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Nominations Open for 2017 Elizabeth Grace Emerging Leaders Award

Lerners LLP and the Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) are now accepting nominations for the 2017 Elizabeth Grace Emerging Leaders Award. The award was established in 2015 to recognize women who are emerging leaders in their fields.

Elizabeth Grace, the winner of the WLAO 2014 President’s Award and a partner with Lerners LLP, has been lauded for her outstanding service within the profession and her leadership role in advancing the position of women in law in Ontario. Early in her career, Grace decided to apply her broad experience and expertise as an advocate to becoming a driving force behind the development of a new body of law in Ontario that would provide civil redress to victims of sexual assault and abuse. She continues to be determined to ensure that the law makes space for victims who are doubly disadvantaged, having been a victim of sexual abuse or assault and also suffering from additional disadvantages, such as being a member of a visible minority or suffering from mental health issues.

The award aims to recognize practical, policy and/or academic law-related work, leadership and contributions in areas that advance the understanding of sexual and/or domestic violence and abuse, or otherwise advances the rights and interests of vulnerable persons who have suffered and/or are at risk of suffering such violence and abuse.

Award Criteria:

1. Nominees should be Ontario-based female lawyers or others engaged in the law with 10 years or less of experience.
2. Complete the nomination form and submit a maximum three page letter outlining qualified projects or contributions the nominee has initiated, with supporting documentation.
3. Letters of support or recommendation from individuals or organizations (a maximum of three two-page letters). Letters must accompany the nomination form.

Constituent elements of award and recognition to honouree:

A $1000 charitable donation will be paid to a *charity or non-profit organization of the winner’s choice which advocates for or otherwise supports persons who are disadvantaged, disenfranchised and/or have suffered sexual and/or domestic violence or abuse.

The award will be presented in Toronto at the WLAO Award night in June 2017. After the presentation of the award, the recipient is invited to join Elizabeth Grace for a private lunch at a date to be mutually agreed.

*The proposed charity or non-profit organization must be acceptable to Lerners.

Nomination Form

The nomination form is available through www.wlao.on.ca or you can request that the form be sent by email at wlao@cogeco.ca. The deadline for nominations is April 28, 2017.