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 Amy Hofstetter, member since 2000.
Member Profile
Name: Amy Hofstetter
Firm: MHN Lawyers LLP
Practicing since: 1997
Joined OTLA: 2000
We asked Amy to reflect on her time with OTLA, the role the association has played in her career and what being part of the OTLA community means to her.
What motivated you to join OTLA?
As a newbie, I was signed up by my then office – The Morris Law Group – long before OTLA had established a Law Clerks Section. At that time, I had no idea how precious my OTLA membership would become to me. When the Law Clerks Section was later established, its presence at OTLA conferences was modest at first, with only a few afternoon sessions. Over time, both the Section and its conference programming grew into the dedicated, robust track that exists today.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
No matter how junior I was then or how senior I am now, OTLA has been and continues to be, a valuable resource to me. I always take something away from the conferences that will help me on a file or two. The colleagues you meet are invaluable resources and turn into great friends. And then there is the Listserve where we can share precedents, strategies, caselaw and learn from others’ posts. OTLA members are given opportunities to learn from each other almost daily.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
The HST fight. It seemed undeniable that HST should not be deducted from available limits. A bulletin from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO, now the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario) said so, yet getting insurers to abide by it started to seem insurmountable. It infuriated my colleague Tracy Romanowski and I that insurers didn’t seem to care. We talked about it to anyone who would listen. We posted about HST on our Listserve, called the OTLA Executive and other members we knew, trying to bring the issue to everyone’s attention.
Progress was slow, but OTLA got involved and brought the issue to FSCOs attention, receiving a letter response from then CEO, Brian Mills. And later, a group of OTLA Members started a class action against insurers and government. These efforts resulted in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule being amended to clarify that HST was not to be paid out of the benefit limits – and wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the efforts of multiple OTLA members.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
It is difficult to say as I have been to many OTLA conferences, webinars and social events. I always seem to leave with something valuable. Precedents, caselaw, file strategies, organization, trial preparation and strategies for dealing with AB claims have been most helpful over the years.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
Yes, I have made many meaningful connections. OTLA strengthened my relationships with my direct office colleagues – travelling to conferences with them – and the social interactions helped me form life-long friendships with colleagues, which I have maintained to this day. OTLA has also helped me form and grow meaningful connections with treatment companies, providers and fellow members.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
OTLA has helped me stay on top of the current caselaw, has brought changes in legislation and processes to my attention, and provides me with useful, practical tips I can use on files every day. OTLA has helped arm me with the tools I need to do well at my job, which is a benefit to both the clients and the lawyer.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Get involved in committees, attend the conferences, talk to the exhibitors, talk to other attendees and get on the Listserve. I remember sitting at my first few conferences like a deer in headlights, not fully comprehending what I was listening to and feeling overwhelmed. Be patient, I promise things will make sense in time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find a mentor.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
OTLA is a powerful community made up of compassionate, smart people. There are so many battles in this world today that it is nice to know you are not battling alone in this world, and the OTLA community has your back to intervene on your matter if you need it, provide you with guidance on that perplexing issue, and sometimes, just an ear to listen when you need it. Together, OTLA members can make a real difference.
