Frank is frequently consulted and appears as counsel on high-stakes, complex litigation matters in Canada and the Caribbean where he is a member of the bars of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Anguilla, and Antigua, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Barbuda. The cases Frank has litigated range from multi-jurisdictional corporate disputes involving shareholder rights and director's duties, to commercial disputes, to complex trusts and estates litigation, frequently involving assets in foreign jurisdictions. Many of the cases in which Frank is involved have led to important or precedent-setting judgments, including judgments in the areas of venue selection, constitutional rights and freedoms, the court's jurisdiction to grant relief involving foreign elements, and electronic discovery.
Most recently, Frank was retained by the government of a Caribbean country to provide advocacy services, together with litigation management and strategic advice, relating to the massive worldwide Ponzi scheme alleged following the collapse of the Stanford Group of Companies.
Frank is an active member of many legal and community boards and initiatives. He is the President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), a director of The Advocates' Society, a member of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for appointments to the Ontario Provincial Court, and for several years was a member of the firm's Management Committee.
Frank is also a sought after speaker in Canada and the Caribbean on legal topics, in particular on e-discovery and document retention issues arising in litigation and business, and is frequently quoted in the legal press and general media in these areas.
Upcoming: Speaker, Chief Justice of Ontario's Advisory Committee on Professionalism, 13th Colloquium on the Legal Profession: Lawyers, Legends, Legacies and Lessons from Ontario Legal History, Osgoode Hall and the University of Toronto, 1-2 November 2010.
Upcoming: Presenter, "Social Media - Litigation Strategies for the New Frontier", OECS Bar Association 7th Regional Law Fair, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, 10-11 September 2010.
Lecturer, "The Board's Role in Technology Investment Oversight – Risk Insight into Document Management", 3rd Board Risk Management Course, Federated Press, Toronto, 19 April 2010.
Faculty, "Civility and Professionalism, Key Principles in the Preparation of Written Evidence, Disclosure and Production of Electronic Documents in Litigation and Certificate Program: Cross-Examination Workshop", The Advocates' Society Training Program for the Saint Lucia Bar Association, St. Lucia, 26-27 March 2010.
Speaker, "Partnering for Progress and Unprecedented Possibilities: Being Black on Bay Street", 19th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Montreal, Québec, 18-21 February 2010.
Lecturer, "Disclosure and Production of Electronic Documents in Litigation, and the Management of Documents in the Corporate Environment", Council of Legal Education, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, 12 February 2010.
Speaker, "Keeping Ahead of the Curve: Motions, Pre-Trials and Getting to Trial in 2010", Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 January 2010.
Workshop Leader, "Corporate Record Management for In-House Counsel", Managing the Liability Risk of In-House Counsel, Federated Press, Toronto, 21-22 October 2009.
Speaker, "E-Discovery Across Borders, E-Discovery and E-Records: Private and Public Sector Strategies", InSight Information, Halifax, 29 September–1 October 2009.
Judge, "Mock E-Discovery Session – Key Steps and Processes", E-Discovery and E-Records: Private and Public Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Halifax, 29 September–1 October 2009.
Presenter, "Technology: Can it help your advocacy skills?", OECS Bar Association 6th Regional Law Fair, Dominica, West Indies, 11 September 2009.
Speaker, "Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Arbitral Awards", 11th Annual Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, South Beach, Miami, Florida, 16-19 August 2009.
Presenter, "The Use Of Technology In Adjudication, Caribbean Judiciaries in an era of Globalisation: Meeting the Challenges of the Time", Inaugural Conference of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO), Caribbean Court of Justice, Trinidad, 25–27 June 2009.
Presenter, "The Slam Dunk Career & Mentorship Fair", Durrant Basketball in association with the York District School Board, Milliken Mills High School, 30 May 2009.
Chair and Speaker, "Corporate Record Management", 3rd Reinventing the Corporate Secretary Conference, Federated Press, Toronto, 25-27 May 2009.
Co-Presenter, The Advocates' Society Skills Training Demonstration to the OECS Bar Association – Cross-Examination and Objections, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino, St. Kitts, 14 March 2009.
Speaker, "Over 183 Billion E-mails are sent every day: What does this mean to you?", ARMA Southwestern Ontario Chapter Education Event, Ingersoll, 19 November 2008.
