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Inaugural leadership award recognizes women in law

Lerners LLP and the Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) are now accepting nominations for the inaugural Elizabeth Grace Emerging Leaders Award, established this year to recognize women in law who are becoming leaders in their fields.

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.

Grace was determined to ensure the law made 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 in her name seeks 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.

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

A $1,000 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 Annual Award Gala in June 2015. After the presentation of the award, the recipient will be invited to join Grace for a private lunch at a date which is mutually agreeable.

The nomination form is available here or request the form be sent by email at wlao@cogeco.ca. Deadline for nominations is April 30.