Sections and Caucuses, 2026 to 2027
Our sections and caucuses are membership groups organized around practice areas, professional interests or specific career stages. Each section and caucus offers members opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge and engage in programming tailored to their field. Sections and caucuses may host roundtables, in-person meetings and virtual discussions, publish newsletters and resources and participate in advocacy or legislative initiatives relevant to their focus area.
Members are welcome to participate in more than one section or caucus, making it possible to stay connected across multiple areas of practice and professional interest.
Whether you practice in a specific area of law, are early in your career or a law clerk, there is a section designed to support your professional growth and engagement.
Joining a section or caucus allows you to:
- Stay current on developments in your practice area or professional interest
- Access specialized resources, newsletters and precedents
- Participate in exclusive networking opportunities, roundtables and events
- Contribute to advocacy efforts and influence the direction of OTLA’s work
- Build your professional profile and learn from experienced peers
Sections and caucuses create a supportive community where members can collaborate, learn and advance their practice.
Interested in Becoming a Section or Caucus Member? Join Today!Long-Term Disability Section
View the Section Exclusive NewsletterThe Long-Term Disability (LTD) Section is dedicated to enhancing the ability of OTLA members to seek redress for clients in conflict with their disability insurers.
Engage with peers through our newsletters, section meetings throughout the year and the LTD Listserve. Additionally, join our roundtables to stay updated on the latest legal developments and advance your practice.
OTLA lawyer members may join for an additional annual fee of $125 + HST.
Interested in Becoming a LTD Section Member? Join Today!
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Medical Malpractice Section
View the Section Exclusive NewsletterThe Medical Malpractice (MedMal) Section is a vital resource for trial lawyers handling complex medical negligence cases.
Connect with fellow MedMal lawyers through quarterly newsletters, year-round roundtables, section meetings throughout the year along with practice specific programming. The group will also respond to government consultations and lobby for legislative change. Additionally, participate in our nationwide Listserve to stay updated and engaged with peers from other trial lawyer associations across Canada. Members must meet additional qualifications to participate in the section and the Listserve.
OTLA lawyer members may join for an additional annual fee of $125 + HST.
Interested in Becoming a MedMal Section Member? Join Today!
New Lawyers Division
The New Lawyers Division (NLD) supports lawyers in the early stages of their careers, offering mentorship, networking opportunities and practical resources. Join us for section meetings throughout the year and engage in our Listserve and roundtables, both in-person and virtual, to build your professional network and gain valuable insights for a successful career in trial law.
OTLA lawyer members that have been practicing for less than 10 years are automatically enrolled in the NLD.
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Sexual Abuse Section
The Sexual Abuse Section provides resources and support to those practicing in this challenging and increasingly prevalent area of law. Section members will have access to a dedicated Listserve, sexual abuse-specific precedents and practice-building roundtables. The section hosts in-person meetings throughout the year and delivers specialized programming focused on trauma-informed advocacy, including best practices and legal developments in this complex area of law. The group will also respond to government consultations, lobby for legislative change and advance OTLA’s commitment to survivor-centered justice.
OTLA lawyer members may join for an additional annual fee of $125 + HST.
Interested in Becoming a Sexual Abuse Section Member? Join Today!
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Law Clerk Section
The Law Clerk Section offers a platform for connecting, sharing experiences and networking with fellow law clerks. Connect with members of the section at law clerk specific programming at our spring and fall conferences, supplemented by roundtable meetings held throughout the province. Stay engaged with the section's active Listserve.
OTLA law clerks are automatically enrolled in the Law Clerk Section.
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Diversity & Inclusion Caucus
The Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Caucus is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all members while promoting equity and inclusion throughout the Association. Join us for our D&I Equity Book Group, participate in Listserve discussions and join a section roundtable throughout the year.
The Chair of this caucus is a voting member of the OTLA Board of Directors.
For OTLA members, there is no fee to join this caucus!
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Women Trial Lawyers Caucus
The Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC) is committed to empowering women in the legal field through advocacy, support and professional development. Become part of a vibrant community focused on advancing the interests and success of women trial lawyers. Participate in Listserve discussions and attend roundtables to connect with peers and mentors who share your commitment to professional growth and equality.
The Chair of this caucus is a voting member of the OTLA Board of Directors.
OTLA lawyer members who identify as a woman are automatically enrolled in the WTLC.
Interested in Becoming a Section or Caucus Leader?
Becoming a section or caucus leader is a valuable opportunity to get involved with OTLA, connect with colleagues across the province and help shape programming, discussions and initiatives within a specific practice area or community. Section and caucus members nominate and vote for their own leadership, with terms running for one year beginning and ending at OTLA’s Annual Conference in May. Nominations are circulated in March, with elections held in April. Members must belong to a section or caucus to vote in its election.
To be eligible for a Chair position, members must have maintained lawyer membership with OTLA for three consecutive years and meet all other eligibility requirements. Chairs are invited to attend Board meetings as non-voting directors, with the exception of the WTLC and D&I Caucus Chairs, who serve as voting directors.
To be eligible for a Vice-Chair position, members who have not maintained lawyer membership with OTLA for three consecutive years are still eligible to serve provided they meet the applicable section or caucus eligibility requirements.
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