Speaker, "Best Defense Strategies for Collection, Preservation and Privileged Data Collection: Revolutionary Tools for Electronic Discovery", Canadian Law & Technology Forum, InSight Information, Toronto, 17-18 November 2008.
Speaker, "Responding to Diversity on an Organizational Level", Responding to Diversity Training Day, The Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto, 24 October 2008.
Panellist, "Dealing with Difficult Judges and Opposing Counsel", Fall Forum 2008 – Litigation by the Lake, The Advocates' Society and the Young Advocates' Committee Continuing Legal Education and Networking Conference, 17 October 2008.
Presenter, "Electronic Disclosure: Anticipated Developments in the Caribbean – What you Don't Know CAN Hurt You", OECS Bar Association 5th Regional Law Fair, Saint Lucia, West Indies, 12-13 September 2008.
Presenter, "Electronic Disclosure: A Primer for Every Commercial Litigator", 10th Annual Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, 17-19 August 2008.
Presenter, "Corporate Record Management", 2nd Reinventing the Corporate Secretary, Federated Press, Toronto, 26-27 May 2008.
Panel Leader, "Avoiding e-Discovery PITFALLS in a Civil Litigation File", Electronically Stored Information (ESI) and Electronic Discovery, InSight Information, Vancouver, 17-18 April 2008.
Speaker, "Electronic Disclosure – The Coming Challenges, Managing Commercial Litigation in the 21st Century for ECSC Judges", Judicial Education Institute, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 27-28 March 2008.
Panellist, "Overcoming Systemic Barriers to Employment Equity and True Diversity, Discussion" hosted by the Employment Equity Committee of the Department of Justice Canada, Toronto, 18 March 2008.
Speaker, "Planning and Conducting a Successful Meet and Confer Session", 3rd Annual Advanced Forum - E Document Management & Discovery, The Canadian Institute, Toronto, 4-5 March 2008.
Keynote Speaker, "Reflections", Black History Month Celebrations, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Toronto, 28 February 2008.
Speaker, "Leadership in Law: Law as a vehicle for creating social change in public and private sectors", 17th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, 23 February 2008.
Speaker, "Managing Your Legal Practice: Avoiding the Pitfalls", Professional Development Series Seminar on Practice Skills Management and Professional Regulation, The Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Continuing Legal Education Program, 30 November 2007.
Co-Presenter, "Latest Court Decisions and the Implications for Record Management and E-Discovery", E-Record Management, E-Discovery, E-Evidence – Latest Public and Private Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Toronto, 23 October 2007.
Moderator, "Building a Document Retention Policy Framework and Process that Meets Organizational and Legal Objectives – Public and Private Sector Perspectives", E-Record Management, E-Discovery, E-Evidence – Latest Public and Private Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Toronto, 23 October 2007.
Workshop Co-Leader, E-Record Management and Retention Protocols – Developing the Policies, Enforcing the Standards, Avoiding the Pitfalls, InSight Information, Toronto, 22 October 2007.
Speaker, "E-Discovery Cost Issues: Monetary and Non-Monetary", 2nd Annual e-Discovery Conference, Infonex, Toronto, 20-22 June 2007.
Speaker, "Building a Retention Policy Framework", Electronic Records Management and E-Discovery Forum, Insight Information, Vancouver, 16-17 April 2007.
Speaker, "Document Retention and E-Discovery: Considerations for Today's Litigator", Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), Toronto, 20 January 2007.
Facilitator and Member of Faculty, "Post-Conference Workshop: A Comprehensive Master Class on Developing, Implementing and Sustaining E-Discovery & Document Management Best Practices", Document Retention and E-Discovery: Best Practices for Canadian Corporations, Marcus Evans, Toronto, 20 October 2006.
Keynote Address, "Excellence – Sharing the Successes of Our Youth", United Achievers' Club Awards Dinner, Brampton, 23 September 2006.
Faculty, Civil Litigation Skills Certificate Program: The Art of Impeachment & Rehabilitation, The Advocates' Society, 11 April 2006.
Speaker, "Use of Discovery Transcripts at Trial and Handling Objections", Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 24 February 2006.
Speaker, "All things Corporate/Commercial, The Ripple Effect of One Voice", 15th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Windsor, Ontario, 23-26 February 2006.
Panellist, "Articling/Associate Employment: Résumés, Job Search and Experiences, The Ripple Effect of One Voice", 15th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Windsor, Ontario, 23-26 February 2006.
