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 Patrick Brown, OTLA Past President and member since 1993.
Member Profile
Name: Patrick Brown
Firm: McLeish Orlando LLP
Year called to the bar: 1993
Joined OTLA: 1993
We asked Patrick 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?
In 1991, I started as an articling student working with Paul Jewell. Paul was a strong supporter of OTLA, which at the time was a new and exciting association focused on advocacy. As a new lawyer, that was exactly what I was looking for.
If you’ve been a member for more than five years, what has inspired you to renew your membership?
Education. Advocacy. Lobbying.
Do you have a memorable OTLA moment or story you’d like to share?
In my early years, I enjoyed being part of the New Lawyers Division. Other section members and I would grab a pint, talk about cases and learn more about one another. That’s how I met my good friend, Dale Orlando. It was nice being able to share ideas with other lawyers who shared a common direction.
But I would have to say the time that Ted Bergeron spun me around over his head up north at the OTLA Board retreat still lingers.
What is something you learned at an OTLA event that you still use in your practice today?
Advocacy tools and the guidance from long-standing members. “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” I can’t place who quoted it, but I will always remember hearing that at conference as a young lawyer. It stuck with me and gave me the mindset to be a better trial lawyer and to try cases.
Have you made any meaningful professional connections through OTLA? If so, who or in what way?
Yes, indeed. I made many meaningful professional connections through the New Lawyers Division, my years on the Board and during my time as President in 2008.
How has OTLA influenced your practice or contributed to your career growth?
I have had an amazing career and sincerely love what I do. I’m not sure that I would be able to say that without my time at OTLA. My career has been closely intertwined with the Association. I have had the privilege to work with Paul Jewell, Rick Shekter, Gary Will, John McLeish and Dale Orlando. Not only did I get to work with many established lawyers, I came to know many influential and inspiring members who have since became my friends. That would not be the case without OTLA.
What advice would you give to new OTLA members or lawyers just starting out?
Embrace OTLA and everything it offers. If you get a chance I encourage you to participate, speak up and enjoy.
What does being part of the OTLA community mean to you?
It has been a very central part of my practice as a personal injury lawyer. A profession I love and respect.
