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 Andrew Murray, OTLA Past President and member since 2001.
Member Profile
Name: Andrew C. Murray
Firm: Lerners LLP
Year called to the bar: 1994
Joined OTLA: 2001
We asked Andrew 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 OTLA?
I joined OTLA early in my career, recognizing it as the premier professional organization for plaintiff personal injury lawyers. Even in its infancy, OTLA was guided by some of the most capable plaintiff personal injury lawyers in the province, who themselves saw fit to devote countless hours towards the betterment of the plaintiff bar and the enhancement of justice for those in need.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
I could never imagine not being a member of OTLA. It is a community of like-minded people that feels more like a family to me than a professional association. We all truly understand what each member’s “day job” is like. It is such a collaborative and supportive organization that I cannot imagine life without OTLA.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
For me, I will never forget the occasion when I lead a packed conference room in the singing of O Canada. Linda Langston, former CEO, remembers it as the Celebration of the Personal Injury Bar Dinner, but in my mind it was a conference that fell very close to Remembrance Day.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
The theme of “what can I do to help the adjuster/lawyer help me” is something that has never left my thought process or approach.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
Being on the Board for many years, and ultimately as President, I was so enriched by the many plaintiff lawyers – on the Board and regular members – from across the province who became my friends and confidants. Outside of OTLA, most of my interactions are with the defence bar, so my OTLA membership really fostered close relationships with people who might technically be considered competitors, but who in fact turned out to be stalwart supporters.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
I remain mindful of the importance to give back. I was blessed by many great mentors and friends, like Barb Legate, Tom Connolly, Bob Munroe, Greg Monforton, Gary Will, Paul Harte, Charles Gluckstein….really, way to many to mention, but all of whom were tireless in giving of their knowledge and time. I always carry that attitude with me.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Embrace committee work. Come up with a good conference topic and offer to speak. Educate the public. Get to know your local MPP. Be helpful to others. Watch, learn and be the best version of yourself by adopting your own style, rather than trying to adopt someone else’s style.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
Collegiality, family, fun, friends, laughter, learning, resolve, professionalism, respect, commitment, education and value.