Speaker, "Bringing in the Law", Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 February 2005.
Speaker, Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 February 2004.
Speaker, "Obtaining Bar Status in Other Jurisdictions, Black Legal Presence: In Sight . . . In Mind", 13th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 19-21 February 2004.
Panellist, "The Truth About Practising . . . Black Men in Law", Black Legal Presence: In Sight … In Mind, 13th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 19-21 February 2004.
Participant, Task Force on Advocacy – Policy Forum, The Advocates' Society, 17 February 2004.
Participant, Rules Review Committee Meeting, Judicial Education Institute (JEI) of the Eastern Caribbean High Court of Justice, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, 16-17 August 2003.
Speaker and Panellist, "Reality for Blacks in the Legal Profession: The Black Presence on Bay Street", Progress Without Boundaries, 12th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Montreal, Quebec, 20-23 February 2003.
Speaker, "Civil Litigation", Excelling at Articles, Canadian Bar Association - Ontario, 28 August 1999.
Speaker, "Civil Litigation: Some Thoughts for Articling Students", Excelling at Articles, Continuing Legal Education Conference, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario, 22 August 1998.
Speaker, Expo International Ethnic Youth & Business Day, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 24 October 1997.
Speaker, Excelling at Articles, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario, 19 July 1997.
Frank Walwyn is known for his resourceful approach to litigating some of the most challenging business cases in Canada and the Caribbean.
Frank is frequently consulted and appears as counsel on high-stakes, complex litigation matters in Canada and the Caribbean where he is a member of the bars of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Anguilla, and Antigua, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Barbuda. The cases Frank has litigated range from multi-jurisdictional corporate disputes involving shareholder rights and director's duties, to commercial disputes, to complex trusts and estates litigation, frequently involving assets in foreign jurisdictions. Many of the cases in which Frank is involved have led to important or precedent-setting judgments, including judgments in the areas of venue selection, constitutional rights and freedoms, the court's jurisdiction to grant relief involving foreign elements, and electronic discovery.
Most recently, Frank was retained by the government of a Caribbean country to provide advocacy services, together with litigation management and strategic advice, relating to the massive worldwide Ponzi scheme alleged following the collapse of the Stanford Group of Companies.
Frank is an active member of many legal and community boards and initiatives. He is the President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), a director of The Advocates' Society, a member of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for appointments to the Ontario Provincial Court, and for several years was a member of the firm's Management Committee.
Frank is also a sought after speaker in Canada and the Caribbean on legal topics, in particular on e-discovery and document retention issues arising in litigation and business, and is frequently quoted in the legal press and general media in these areas.
Notable Mandates
Acted for a Caribbean-based hedge fund in litigation in the Caribbean (lead counsel) and the UK (supporting counsel), and currently acts for a group of investors in hard-fought litigation to register, recognize and enforce their Canadian judgment in the Caribbean.
Retained to seek the discharge in Nevis of a worldwide freezing order made by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court affecting the assets of an Israeli law firm, a UK trust company and a Nevis trust company. The discharge application was successful and the retainer extended to defend the main action. The action is ongoing.
Acted for the trustees of a multi-million dollar estate in complex litigation to identify and secure estate assets, and to resist claims made against those assets. The litigation took place in Canada, and implicated jurisdictions included the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the USA and Canada.
Acted as co-counsel for many of the Roman Catholic hospitals across Ontario with respect to the restructuring of health care. This resulted in a significant number of reported decisions regarding administrative law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Currently acts as counsel for foreign investors in hard-fought, high-stakes litigation to recognize and register their Canadian judgment in the Caribbean, and to execute on the judgment. Conflict of laws issues include reciprocity in the recognition of foreign judgments, forum non conveniens, comity and lex situs challenges.
In the face of allegations of deletion and purging of electronic documents, successfully obtained one of the earliest e-discovery orders in Ontario compelling the opposing side to retain an independent computer forensic specialist to forensically copy and inspect all electronic media with documents relating to the matters at issue, and to list all electronic records obtained for review by counsel.
One of the team of counsel representing WestJet in its recent litigation with Air Canada. Played an integral role in the motion which resulted in the first published case discussing and applying the Guidelines for the Discovery of Electronic Documents in Ontario: Air Canada v. WestJet Airlines Ltd. (2006), 267 D.L.R. (4th) 483 (Ont. S.C.J.).
