OTLA conferences. The various opportunities to connect with my OTLA colleagues have been an essential resource in helping me build my career.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
I remember listening to Barb Legate speak at a past conference and being blown away by her precise file management skills. I also remember attending the very first medical malpractice conference in London, Ontario. Almost all of the best trial lawyers were in attendance. At the time, I was still an articling student, but I remember how generous so many of the senior lawyers were, taking time to speak with me and provide valuable mentorship.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
When you are not successful with a file, you can feel very alone. When I feel that way, I remember a speech by Jim Vigmond talking about his most painful losses, especially early in his career, and it helps me to remember that even in the darkest moments, I am not alone.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
I have made amazing connections all over the province. I love being able to connect an injured victim with a qualified lawyer in their local jurisdiction.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
I have learned so much from OTLA members. Everything from the basic law to the nuances of which expert to call upon in various scenarios. If I ever have any doubt, I will access the Listserve to gather the opinions of my colleagues.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Don’t hesitate to contact any member at any time. Most members are happy to help answer a question or provide necessary information to help. OTLA allows you access to create a great network of professionals you can rely upon throughout your career.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
I cannot imagine my career without OTLA. I have gained so much knowledge and experience by listening to other members. OTLA has also taught me the importance of giving back to the organization and its members. My door is always open to assisting other members where I can help make a difference.