Community-nominated Awards
The individual and team award winners were announced at the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA) and Mondaq Celebration, which was held at the Omni King Edward in Toronto, Ontario on October 11, 2024.
2024 Gallery & Winners
CANADIAN IN-HOUSE COUNSEL CELEBRATION 2024
Award Winners
RVA Jones Award
Elizabeth Sanderson
Justice Canada (retired)
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.
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Finalists:
Donald L. Bjornson
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Manitoba Hydro
Elizabeth Sanderson
Author, public Service Mentor in Residence, former senior Justice Canada and Justice Nunavut lawyer
University of Ottawa, Justice Canada, Justice Nunavut
Sonne Udemgba
Director, Legal (Securities Division)
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
In-House Counsel Up & Comer Award
Shea Sanders
Corporate Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer
Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.
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 other lawyers, demonstration of integrity, pro-bono work, or professional development.
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Finalists:
Hayley Ha
Manager, Supply Management and Legal Counsel
Vancouver Airport Authority
Kenny Okunola
Co-founder & Director
The ITL Network
Carla Saunders
Legal Counsel
Purolator Inc.
Daniel van den Berg
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
BC Assessment Authority
Transition to Business Award
Mark Guillet, K.C.
President and Chief Executive Officer
SaskEnergy Incorporated
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 organizational 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.
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Finalists:
Gennady Ferenbok
EVP, Business Development Counsel
Coca Cola Canada Bottling Limited
Mark Guillet, K.C.
President and Chief Executive Officer
SaskEnergy Incorporated
Jacqueline Tsai
Head, Client Relationships (Vice President)
Interac Corp.
Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award
James Bond, K.C.
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Governance Officer
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
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.
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Finalists:
James Bond
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Governance Officer
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Hina Latif
Vice-President, General Counsel & Secretary
MBFS and Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. (MBC)
Sue-Lynn Noel
Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Purolator Inc.
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award
Oxford Properties Group Legal Department
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.
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Finalists:
Luana DiCandia
Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Securities Regulatory & Compliance
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Oxford Properties Group Legal Department
Kelly McDermott
Senior Solicitor, Labour & Employment / President
Regional Municipality of Durham / Ontario Bar Association
Legal Team Awards
Innovation Impacting the Profession Award
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan Legal Branch
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.
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Finalists:
Julian Perez
Chief Legal Officer
Dentalcorp
Legal Branch Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
Melanie de Wit
Chief Legal Officer
Unity Health Toronto
Legal Team of the Year Award
Royal Bank of Canada Law Group
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.
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Finalists:
IA Financial Group
Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade, Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Red Tape
Royal Bank of Canada
Vancouver Airport Authority
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