On May 16th, the OBA honoured Ontario's Attorney General, the Hon. Michael Bryant, at a reception in support of Law Day.  Marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the OBA's "FREEDOM" themed Law Day 2007 was the largest and most successful Law Day since the inception of the program.  Kelly Smith, Virginia MacLean, Deidre Newman and their tireless volunteer committee members are to be congratulated.

With ticket revenue contributing to the OBA's Law Day initiatives, about $15,000 was raised.

The following Cabinet members attended and contributed to the evening:

This reception provided a significant opportunity to advocate with key members of the government on behalf of the profession, firms and clients.  Concurrently attendees supported OBA's continuing Law Day messaging to students on the rule of law and the justice system in our society, and their initiatives to raise public awareness of the profession, and enhance the understanding both of our profession and the OBA by key decision makers in Cabinet.

While we receive much of our base funding for Law Day / Law Week activities through the generosity of the Law Foundation of Ontario, and the OBA bears all administrative and staff costs, we must do independent fundraising to support the advancement of education about the law and to ensure that we continue to provide quality, motivational experiences for the thousands of Ontario students who participate in Law Day each year.

A.L.E.R.T. (The Advancement Of Legal Education And Research Trust) which is the charitable arm of the OBA, has become a valued partner in Law Day / Law Week activities, and contributes funding to several important programs that benefit secondary school students in their understanding of the law and our judicial system.  This reception will allow A.L.E.R.T. to continue the support that is integral to the success of Law Day. 

Please look here in early 2008 for further details of what exciting fundraising event has been planned for Law Day 2008.  If you have any questions, please contact Filippo Conte, OBA Law Day Co-ordinator at fconte@oba.org  or at 416-869-1047 / toll free: 1-800-668-8900  Ext. 346.