Our awards recognize the people whose outstanding achievements have made important contributions to our association, the legal profession and our wider community.
RVA Jones Award
The Robert V.A. Jones Award recognizes an exceptional contribution to the development or the promotion of the in-house counsel bar or community, including significant research or writing on related issues, advocacy efforts, etc. It is awarded to a Canadian in-house counsel whose career exemplifies the highest standards of service, conduct and professionalism for in-house counsel.
In-House Counsel Up & Comer Award
The Up & Comer Award recognizes excellence among emerging in-house counsels in the private or public sector. Areas of performance might include noteworthy achievements with respect to a significant transaction, management and leadership of a strategic initiative, resolution of material litigation, mentorship of other lawyers, demonstration of integrity, pro-bono work or professional development.
In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award
The In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award honours an in-house legal professional who has exemplified outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and legal expertise within their organization over the past year. The recipient has made a meaningful impact by driving innovation, upholding the highest ethical standards, and contributing to broader organizational goals as well as the legal and professional community. They have led by example, fostering collaboration and mentorship within their teams. This award highlights the critical role in-house counsel play in advancing organizational success and elevating the legal department’s value.
Innovation Impacting the Profession Award
Innovation in legal department management is not contained to employing technology. It is understanding the organizational objectives, strategy and change management processes that will make innovation successful. More than using new tools or cost saving measures, the Innovation Impacting the Profession Award recognizes a legal department that has truly moved the needle in a way that sets an example for our profession.
Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award
The Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award honours an in-house counsel or legal department who has shown leadership and commitment towards supporting inclusion and diversity in the legal profession. This award recognizes a law department or individual who has demonstrated a tangible and innovative approach to encourage and promote diverse and inclusive workspaces, either within their organization or more broadly across their industry.
Transition to Business Award
The Transition to Business Award recognizes an in-house counsel who has transitioned out of the traditional legal role into a business, strategic or leadership role within an organization. This person embodies the sentiment of advancing the organization’s goals through the lens of a business or organizational partner, not just a legal advisor. Roles within HR, risk management, finance and others are considered.
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award
The Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award recognizes a legal department or in-house counsel who has fostered wellness for the workforce through a specific wellness initiative. The overwhelming trend towards increased workloads, pressure, stress and anxiety within the legal profession has strained departments, workforces and wellness. This award shines a light on organizational initiatives that are actively addressing these critical issues.
Legal Team of the Year Award
The Legal Team of the Year Award recognizes a boundary shifting legal team, small or large, that has achieved extraordinary outcomes in our uniquely Canadian in-house community. Beyond large transactions or litigation, this award recognizes the unique challenges and successes faced by Canadian departments.