International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges still faced, and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the legal community. The theme this year is “Accelerate Action” – focusing on the need to take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) stands with individuals and organizations that strive to accelerate action. OTLA presents opportunities for women to thrive and support one another.
In 2024, OTLA introduced a new mentorship initiative led by Meghan Hull Jacquin, Howie, Sacks & Henry, where mentees are matched with mentors based on their interests, including geographic location, practice areas, size of firm and other factors, including gender. This has been a tremendous success. While this mentorship program is not limited to women, it is an opportunity for OTLA to support women who continue to experience ongoing issues with discrimination, and face ongoing hurdles such as unequal pay, a lack of mentorship, and the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments.
OTLA is proud to have a robust Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, led by Antonia Hristova, Avanessy Giordano LLP and Myla Picco, Greg Monforton & Partners, and a very active Diversity and Inclusion Caucus, led by Nital Gosai, Gosai Law, and Tania Harris, Howie, Sacks & Henry. The women of OTLA are consistently proving that challenges are opportunities. By committing to advocate for the rights of our clients, OTLA women not only pursue justice for others but also pave the way for future generations of female lawyers. OTLA is proud to support its members and the broader legal community by promoting diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all.
The past year also saw the appointment of Justice Barbara MacFarlane, who held the position of President-Elect of OTLA, to the Superior Court of Justice (following in the footsteps of three female board members in 2023). Mary-Anne Strong, Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, another fierce advocate and leader within OTLA, assumed the President-Elect position on the Board and will be OTLA’s next President. Most recently, Joanna Sweet, Greg Monforton and Partners, was elected as OTLA’s VP-Elect, further strengthening OTLA’s leadership.
OTLA is excited to begin introducing a new practice section focusing on sexual assault litigation. This section will bring together lawyers in this practice area to teach, learn and share resources in order to better support survivors of sexual assault, who are statistically predominantly women.
Let’s keep the conversation going beyond just today. OTLA is committed to finding ways to accelerate action, speak out against injustice and provide a supportive environment for women in the legal profession and beyond.
Join OTLA’s Women Trial Lawyers Caucus on Thursday, May 29 for a Virtual Roundtable
When: Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Join the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC) for an insightful panel discussion featuring esteemed female Judges, all former members of OTLA – their impactful leadership and litigation legacy have shaped OTLA as the organization it is today. Our engaging discussion will center on invaluable insights our panelists wish they had known as practicing lawyers.
Whether you are a seasoned lawyer or just launching your career, our panel of Judges will share invaluable guidance from the Bench.