Recently acted as counsel to a Taiwanese company in successfully resisting a Mareva injunction claim in Ontario which sought to enjoin the company from removing a significant shipment of electronic equipment from Canada. This is one of many matters where seeking or discharging various forms of injunctive relief such as Anton Piller, Mareva or Anti-Suit injunctions formed the basis of the retainer.
Recently acted for a Caribbean-based hedge fund in complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation in the Caribbean (lead counsel) and the UK (supporting counsel). Before resolution, the matter generated in excess of 20 applications, cross-applications and appeals in two jurisdictions in less than a 12 month period, including one application for leave to appeal to Her Majesty in Council (Privy Council).
Acted as counsel in the Caribbean to a Canadian receiver appointed over the assets of a Nevis-based bank in an action for disclosure of bank records. The action was commenced following the arrest of several individuals in the U.S. on felony tax charges arising from securities fraud involving offshore tax accounts, and following the freezing of the bank's assets by the British Columbia Securities Commission.
Retained as legal advisor to a team of forensic investigators engaged by the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago to assist the Special Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau in investigations into certain contracts entered into by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Successfully challenged and removed an institutional trustee from its role as trustee and its responsibility for management of the deceased's assets. Numerous retainers, past and current, involving challenges to, and removals of, trustees over breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duty issues.
Reported Cases
Many of Frank's decisions in the Caribbean are in jurisdictions without formal legal reports. They are not listed below, but some are available at: www.eccourts.org.
Metz v. Tremblay-Hall (2006), 53 C.C.E.L. (3d) 107 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Conrade Estate, Re (2005), 21 E.T.R. (3d) 140 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Oldfield v. Hewson (2005), 18 E.T.R. (3d) 318 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Air Canada v. WestJet Airlines Ltd. (2005), 20 C.P.C. (6th) 141 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Simanic v. Ross (2004), 71 O.R. (3d) 161; 9 C.P.C. (6th) 262 (S.C.J.)
Oldfield v. Hewson (2005), 14 E.T.R. (3d) 290 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Air Canada v. WestJet Airlines Ltd. (2004), 72 O.R. (3d) 669 (S.C.J.)
Leadbeater v. Ontario (2001), 16 C.P.C. (5th) 119; 87 C.R.R. (2d) 326 (Ont. S.C.J.)
McLennan v. McLennan (2000), 36 E.T.R. (2d) 145 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Russell v. Ontario (Health Services Restructuring Commission) (1999), 121 O.A.C. 283; 175 D.L.R. (4th) 185 (C.A.)
Russell v. Ontario (Health Services Restructuring Commission) (1998), 114 O.A.C. 280; 13 Admin. L.R. (3d) 196 (Div. Ct.)
Wellesley Central Hospital v. Ontario (Health Services Restructuring Commission) (1997), 103 O.A.C. 199; 151 D.L.R. (4th) 706; 3 Admin L.R. (3d) 137 (Gen. Div.)
Strategic Resources International Inc. v. Cimetrix Solutions Inc. (1997), 34 O.R. (3d) 416 (Gen. Div.)
Publications
With Gareth Price, "International Transport Quiz", Canadian Lawyer InHouse (June 2010).
With Nikiforos Iatrou, "Cross-Border Litigation Quiz", Canadian Lawyer InHouse (December 2009/January 2010).
With J. Gregory Richards, David R. Wingfield and Nikiforos Iatrou, "Avoiding False Starts and Hollow Victories: Equipping Yourself for Cross-Border Litigation", The 2009 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, 11th Edition.
With Bryan Finlay, Q.C. and Nikiforos Iatrou, "Extreme Orders and Courts Without Borders: Creative Thinking in International Commercial Litigation", paper presented to the 9th Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, Trinidad (August 2008).
With Bryan Finlay, Q.C., "Such As They Are, They Are Our Own – Abolishing Canadian Appeals to the Privy Council", paper presented to the Official Book Launch of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Model Regional Court & Symposium hosted by The Judicial Education Institute of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in collaboration with the University of the West Indies and the Canadian International Development Agency (February 2008).
With J. Gregory Richards and Marie-Andrée Vermette, "E-Discovery Quiz", Canadian Lawyer InHouse (June 2007).
