This article was originally published on Law360TM Canada (www.law360.ca), part of LexisNexis Canada Inc. By Stephanie DiGiuseppe, Laura Metcalfe and Sam Puchala Law360 Canada (April 2, 2024, 10:25 AM EDT) — The Toronto Star recently published an article documenting the sexual harassment and violence women experience in the legal profession. The headline was eye-catching — […]
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MeToo in legal profession | Stephanie DiGiuseppe,Laura Metcalfe and Sam Puchala
Posted by John Chagnon in News on April 5th, 2024
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2024 CLA Mentorship program – now accepting applications for interested mentors.
Open to Full/Active CLA members only Applications for Mentees/Mentors – Deadline is March 31, 2024 For the period of May 1 – November 30, 2024, recent calls (new to 5 years) will be paired with seasoned CLA members. Mentors will be assigned or matched up by the mentoring committee. During the mentorship period, mentors and mentees will […]
Posted by CLA admin in News on February 29th, 2024
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2023-2025 CLA Call for Board Nominations
Pursuant to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, I am pleased to inform all voting members that an election will be held this fall for the Executive and Directors of our Association for the 2023-2025 term. Individuals can access the By-Laws on the CLA website. Note – It is important that voting members […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on August 11th, 2023
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G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal awarded to defence counsel Marie Henein by Criminal Lawyers’ Association
Toronto, ON, July 19, 2023 – A legendary bright light of the criminal defence bar, Marie Henein, has been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the country’s top legal award – the G. Arthur Martin Medal. The Martin Medal recognizes outstanding, lifetime contributions to the criminal law. Ms. Henein will receive the award at a special awards […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on July 18th, 2023
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R. v. Sullivan, R. v. Chan and R v. Brown.
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in R. v. Sullivan, R. v. Chan and R v. Brown. The Court concluded that section 33.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada which says self-induced intoxication cannot be used as a legal defence is unconstitutional. At the heart of the Supreme Court’s ruling is a concern that a legally innocent person could be […]
Posted by John Chagnon in Uncategorized on May 13th, 2022
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The CLA Women’s Committee wants to support our members and assist them in managing the negative impacts of the new Omicron wave.
The CLA Women’s Committee wants to support our members and assist them in managing the negative impacts of the new Omicron wave. Things are changing rapidly daily as many more individuals are becoming infected. We are here for you. As the Omicron spread continues, changes have been made regarding the measures governments have taken to address […]
Posted by John Chagnon in Uncategorized on January 3rd, 2022
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FEDERAL COURT POST BAIL CASE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
[...]Posted by John Chagnon in Uncategorized on November 28th, 2019
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2026 CLA Mentorship Program – Now Accepting Applications for Interested Mentors and Mentees
Open to Full/Active CLA members only. Applications for mentees/mentors – deadline is March 31, 2026 For the period of May 1 to November 30, 2026, recent calls (new to 5 years) will be paired with seasoned CLA members. Mentors will be assigned or matched up by the Mentoring Committee. During the mentorship period, mentors and mentees will […]
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CLA Statement concerning allegations surrounding the events involving Sudine Riley
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association, in conjunction with the Women’s Committee and Diversity Committee of the CLA, is deeply concerned by the allegations surrounding the events involving Sudine Riley on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Durham courthouse. As stated in a Press Release from Ms. Riley’s counsel, dated January 26, 2026, Ms. Riley, a Black […]
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Membership Offer – Receive up to 15 months for the price of 12, PLUS new members qualify for a bonus offer
Limited Bonus Member Discounts include: Additional benefits: _________________________________________________ FULL MEMBERS – practising criminal defence lawyers IN Ontario: STUDENT MEMBERS – students-at-law or students in an accredited law school OBSERVER MEMBERS – practising criminal defence lawyers OUTSIDE Ontario: Affiliate Membership – An Affiliate member shall be any person who shall apply for such membership that is a practising lawyer in good standing with their legal regulatory […]
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Happy Holidays from the Criminal Lawyers’ Association
The team at the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) would like to extend our best wishes to you all for a safe and peaceful holiday season. We hope you enjoy your time and festivities with family and friends, and we look forward to what the new year brings! Holiday Office Hours The CLA Board of Directors […]
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Announcing the CLA Women’s Committee’s launch of the Extended Leave Roster
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s (CLA) Women’s Committee is proud to announce the Extended Leave Roster. Developed by the 2023–2025 Women’s Committee and carried forward by the 2025–2027 Women’s Committee, this initiative marks real, actionable leadership in tackling gender-based barriers in criminal defence practice. With its launch, the CLA becomes one of the first legal professional associations in […]
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CLA Response to Recent Provincial and Federal calls for “Tough on Crime” Policies.
Recent calls from politicians at both the federal and provincial levels to “get tough on crime” are misguided. Proposals such as automatically denying bail, imposing American-style “three-strikes” laws, and resurrecting unconstitutional mandatory minimums strip judges of discretion and undermines fairness in our courts. These measures are not solutions to the problems Canada faces today — […]
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CPDonline.ca Proudly Welcomes Sam Puchala (paid advertisement)
CPDonline.ca proudly welcomes Sam Puchala as a new Video Presenter and Contributor. Her first video is Case Comment: R. v. McLeod, et al., 2025 ONSC 4319 (Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial). A criminal defence lawyer quoted by CBC and featured across national coverage of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, Sam Puchala was the go-to legal voice […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on September 4th, 2025
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Now accepting Nominations for the CLA Executive and Directors for the 2025-2027 term
Pursuant to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, I am pleased to inform all voting members that an election will be held this fall for the Executive and Directors of our Association for the 2025-2027 term. Members can access the By-Laws on the CLA website. Note – It is important that voting […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on August 12th, 2025
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G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal awarded to Michael D. Edelson C.S. by Criminal Lawyers’ Association
Toronto, ON, August 12, 2025 – The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) has awarded the prestigious G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal to Michael D. Edelson C.S. The Martin Medal, presented annually since 1989, recognizes outstanding, lifetime contributions to criminal justice and is named after G. Arthur Martin, who was Canada’s greatest criminal advocate before becoming a […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on August 12th, 2025
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Statement regarding Wapekeka Court Incident
We extend our deepest condolences to the community of Wapekeka following the recent tragic shooting during a fly-in court sitting that resulted in the death of a community member. Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, and all those who were present and affected by this devastating event. We hope the community finds strength […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on August 6th, 2025
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