According to the LSO’s news release, the honourees include:
Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire, who is known for advancing access to justice, equality and equity. Called to the bar in 1993, she has over 30 years of experience as a mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator. Appointed as chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in August 2021, she also serves as a deputy judge and has earned numerous awards, including King’s Counsel in 2023.
Dr. Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, who is highly regarded for her work on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Raised in Saskatchewan with Aboriginal and Chinese heritage, she earned advanced degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and broke barriers as a professor and mentor. Appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2005, she championed Indigenous rights and women’s equality until retiring in 2020, and was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2022.
The Honourable Aston Hall, a criminal lawyer and judge who was born in Jamaica and called to the bar in 1995. He was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2011 and as associate chief justice in 2021. Hall has broken systemic barriers and advanced initiatives for Indigenous Peoples, Black Canadians and modern court technology.
The Honourable Paul Barker Schabas, who is known for his advocacy and passion for the law. Called to the bar in 1986, he excelled as a top trial, appellate, constitutional and media lawyer before his 2019 Superior Court of Justice appointment. A former treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario, he has championed pro bono work, equity and legal education throughout his career.
Dr. Peter Jaffe, who has worked throughout his career to improve the ways in which cases of family violence and the abuse of women and children are dealt with in Canada’s legal, educational and social services.
Professor Payam Akhavan, an academic and international human rights lawyer who is engaged in the practice of international law at the highest levels on behalf of victims of crimes against humanity and genocide.