With Marie-Andrée Vermette and J. Gregory Richards, "The Rising Risks of the e-document Evolution", WeirFoulds Litigation Update (Spring 2007).
"Looking Beyond The Words: Take A Creative Approach To Interpreting Foreign Statutes Protecting Confidential Financial Information", Corporate Counsel (July 2006).
With Nikiforos Iatrou, "Using Discovery Transcripts & Making and Handling Objections", paper presented to the Ontario Bar Association's Conference, Your First Civil Trial (February 2006).
"Your First Civil Trial: Bringing in the Law", paper presented to the Ontario Bar Association's Conference, Your First Civil Trial (February 2004).
"Civil Litigation: Some Thoughts for Articling Students", paper presented at the Continuing Legal Education Conference, Excelling at Articles, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario (22 August 1998).
With Bryan Finlay, Q.C., "Boma Manufacturing Ltd. v. CIBC: Liability of the Negotiating Bank", case comment in Credit and Banking Litigation (Fall 1997).
With N. William C. Ross, "The Health Services Restructuring Commission: The Iron Fist of Fiscal Restraint", paper presented to The Canadian Medical Legal Conference and Dental Legal Update, The Interactive Learning Continuum, Toronto (June 1997).
Speaking Engagements
Upcoming: Speaker, Chief Justice of Ontario's Advisory Committee on Professionalism, 13th Colloquium on the Legal Profession: Lawyers, Legends, Legacies and Lessons from Ontario Legal History, Osgoode Hall and the University of Toronto, 1-2 November 2010.
Upcoming: Presenter, "Social Media - Litigation Strategies for the New Frontier", OECS Bar Association 7th Regional Law Fair, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, 10-11 September 2010.
Lecturer, "The Board's Role in Technology Investment Oversight – Risk Insight into Document Management", 3rd Board Risk Management Course, Federated Press, Toronto, 19 April 2010.
Faculty, "Civility and Professionalism, Key Principles in the Preparation of Written Evidence, Disclosure and Production of Electronic Documents in Litigation and Certificate Program: Cross-Examination Workshop", The Advocates' Society Training Program for the Saint Lucia Bar Association, St. Lucia, 26-27 March 2010.
Speaker, "Partnering for Progress and Unprecedented Possibilities: Being Black on Bay Street", 19th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Montreal, Québec, 18-21 February 2010.
Lecturer, "Disclosure and Production of Electronic Documents in Litigation, and the Management of Documents in the Corporate Environment", Council of Legal Education, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, 12 February 2010.
Speaker, "Keeping Ahead of the Curve: Motions, Pre-Trials and Getting to Trial in 2010", Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 January 2010.
Workshop Leader, "Corporate Record Management for In-House Counsel", Managing the Liability Risk of In-House Counsel, Federated Press, Toronto, 21-22 October 2009.
Speaker, "E-Discovery Across Borders, E-Discovery and E-Records: Private and Public Sector Strategies", InSight Information, Halifax, 29 September–1 October 2009.
Judge, "Mock E-Discovery Session – Key Steps and Processes", E-Discovery and E-Records: Private and Public Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Halifax, 29 September–1 October 2009.
Presenter, "Technology: Can it help your advocacy skills?", OECS Bar Association 6th Regional Law Fair, Dominica, West Indies, 11 September 2009.
Speaker, "Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Arbitral Awards", 11th Annual Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, South Beach, Miami, Florida, 16-19 August 2009.
Presenter, "The Use Of Technology In Adjudication, Caribbean Judiciaries in an era of Globalisation: Meeting the Challenges of the Time", Inaugural Conference of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO), Caribbean Court of Justice, Trinidad, 25–27 June 2009.
Presenter, "The Slam Dunk Career & Mentorship Fair", Durrant Basketball in association with the York District School Board, Milliken Mills High School, 30 May 2009.
Chair and Speaker, "Corporate Record Management", 3rd Reinventing the Corporate Secretary Conference, Federated Press, Toronto, 25-27 May 2009.
Co-Presenter, The Advocates' Society Skills Training Demonstration to the OECS Bar Association – Cross-Examination and Objections, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino, St. Kitts, 14 March 2009.
Speaker, "Over 183 Billion E-mails are sent every day: What does this mean to you?", ARMA Southwestern Ontario Chapter Education Event, Ingersoll, 19 November 2008.
