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July 2003

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Law Society honours renowned legal scholar at Call to Bar ceremony - new lawyers graduate at Roy Thomson Hall

    TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada welcomed the

province's newest lawyers to the Ontario Bar today, and presented an honorary

degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) to Peter W. Hogg, Q.C., O.C.

    Law Society Treasurer Frank Marrocco, Q.C., made the presentation to

Professor Hogg, former dean of Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, in

recognition of his contributions to the public and the legal profession as a

lawyer, educator and renowned constitutional law scholar.

    During three Call to the Bar ceremonies taking place this week in

Toronto, 691 new lawyers are being admitted into the legal profession. Toronto

is one of three cities in which the Law Society is hosting Call to the Bar

ceremonies. Of the nearly 900 calls, 54 % are women. The number of women

called to the Ontario bar has outnumbered men in each of the last four years.

    Each year, the Law Society confers honorary degrees upon select members

of the public and the profession who have demonstrated extraordinary character

or have performed good works of benefit to the public. Recipients serve as

keynote speakers at the Calls, to inspire the graduating class as they begin

their new careers.

    Treasurer Marrocco explained that Professor Mr. Hogg was selected because

of his service to the law as an educator, author and legal scholar.

    "Peter Hogg has provided unparalleled service to his students and the

public at large," said the Treasurer. "He exemplifies the character and

integrity to which the legal profession aspires. He is a credit to the

profession and a role model for these new graduates," stated the Treasurer.

    Professor Hogg, teaches Canadian Constitutional Law and Trusts and Income

Tax Law at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He received his

LL.B from the University of New Zealand, his LL.M from Harvard Law School, and

his Ph.D. from Monash University in Australia.

    Professor Hogg was the dean of the Osgoode Hall Law School until June 30,

2003, and is now on leave as scholar in residence at the law firm of Blake,

Cassels & Graydon LLP. He has also acted as consultant to the federal

government and provincial governments and to various public bodies and private

law firms.

    Treasurer Marrocco reminded graduates that they have been called to enter

a dignified profession steeped in values, ethics and tradition. He continued

by stressing the responsibilities of each graduate, to themselves, to the

profession and to those seeking justice.

    "The essence of our profession is service," he said. "As lawyers, we are

in a unique position to provide service. We have a great opportunity to make a

difference, to create change for the better, in large ways and in every day

life."

    The Law Society of Upper Canada exists to govern the legal profession in

the public interest by: ensuring that the people of Ontario are served by

lawyers who meet high standards of learning, competence and professional

conduct; and upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal

profession; for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of

law. Visit us online at www.lsuc.on.ca.

Reuters.com