Ontario Bar Association

Canadian legal organization

The Ontario Bar Association is a bar association representing more than 16,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers, and law students from across Ontario. It is also a branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Approximately two-thirds of all practicing lawyers in Canada belong to the CBA.

Established in 1907, the OBA was incorporated on April 22, 1985.^[1] It is a voluntary association for legal members, whereas the regulatory body for lawyers in the province is under the Law Society of Ontario.

An essential ally and advocate for members of the legal profession, the organization promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, upholds equality in the legal profession and is devoted to eliminating discrimination. The OBA is also the premiere provider of quality professional development and information to members of the legal profession.

The OBA is headed by a President and a 21-member Board of Directors.

Vision and Mission

"To be indispensable to our members, the legal profession and the administration of justice in Ontario."

As the professional association for Ontario's lawyers, judges and law students, the OBA will:

Advance the interests of our members, the justice system and the rule of law in Ontario;
Be the leading provider of high quality continuing professional development for lawyers throughout Ontario;
Support a network where all our members share their practical experience, knowledge and ideas.

Mandate and Priorities

The mandate of the CBA-OBA is to:

improve the law;
improve the administration of justice;
improve and promote access to justice;
promote equality in the legal profession and in the justice system;
improve and promote the knowledge, skills, ethical standards and well-being of members of the legal profession;
represent the legal profession nationally and internationally; and
promote the interests of the members of CBA.

Sections

The Ontario Bar Association has 40 specialty groups, or Sections, that focus on substantive areas of the law and the legal profession. More than 10,000 members participate in Ontario Sections. They are: