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Earl A. Cherniak Q.C. Receives Degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa

On June 26, 2019, one of Canada’s most respected advocates, and Lerners partner, Earl A. Cherniak Q.C. was awarded a degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD) from the Law Society of Ontario.

Honorary doctorates are awarded annually at the Call ceremonies to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in the legal profession, the rule of law, or the cause of justice. Recipients serve as inspirational keynote speakers for the new lawyers attending the ceremonies.

“We are fortunate to have one of Canada’s most respected advocates amongst us,” said Lerners Toronto Managing Partner Lisa Munro. “Earl is counsel in the finest tradition and for many years has been at the forefront of our profession. In addition to being one of the Country’s best advocates, he is a generous mentor, leader and partner. It is a well-deserved honour for the Law Society to recognize Earl’s many contributions to the profession.”

Dr. Cherniak is one of Canada’s leading trial and Appellate Counsel and is recognized as a leader in Alternative Dispute Resolution. In his 50+ years of practice, he has made an immense contribution to the legal profession and the administration of justice in Canada — and is renowned as one of Canada’s leading counsel. He has acted on some of Canada’s most important cases, both at trial and at the appellate level, including representing the Canadian Red Cross in the Inquiry into the Canadian Blood System, and serving as counsel for the Medical Officer of Health in the inquiry into the Walkerton water safety crisis.

Internationally recognized as a leader at the litigation and arbitration bars, he is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been widely recognized with numerous awards, including The Advocate’s Society Medal (1996), the Law Society Medal (2008), and the 2015 Toronto Lawyers Association Award of Distinction. In 2004, he was the first recipient of the Ontario Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation. He is an honorary North American member of the (U.K.) Commercial Bar Association.