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 Mary-Anne Strong, OTLA President and member since 2012. Member Profile Name: Mary-Anne Strong Firm: Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers Year called to the bar: 2002 Joined OTLA: 2012 We asked …
Each year on December 5, International Volunteer Day offers an opportunity to recognize the individuals who give their time, energy and expertise to strengthen our communities. At the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA), volunteers are integral to our work and to the continued success of our mission. From members serving on committees and task forces, to those contributing to advocacy initiatives, educational programming, mentorship and community engagement, OTLA volunteers play …
Chronic pain doesn’t just live in the body. Its effects echo through families, friendships and communities. Though it’s an issue often invisible to others, its effect is profound. But so is the strength of those who live with it daily, proving courage and strength are sometimes simply getting up each day and trying again. November 2 to 8, 2025 is National Pain Awareness Week in …
As the leaves turn and the crisp autumn air settles across Ontario, Thanksgiving offers us a moment to reflect personally and professionally on the shared values that bind us all together in a world that seems to be increasingly divided. At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. OTLA’s membership is made up of some of the very best lawyers in the province: those who have dedicated their careers to …
When we talk about self-care, it’s often misunderstood as indulgent or selfish. But in reality, it’s a foundational act of responsibility. Consider the principle behind the instructions we receive from the pilot and flight attendants during pre-flight boarding of a commercial airplane: that in the event of an emergency or drop in cabin pressurization, a passenger must secure their own oxygen mask before assisting others. …
When my kids were young, I enjoyed watching Sesame Street with them. I thought some of the humour was so clever, it had to be written for parents. My favorite bit was when Ernie shows Bert a blank canvas. “How do you like my painting?” Ernie asks. “What painting?” says Bert. “It’s a blank canvas.” “No, it’s not, it’s a cow eating grass.” “Where’s the …
