Richard W. Pound and David Lepofsky honoured for extensive public service
TORONTO, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada presented a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD), to lawyers Richard W. Pound C.C., O.Q., Q.C., and David Lepofsky C.M., O.Ont., at its Call to the Bar ceremonies in Toronto, Ontario on June 21.
Olympian, author and lawyer Richard W. Pound C.C., O.Q., Q.C., is one of Canada's most recognized figures in international sport. He received the LLD in recognition of the profound impact his leadership and influence have had on integrity in sports. (Read the full biography for Richard W. Pound.)
"Enjoy the details of the law as well as the big picture," said Pound in his address to the newly called lawyers, their family, friends, as well as members of the judiciary and special guests attending the morning Call ceremony.
"Have fun. Make sure you stay fit and healthy – this will enhance your abilities and add to your performance. Stay connected with and involved in the community at large – you will give better advice if you understand the values of your society," he said. "Now, get out there and make a difference. Make it a good difference," said Pound.
Lawyer David Lepofsky C.M., O.Ont., was honoured for his tireless advocacy for accessibility rights in Canada. His leadership has effected legislative amendments to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code to protect and ensure accessibility and equality rights for all persons with disabilities. (Read the full biography for David Lepofsky.)
"Today I challenge you and me to take one more oath today, beyond any that are officially administered in these formal proceedings," Lepofsky said. "I challenge us all to take on each year, one cause, one challenge, one person or community that needs the power of persuasion deployed on its side," he urged the new lawyers attending the afternoon Call ceremony.
"On accepting this honour today, I pledge to fight as hard as I can to get Ontario's premier and Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard. … "Some see the world as it is, and ask 'why'? I dream of the accessible education system, the accessible province that could be, and ask `Why not?'"
In total, 612 Call candidates were called to the Bar at the two ceremonies on June 21.
As part of its Call ceremonies each year, the Law Society awards honorary doctorates to distinguished people in recognition of outstanding achievements in the legal profession, the rule of law or the cause of justice. Recipients serve as inspirational keynote speakers for the new lawyers attending the ceremonies.
In her remarks to the newly called lawyers, Treasurer Minor said, "We need your innovation and creativity. We are counting on you. You are privileged because you have the capacity to make a difference. You are empowered — you can help to empower others. When you do, in your work and in your life, I think you will find this kind of engagement is the most rewarding and fulfilling and it will give you the kind of happiness you feel today."
The Law Society regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario in the public interest. The Law Society has a mandate to protect the public interest, to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law, to facilitate access to justice for the people of Ontario and act in a timely, open and efficient manner.
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SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada
Image with caption: "Richard W. Pound, C.C., O.Q., Q.C., (seated at centre) received an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the morning Call to the Bar ceremony in Toronto on June 21. Here, he signs the LLD Register with (l-r): Law Society CEO Robert G.W. Lapper, Q.C.; The Honourable Robert P. Armstrong, Q.C.; The Honourable Peter A. Daley, Regional Senior Judge, Central West Region, Superior Court of Justice; and Law Society Treasurer Janet E. Minor. Pound received the LLD in recognition of the profound impact his leadership and influence have had on integrity in sports. (CNW Group/The Law Society of Upper Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C1326_PHOTO_EN_719280.jpg
Image with caption: "Law Society Treasurer Janet E. Minor confers the title of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, LLD, on lawyer David Lepofsky C.M., O.Ont., while he receives the LLD hood at the afternoon Call to the Bar ceremony on June 21 in Toronto. Lepofsky received the honorary degree in recognition of his tireless advocacy for accessibility rights in Canada. His leadership has effected legislative amendments to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code to protect and ensure accessibility and equality rights for all persons with disabilities. (CNW Group/The Law Society of Upper Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C1326_PHOTO_EN_719282.jpg
Media contact: Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor, Media Relations, at 416-947-7605 or [email protected].
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