Congratulations to Richard Sherman on receiving the 2026 Ricky Goldman Mensch Outstanding Member Award, presented by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association

Richard is the sixth recipient of this distinguished honour.

Mr. Sherman is a fixture of the Toronto legal community, known to every justice participant who has stepped foot in Old City Hall and now 10 Armoury Street. He serves as an ever-present reminder that some lawyers are in court specifically to fight for the underdog. He never seems to grow tired, and there is no advocate who fights harder for the underprivileged, the indigent, and the otherwise forgotten. Mr. Sherman can be seen fearlessly advocating in bail courts, Gladue court, Drug Treatment Court (DTC), plea courts, and trial courts. His style of advocacy is unforgettable, tenacious, and moving; he is truly an unstoppable force.
 
The resounding response from the Bar is that Richard is an actual “mensch”. Colleagues across the profession have shared the following insights:

• Tireless Advocacy: Since being called to the bar in 1997, Richard has devoted himself to being a tireless advocate for the accused, refusing to allow them to be treated as any less than wholly human.
• Commitment to the Marginalized: He has dedicated his career to legal aid clients in Toronto’s downtown core, specifically helping those with mental health issues, drug addictions, and those without housing.
• Fearless Submissions: Richard does not shy away from a fight and frequently makes the difficult submissions that others might be afraid to make—saying exactly what is correct and what everyone else is thinking.
• Integrity and Wit: He is recognized for his unflinching belief in due process, his huge heart, and his witty tongue.

Members of the Judiciary have observed that Richard possesses an “extra gear” of commitment and diligence that separates him from the herd.

• DTC and Gladue Specialist: He has served as the CLA representative for the Drug Treatment Court for nearly ten years. His ability to connect with clients, the court, and treatment professionals is exemplary.
• A Voice for the Voiceless: He fights for people society has generally given up on because helping them is considered too difficult or time-consuming.
• Persistence: When others have thrown up their hands and walked away, Richard stays and never, ever gives up on the individual.

Richard is considered a mainstay of the Drug Treatment Court community. He recognizes the value of the team and always takes the time to honour client memorials when a life is lost to the drug poisoning crisis. He fearlessly advances his clients’ positions with a deep understanding of the individual circumstances and past trauma that brought them before the courts.
 
Richard Sherman exemplifies all the best qualities that this award honours in Ricky Goldman’s memory. He is a person of high integrity and dignity, with a strong moral compass mixed with well-placed humour.

Richard truly embodies everything this award represents. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Richard!