Speaker, "Best Defense Strategies for Collection, Preservation and Privileged Data Collection: Revolutionary Tools for Electronic Discovery", Canadian Law & Technology Forum, InSight Information, Toronto, 17-18 November 2008.
Speaker, "Responding to Diversity on an Organizational Level", Responding to Diversity Training Day, The Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto, 24 October 2008.
Panellist, "Dealing with Difficult Judges and Opposing Counsel", Fall Forum 2008 – Litigation by the Lake, The Advocates' Society and the Young Advocates' Committee Continuing Legal Education and Networking Conference, 17 October 2008.
Presenter, "Electronic Disclosure: Anticipated Developments in the Caribbean – What you Don't Know CAN Hurt You", OECS Bar Association 5th Regional Law Fair, Saint Lucia, West Indies, 12-13 September 2008.
Presenter, "Electronic Disclosure: A Primer for Every Commercial Litigator", 10th Annual Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, 17-19 August 2008.
Presenter, "Corporate Record Management", 2nd Reinventing the Corporate Secretary, Federated Press, Toronto, 26-27 May 2008.
Panel Leader, "Avoiding e-Discovery PITFALLS in a Civil Litigation File", Electronically Stored Information (ESI) and Electronic Discovery, InSight Information, Vancouver, 17-18 April 2008.
Speaker, "Electronic Disclosure – The Coming Challenges, Managing Commercial Litigation in the 21st Century for ECSC Judges", Judicial Education Institute, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 27-28 March 2008.
Panellist, "Overcoming Systemic Barriers to Employment Equity and True Diversity, Discussion" hosted by the Employment Equity Committee of the Department of Justice Canada, Toronto, 18 March 2008.
Speaker, "Planning and Conducting a Successful Meet and Confer Session", 3rd Annual Advanced Forum - E Document Management & Discovery, The Canadian Institute, Toronto, 4-5 March 2008.
Keynote Speaker, "Reflections", Black History Month Celebrations, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Toronto, 28 February 2008.
Speaker, "Leadership in Law: Law as a vehicle for creating social change in public and private sectors", 17th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, 23 February 2008.
Speaker, "Managing Your Legal Practice: Avoiding the Pitfalls", Professional Development Series Seminar on Practice Skills Management and Professional Regulation, The Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Continuing Legal Education Program, 30 November 2007.
Co-Presenter, "Latest Court Decisions and the Implications for Record Management and E-Discovery", E-Record Management, E-Discovery, E-Evidence – Latest Public and Private Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Toronto, 23 October 2007.
Moderator, "Building a Document Retention Policy Framework and Process that Meets Organizational and Legal Objectives – Public and Private Sector Perspectives", E-Record Management, E-Discovery, E-Evidence – Latest Public and Private Sector Strategies, InSight Information, Toronto, 23 October 2007.
Workshop Co-Leader, E-Record Management and Retention Protocols – Developing the Policies, Enforcing the Standards, Avoiding the Pitfalls, InSight Information, Toronto, 22 October 2007.
Speaker, "E-Discovery Cost Issues: Monetary and Non-Monetary", 2nd Annual e-Discovery Conference, Infonex, Toronto, 20-22 June 2007.
Speaker, "Building a Retention Policy Framework", Electronic Records Management and E-Discovery Forum, Insight Information, Vancouver, 16-17 April 2007.
Speaker, "Document Retention and E-Discovery: Considerations for Today's Litigator", Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), Toronto, 20 January 2007.
Facilitator and Member of Faculty, "Post-Conference Workshop: A Comprehensive Master Class on Developing, Implementing and Sustaining E-Discovery & Document Management Best Practices", Document Retention and E-Discovery: Best Practices for Canadian Corporations, Marcus Evans, Toronto, 20 October 2006.
Keynote Address, "Excellence – Sharing the Successes of Our Youth", United Achievers' Club Awards Dinner, Brampton, 23 September 2006.
Faculty, Civil Litigation Skills Certificate Program: The Art of Impeachment & Rehabilitation, The Advocates' Society, 11 April 2006.
Speaker, "Use of Discovery Transcripts at Trial and Handling Objections", Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 24 February 2006.
Speaker, "All things Corporate/Commercial, The Ripple Effect of One Voice", 15th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Windsor, Ontario, 23-26 February 2006.
