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 Duncan Macgillivray, member since 2008.
Member Profile
Name: Duncan Macgillivray
Firm: White Macgillivray Lester LLP
Year called to the bar: 2009
Joined OTLA: 2008 as an articling student
We asked Duncan 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?
The personal injury group at the firm that I articled at were long-time and very active OTLA members. So, I really had no choice but to join.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
Both as a member and as a board member, I have seen the significant work that OTLA does for injury victims and injury lawyers in Ontario. The amount of work that OTLA puts in is staggering. This includes “behind the scenes” work that many members don’t see. Without OTLA, injury victims and injury lawyers would have a much worse legal system.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
There’s a lot. Since we travel from far away, our firm has made OTLA a group event for our lawyers and clerks. Therefore, we have had a lot of great travel memories, like firm dinners while at OTLA. I also have a bunch of funny OTLA Long-Range Planning meeting memories. Those probably shouldn’t be shared, but there is a fantastic camaraderie between OTLA members.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
I have an insurance coverage paper from an OTLA Conference 15 years ago that I leave on my bookshelf and refer to at least a few times a year.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
I’ve made so many meaningful professional connections with lawyers across the province as well as with OTLA staff and the sponsors. I know that I can reach out to amazing lawyers from across the province whenever I need advice.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
In a lot of ways. OTLA taught me a lot about being a lawyer, including both black letter law and advocacy. It also allowed me to make connections across the province which have helped my practice.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Get involved as soon as you can. Attend conferences, volunteer for committees. As much as it can be difficult/scary to put yourself out there, do it.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
It means a lot. Being a member of OTLA has helped to shape my career in so many way, whether it’s education, professional connections or board work. I’m proud of the work that OTLA has done and continues to do in a very difficult system.
