Membership Benefits

Listserve

Members have access to exclusive OTLA Listserves, email-based forums where members can ask questions, share experience and receive timely advice from members across Ontario.

Listserves are available for lawyers, law clerks and several specialized practice areas and groups including:

• Long-Term Disability
• Canadian-wide Medical Malpractice
• Sexual Abuse
• New Lawyers Division
• Women Trial Lawyers Caucus
• Diversity and Inclusion Caucus

Learn more about the Listserves, review FAQs and read the undertaking here.

Member Directory

OTLA’s searchable member directory helps lawyers connect with other members across the province and facilitate case referrals and collaboration.

Members can search by name, location or area of practice. Find other members here.

Document Bank

The Document Bank is a member-driven resource where members can share and access precedents, templates and other practice materials and documents.

These documents can serve as a useful starting point in your practice. Please note that materials are not verified or endorsed by OTLA.

Explore the Document Bank here.

The Litigator Magazine

The Litigator is OTLA’s flagship publication and has been a trusted resource for the plaintiff bar since 1992.

Published quarterly in both print and digital formats, the magazine features articles, legal analysis and commentary relevant to plaintiff practice.

Members can view the latest edition and access all past articles through the searchable publications database.

Weekly Member Newsletter

Members receive a weekly email update featuring:

• Case summaries
• Members currently in trial
• Upcoming webinars, conferences and roundtables
• Timely information relevant to plaintiff practice

CLE On-Demand

Members can access recordings of past OTLA conferences, webinars and accredited programs through CLE On-Demand.

This resource allows members to engage with educational programming at their convenience.

Review available programs here.

Mentorship Program

OTLA’s mentorship program connects members with experienced practitioners to support professional development and practice growth.

Mentees can seek guidance on their practice, career development and professional challenges, while mentors share knowledge and expertise to support the next generation of plaintiff lawyers and give back to the profession. The program is designed for both new and experienced lawyers.

Learn more about OTLA’s mentorship program.

Profile Building Opportunities

Members can contribute to OTLA initiatives and raise their professional profile by:

• Speaking at conferences, webinars or roundtables
• Participating in committees or working groups
• Contributing to submissions, publications or case summaries
• Volunteering in leadership roles within the organization

Virtual and In-Person Networking Opportunities

OTLA offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with colleagues across Ontario through:

• Conferences
• Roundtables
• Webinars
• Regional meetings
• Special member events

Members may also have opportunities to present on areas of expertise as part of OTLA programming.

Interested in presenting? Contact us here. 

Member Awards

OTLA recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership within the membership through its annual awards program.

Members may nominate colleagues or be nominated for achievements in advocacy, legal scholarship and professional leadership.

Learn more about Member Awards here.

Interventions

OTLA seeks leave to intervene in cases that may meaningfully influence the development of the law and affect the rights of injured people in Ontario.

Recent cases include:

• Hemmings et al. v. Padmore et al.
• Clouthier v. Cooperators General Insurance
• Emond v. Trillium Mutual Insurance Company

Learn more about OTLA’s policy work or request an intervention here.

Research and Data Resources

Members receive access to research, industry data and advocacy materials developed by OTLA. This includes resources such as the inHEALTH Statistical Analysis, a detailed summary of decisions of the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Special Member Bulletins

Members receive timely bulletins regarding advocacy initiatives, government consultations, legal developments and other issues affecting the plaintiff bar.

The OTLA Code

OTLA members adhere to the OTLA Code, a voluntary code of conduct developed to promote ethical and professional standards among members.

Learn more about the OTLA Code here.

Vendor Directory

The Vendor Directory connects members with experts and service providers who support plaintiff practices, including:

• Expert witnesses
• Financial and economic consultants
• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Litigation support services

The directory features paid listings from vendors who are interested in providing services to OTLA members, making it easier for lawyers to identify professionals who regularly work within the plaintiff bar.

Explore the Vendor Directory here.

Annual Sponsors

OTLA’s annual sponsorship program supports many of the programs, events and resources available to members throughout the year.

Through these partnerships, members benefit from expanded educational programming, networking opportunities and additional professional resources.

Learn more about OTLA’s annual sponsors here.