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 Jay Ralston, OTLA President and member since 1994.
Member Profile
Name: K. Jay Ralston
Firm: Murray Ralston PC
Year called to the bar: 1991
Joined OTLA: 1994
We asked Jay 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 joined Oatley Purser to work with Roger Oatley in the early to mid 90s. Roger encouraged me to join OTLA when I joined his team. Lawyers and clerks all attended the OTLA conferences when trials did not conflict with our attending. OTLA has remained an essential component of my litigation practice ever since.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
Attending OTLA conferences remains a fundamental component of my law practice. While not always convenient (when is driving into downtown Toronto ever convenient?), I would not miss attending either of the spring or fall conferences, if at all possible.
While each conference is different, I have found that I always leave with some new insight into trial strategy, technology, case framing or trial presentation that I immediately try to institute into our firm’s practice. As I listen to presentations undoubtedly a file pops into my head as I see how the ideas presented would be beneficial.
But learning new skills and effectiveness in trial preparation and planning are just one part of the benefits of OTLA conferences. Meeting and speaking with other like-minded lawyers (and some not so like minded) has led to wonderful lifelong friendships. Without exception, my enthusiasm for the practice of law dramatically increases on my return to the office from an OTLA conference.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
Conferences are just one of the benefits of OTLA. The practice of law is rarely straight forward. Over the course of over 30 years, there have been times where I was truly unsure of the best course to take on a file. There have also been times when I felt overwhelmed by my workload and the toll it was taking in my life.
During those times, I have always had OTLA members to whom I could turn to talk with and to receive feedback and/or advice. For those of us in small firms, the ability to speak with someone who has likely gone through similar challenges is invaluable.
From my first solo jury trial, Jim Vigmond took time to attend the courthouse with me the week before we started, to help me figure out the best physical set up of my demonstrative evidence in the courtroom (one was a full-sized homemade canoe), listen to and watch my opening address and give me his feedback and his support. I have recognized how truly valuable OTLA and its members are to me, to my practice and to my clients.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
OTLA’s value to me has been reaffirmed in the past few years. COVID-19 took a significant toll on me physically and mentally. I was suddenly thrust into the primary care role for an elderly parent full-time. Another serious and life-threatening illness to a second family member arose during that time.
I was forced into isolation from others in order to protect my family from the dire consequences any illness (not just COVID-19) and the stress became overwhelming. My law practice seemed to get away from me and every time it appeared I could get back on track we were hit with something new. I was stressed and overwhelmed to an unbearable level.
Fortunately, my past and ongoing involvement in OTLA had forged some strong friendships and a level of trust that enabled me to make a few phone calls and ask for help. Suddenly I had all the help I needed and, more importantly, the emotional support I required to get back on track with my practice.
OTLA has been more to me than simply a professional association. It has made me a better lawyer. It has been a lifeline when those inevitable practice dilemmas arise. It has been the source of many lifelong friends. It has been a core element of my practice and my life and will continue to be in the future.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
One final note. As with my experience in life generally, you get what you give. For OTLA to be more than just a professional association it required me to take an active role. It is why I allowed my name to stand as a Board member over a decade ago. It is why I have gratefully served as Vice-President and President-Elect, and why I now look forward to serving as President in our 35th year, which began last week.
Standing on the periphery of anything makes me an observer. Lawyers and clerks who just want to stay on the periphery can simply join OTLA, read the Listserve and go to conferences. Doing so will make them better lawyers and clerks.
If, however, you want to experience all of the benefits of this remarkable organization, jump in with both feet. Join committees, present at conferences, lobby our government with us and consider running for the Board. Words are simply inadequate to express the value you will get with that type of involvement.
