MLA Awards

The MLA recognizes its members with five awards: Distinguished Service, Access to Justice, Rising Star, Philanthropy, and Distinguished Paralegal.

2024 MLA Awards

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Award for Distinguished Service, which recognizes exceptional career contributions and/or achievements by MLA members to the legal profession and/or a law-related benefit to the community including mentorship related to the profession of law and/or leadership roles in the community. Those who will receive the award will have made a significant contribution to the profession of law, whether as a solicitor in effectively performing services in that position, as a barrister in attaining an excellent reputation in the courts, as an academic, or for a single act of notable distinction and/or innovation in the practice of law that advances the ideals of the profession.

Award for Access to Justice, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to providing commendable legal services to those in need through Legal Aid Ontario or through pro bono legal services and/or offered academic contributions pertaining to the study of legal aid and/or created innovative measures or built links between lawyers and community organizations/advocates to promote better access to justice in Middlesex County.

Rising Star Award, which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the practice of law, who advances the ideals of the profession, demonstrating community involvement, and have been practicing for less than 10 years.

Award for Philanthropy, which recognizes exceptional contributions and/or dedication by MLA members to the community by supporting not-for-profit organizations and/or performing charitable services.

Award for Distinguished Paralegal recognizes a paralegal’s exceptional career contributions and/or achievements to the paralegal profession and/or a law-related benefit to the community including mentorship related to the paralegal profession and/or leadership roles in the community. Those who will receive the award will have made a significant contribution to the paralegal profession, whether in effectively performing services in that position, as an academic, or for a single act of notable distinction and/or innovation that advances the ideals of the profession.

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2024 Awards Committee

Leslie Jack (Chairperson)

Leslie is an associate lawyer at Shillington McCall LLP. Leslie is fully bilingual and completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the University of Toulouse 1 Capitole (2014). She also completed two Masters of Laws (LL.M.) at the University of Ottawa (2016) and at Osgoode Hall Law School (2020). Her practice focuses on insurance defence, including accident benefits, breach of fiduciary duty, and tort claims.

Since Leslie’s call to the bar in 2021, she has worked for multiple regulatory bodies and major insurance companies focusing on investigations, regulatory compliance and regulatory litigation. When she is not serving her clients, Leslie is involved with Fanshawe College as a Professor at the School of Public Safety. Leslie is a committed community volunteer and currently a board trustee of the Middlesex Law Association, Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Wellness and Leads Employment. Leslie is also a member of the Canadian Black Lawyers Association, L’Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario and the Canadian Defense Lawyers Association. Outside of the office, Leslie is an avid long-distance runner, most of her runs are with her long-haired Weimaraner.

Members:

Danielle D’Alonzo is a Partner at Snow Lawyers Professional Corporation. She is a criminal defence lawyer and defends clients charged with criminal offences throughout Southwestern Ontario. Her practice has developed a particular focus on complex evidentiary and constitutional applications in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Danielle is passionate about protecting the rights of her clients, which include some of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. Danielle is the Secretary of the London Criminal Lawyers’ Association, a member of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers’ Association Women’s Committee, and is co-chair of the Women’s Mentorship Group for London criminal lawyers. Danielle also serves on the Board of Directors of Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

Hilary Jenkins was called to the bar in 2016. Since her call to the bar, she has practiced family law in London, Ontario. Hilary assists clients with family law and child protection matters in Court and through alternative dispute resolution. Hilary is an active member of the London legal community. She serves as a Board Member for the Middlesex Law Association and as the Vice President of the Middlesex Family Law Association.

Qasim Kareemi was called to the bar in 2020, and is an associate lawyer with Harrison Pensa practicing insolvency and commercial litigation. He also serves as a Director on the Atlohsa Family Healing Services’ Board of Directors.

Luke Kilroy is an associate lawyer at Legate Injury Lawyers in London, Ontario. Luke completed his law degree at Western University in 2020 and was called to the bar in Ontario in 2021. Before law school, Luke obtained a Biomedical Engineering degree from the University of Guelph and worked as a medical device designer for several years before transitioning into law. Luke has been with Legate Injury Lawyers since 2021 and his practice is primarily comprised of medical negligence and motor vehicle claims.

Stephanie Marentette was called to the bar in 2015, and practices as in-house counsel for Co-operators. She also serves as a Director of the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Board of Directors and is the Chair of the London Transit Commission. Stephanie’s practice focuses on privacy, construction, estate and property law as well as insurance property damage claims and subrogated losses.

Stacey Pipicelli is the Associate Dean of the School of Public Safety at Fanshawe College.  Before transitioning into education, Stacey served as the Director of Operations for a specialized group at Harrison Pensa LLP, focusing on Small Claims Court matters. Stacey’s journey at Fanshawe College began in 2012 when she joined as a faculty member and curriculum developer. She played a pivotal role in the launch of the Paralegal Program, contributing to its original curriculum development and faculty team. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to enhancing the competency of graduates.

Kristi Sargeant-Kerr received her Honours B.A. from McMaster University before obtaining her LL.B. at the University of Ottawa in 2002. She was called to the bar in 2003. Joining Scott Petrie LLP in 2017, Kristi specializes in all aspects of condominium and real estate law, including development, governance, management, litigation and purchase and sale transactions. She made this transition after years of personal interest in the condominium field and a keen interest and involvement in mediation and arbitration at numerous administrative Boards and Tribunals. Kristi is also a dedicated volunteer who prides herself on working with local non-profit organizations to better the lives of women and children. These volunteer commitments only compliment her dedication to her two busy young sons and her love of the outdoors, including downhill skiing, golf, and sailing.

Jennifer Wall was called to the bar in 2013, and is a partner and current Practice Group Leader with the family law department at Harrison Pensa. She is a former Board Trustee and member of the Executive of the Middlesex Law Association.

Awards Committee - Terms of Reference