Specialized Sections

BAD FAITH LITIGATION SECTION
OTLA members with interest in bad faith issues may join this section; providing they are able to certify that 0% of their direct or indirect billings or time is derived from the defence of personal injury actions on behalf of institutional defendants, including insurance companies, Boards of Education and self-insuring corporate defendants; currently and for the full 12 month period immediately preceding their application. Membership fees are $100.00 per year. Members are provided with a Bad Faith Litigation Section Precedent Binder, section meetings at OTLA's spring and fall conference programs and specialized CLE programs.

Chair: David Morin


LONG TERM DISABILITY SECTION
The Long Term Disability Section is dedicated to enhancing the ability of OTLA members to seek redress for clients in conflict with their disability insurers. Members of the Section receive a Precedent Manual with regular updates. OTLA lawyer members may join for an additional annual fee of $100.00.

Chair: Michael Pretsell
Vice Chair: Andrew Kerr


MEDICAL MALPRACTICE SECTION
OTLA members with interest in medical malpractice issues may join this Section; providing they are able to certify that 0% of their direct or indirect billings or time is derived from the defence of medical malpractice actions. Members are provided with access to the Section's listserv, resource materials and regular education programs. Membership is restricted to OTLA members and requires an additional annual fee of $100.00.

Chair: Barbara Legate


NEW LAWYERS DIVISION (NLD)
All members of OTLA who have been practising under 10 years may participate in OTLA's New Lawyers Division. Officially formed in May of 1995, the NLD seeks to specifically address the needs and interests of new lawyers through conferences and events. NLD gatherings provide valuable networking opportunities which enable new lawyers to get together to socialize, discuss common concerns and experiences, and to help each other by sharing ideas. The NLD also has its own Listserv.

Chair: Michelle Jorge
Vice Chair: Jason Singer
The Litigator Representative: Corina Anghel Bachmann


WOMEN TRIAL LAWYERS CAUCUS
The OTLA Women Trial Lawyers Caucus was formed in the spring of 1998 to offer events specifically geared to the interests and needs of women litigators. The Women's Caucus gatherings provide valuable networking opportunities to enable women lawyers to socialize and discuss common concerns and experiences.

Chair: Tina Radimisis
Vice Chair: Corina Anghel Bachmann

LAW CLERK SECTION
OTLA's Law Clerk Section meets twice annually at the OTLA Spring and Fall Conferences, plus round table meetings are organized throughout the province. The Law Clerk Section has a Listserv.

Chair: Jessica MacInnes
Vice Chair: Jennifer Baic
Education: Josie Skelly


LAW STUDENT CHAPTERS

OTLA's Law Student Chapters' provide an opportunity for law student members to network within their law faculties, with OTLA members in their community and prepare for the OTLA Cup.

2008 OTLA CUP
The University of Ottawa hosted the 2008 OTLA Cup on Saturday, March 1, 2008. The Honourable Charles Hackland presided over the day, with volunteers from OTLA and the Ottawa legal community sitting as jurors.

Congratulations to all participants and the following who have been recognized for their achievements:

Tim Boland Award for Best Overall Advocate - Kathleen Bingham (Queen's University)
Bergeron Clifford Award for Best Team - University of Windsor
Will Barristers Award for Best Opening - William Keele (University of Windsor)
Paul M. Mann Award for Best Closing - Angelo Sciacca (University of Windsor)
Greg Monforton Award for Best Examination in Chief - William Keele (University of Windsor)
George Bonn Award for Best Cross-Examination - Laura MacFarlane (University of Western Ontario)

The OTLA Cup is supported through the volunteer efforts of coaches; Prof. Stephen Blair (Ottawa), Andrew Camman (Western), Francine Herlehy (Windsor) and Prof. Erik Knutsen (Queen's).

OTLA appreciates the generous contribution of Doucet McBride LLP (Ottawa) the sponsor of the welcome dinner for the teams and Cooligan Ryan LLP (Ottawa) luncheon sponsor. OTLA continues to appreciate the contribution of OTLA member Ted Bergeron who spends considerable time in developing the fact scenario and assisting with the logistics of the OTLA Cup. Thanks also to OTLA members Andrew Murray (OTLA Cup Chair) and Laurie Tucker for her contribution in facilitating the event details and arranging volunteers in Ottawa to participate as jurors.