Panellist, "Articling/Associate Employment: Résumés, Job Search and Experiences, The Ripple Effect of One Voice", 15th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Windsor, Ontario, 23-26 February 2006.
Speaker, "Bringing in the Law", Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 February 2005.
Speaker, Your First Civil Trial: Practical Tips from Top Practitioners, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, 25 February 2004.
Speaker, "Obtaining Bar Status in Other Jurisdictions, Black Legal Presence: In Sight . . . In Mind", 13th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 19-21 February 2004.
Panellist, "The Truth About Practising . . . Black Men in Law", Black Legal Presence: In Sight … In Mind, 13th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 19-21 February 2004.
Participant, Task Force on Advocacy – Policy Forum, The Advocates' Society, 17 February 2004.
Participant, Rules Review Committee Meeting, Judicial Education Institute (JEI) of the Eastern Caribbean High Court of Justice, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, 16-17 August 2003.
Speaker and Panellist, "Reality for Blacks in the Legal Profession: The Black Presence on Bay Street", Progress Without Boundaries, 12th Annual BLSAC National Conference, Black Law Students' Association of Canada, Montreal, Quebec, 20-23 February 2003.
Speaker, "Civil Litigation", Excelling at Articles, Canadian Bar Association - Ontario, 28 August 1999.
Speaker, "Civil Litigation: Some Thoughts for Articling Students", Excelling at Articles, Continuing Legal Education Conference, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario, 22 August 1998.
Speaker, Expo International Ethnic Youth & Business Day, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 24 October 1997.
Speaker, Excelling at Articles, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario, 19 July 1997.
Awards & Recognition
Legal Excellence Award Recipient, Black Law Students' Association: Osgoode Hall Law School, York University (13 March 2010).
2008 Catalyst Award Recipient, The Black Law Students' Association of Canada (BLSAC) (23 February 2009).
Award Recipient, Community Unity Alliance, Operation Black Vote and TNT Eagles (4 February 2006).
Listed in Who's Who in Black Canada 2: Black Success and Black Excellence in Canada by Dawn P. Williams (Toronto: D.P. Williams & Associates, 2006).
Professional Activities
President, Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL)
Director, The Advocates' Society
Member, Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee (JAAC)
Member, Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Council
Board Member, Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)
Past Member, Management Committee, WeirFoulds LLP
Member, Steering Committee of DiverseCity
Past Member, Equity Advisory Group (EAG) 2006-2009
Member, The Law Society of Upper Canada's Treasurer's Liaison Committee
Member, Chief Justice of Ontario's Advisory Committee on Professionalism
Member, Attorney General of Ontario's Selection Committee for the David W. Mundell Medal (2008/2009 and 2009/2010)
Member, Routes to Freedom Endowment Senior Advisory Board
Affiliations
The Law Society of Upper Canada
The Advocates' Society
Canadian Association of Black Lawyers
Canadian Bar Association
Commercial Bar Association of England and Wales (Honorary Member)
National Bar Association (USA)
St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association
Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations
Association of Black Law Enforcers
Community Involvement
Toronto Police Service Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration, "The Recollection of How, When and Where it all Happened", 28 January 2010.
Presenter, The Slam Dunk Career & Mentorship Fair, Durrant Basketball in association with the York District School Board, Milliken Mills High School, 30 May 2009.
Participant, Consultation Session on Law Society Governance, Governance Task Force – The Law Society of Upper Canada, 20 May 2009.
Sharing Your Story, Black History Month Presentation to Students at General Crerar Public School, 9 February 2009.
Speaker, I'M POSSIBLE, The University of Toronto's Black Students' Association 10th Annual High School Conference, 16 April 2009.
Toronto Police Service Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration, 31 January 2007.
Promoting Economic Action and Community Health (PEACH) Sustainability Think Tank Meeting, 18 January 2007.
Tropicana Community Services Event for Youth in Scarborough, 18 October 2006.
Member, Consultation Group on Bar Admission Course Reform, The Law Society of Upper Canada, 4 February 1999.
Participant, Review of the System of Complaints by the Public Regarding the Police by The Hon. Patrick J. LeSage, Q.C., Summer 2004.
Expert Panel Member, Delphi Process, New Skills Training Program for Bar Admission in Ontario, The Law Society of Upper Canada, Summer-Fall 2004.