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 Charles Gluckstein, OTLA Past President and member since 1999.
Member Profile
Name: Charles Gluckstein
Firm: Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers
Year called to the bar: 1999
Joined OTLA: 1999
We asked Charles 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?
When I started practicing law I was working with my father. He told me about OTLA, a new organization that was quickly becoming the leading voice for personal injury lawyers across Ontario. He then encouraged me to get involved, explaining that volunteering would help me meet the movers and shakers shaping our field. While working with my father, he introduced me to The Honourable Justice Stephen Firestone, Jim Vigmond and many more inspiring lawyers at various events. This pushed me to take his advice and get involved with OTLA.
The early CLE events were a bit overwhelming, but over time I came to see OTLA as the place to sharpen my skills, hone my craft and connect with an incredibly collegial community of plaintiff lawyers.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
OTLA has been an integral part of my professional life from the start. Early on, I soaked up everything I could from the conferences and the incredible leaders who shared their knowledge.
Over time, I began volunteering—first with the New Lawyers Division and later on with the Board—and discovered how rewarding participation could be. The more I contributed, the more value I gained. Today, I continue to find OTLA relevant as it evolves across different practice areas. I particularly enjoy the in-person CLE events and the opportunity to mentor younger lawyers as they navigate the challenges of practice.
OTLA has shaped me as a lawyer and made my journey in this profession deeply fulfilling.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
My years on the Board from 2003 to 2017—and serving as President in 2016—were among the most formative experiences of my career. During that time, we faced significant challenges—from government reforms and insurer pressures to potential regulatory changes at the LSO.
Despite those hurdles, the teamwork, strategic discussions and long-range planning created lasting bonds among us. The collaboration we developed as a Board extended into our practices and our professional relationships beyond OTLA.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
At one of my earliest conferences, Barb Legate led a workshop on preparing for trial using a detailed checklist system. I adopted her approach immediately, and to this day, an updated version of that checklist remains central to our trial preparation process. It has become a cornerstone of how my team ensures every case is ready as trial approaches.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA?
Absolutely. I attribute much of my professional success to the relationships I’ve built through OTLA. My decade-long service on the Board allowed me to form strong connections with colleagues across the province—many of whom have become close friends and valued collaborators. These relationships have enriched my practice, enhanced my reputation and made the work of law much more rewarding.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
Looking back on more than 25 years in practice, I can confidently say that my time with OTLA—especially serving on the Board and as President—played a major role in shaping the lawyer I’ve become.
Speaking at CLE events and participating in leadership discussions gave me invaluable opportunities to learn, refine my advocacy and grow as a public speaker. The organization’s network, including meaningful engagement with defence counsel, has strengthened my ability to serve clients effectively and develop a well-rounded perspective on our field.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Get involved early. Volunteer for a committee, attend CLE or offer to present at an event. The more you participate, the more rewarding your membership becomes.
Building connections outside your firm will not only expand your network but also enhance your education, confidence and growth as a lawyer.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
For me, OTLA represents excellence in advocacy and education. It’s a community of top-tier lawyers who are both generous with their knowledge and united in purpose. Being part of OTLA is both a privilege and an opportunity—to learn from the best, contribute to the greater good of the profession and strengthen the collective voice of those who advocate for injured clients across Ontario.
