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 Laura Hillyer, OTLA Past President and member since 1996.
Member Profile
Name: Laura Hillyer
Firm: Martin & Hillyer Associates
Year called to the bar: 2001
Joined OTLA: As a law student in 1996
We asked Laura 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?
I was aware of OTLA from a young age as my father was involved with its inception. Several members of our firm were members and spoke highly of the organization.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
I can’t imagine practising law without OTLA. The resources available through the organization help me daily. Whether it’s the Listserve, The Litigator or colleagues I can approach with questions, I rely heavily on OTLA.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
My most memorable moments at OTLA are from the pandemic. I became OTLA president in May 2020 and everything I had planned for the year ahead went to pot! With the support of the Board and the OTLA staff, we pivoted quickly. We were actively consulted as justice stakeholders as the government began the long-overdue process of modernizing the justice system. I believe that OTLA provided invaluable feedback to the government and that many of the projects with which we were involved have improved the system.
There is still work to do, but sometimes I must remind myself that we were still sending process servers to and from the courthouse to file and pick up paper in March 2020! On a personal level, I spent so much time on Zoom with the OTLA executive, staff and Board members, that I feel we all survived the pandemic together.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
Too numerous to count! My goal at every conference is to pick up at least a few “nuggets” from hearing how my colleagues run their cases. Then, I work to incorporate what I have learned into my practice.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
Yes. Even before I became involved with OTLA’s Committees and the Board, I made connections with co-attendees at conferences. We would discuss the presentations and talk about our cases over the course of the day, then stay in touch afterward. I have also found it informative to talk to experts who exhibit at the conferences.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
Again, too numerous to count! Because OTLA members must be devoted to the plaintiff side of the practice, OTLA membership offers resources that align with the strategies and considerations we must employ as plaintiff’s counsel. I believe this has allowed me to do a better job for my clients.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Definitely to attend the conferences in person. First, OTLA’s CLE is second to none and is tailored to the representation of injury victims. After that, learn more about what the organization does and explore how to become more involved (join a committee or a caucus, for example). Ultimately, getting involved with OTLA is a guaranteed investment in the success of your practice.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
My membership with OTLA has enabled me to develop meaningful relationships with colleagues whose support has been truly invaluable. This support has enhanced my skills as a lawyer and empowered me to advocate for my clients more effectively.
