The National GC Network has opened nominations and applications for the peer-adjudicated 2025 President’s Award, recognizing significant contributions to the advancement of truth and reconciliation and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The award focuses on legal professionals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color. The award was launched last year, drawing inspiration from the NGCN’s founders and presidents.
The inaugural President’s Award recipient was Lawrence Conmigo, senior counsel and claims director at Intact Public Entities/Intact Financial Corporation. This year’s awardee will receive $1,000 in cash from the NGCN.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color. They must be current or past members in good standing with a Canadian law society or worked mainly in a legal position or in a role that directly affected the legal profession for at least five years.
Nominees must exemplify and spur positive change, be leaders or connectors, and be accomplished in the fields of social justice, public service, innovation, professional development, leadership, philanthropy, or volunteerism. Their contributions and service must be aligned with NGCN’s mission, vision, and values.
Nominees must be Canadian residents, and they must not be part of a current political campaign or serving as an elected government official or as a judiciary member. Current NGCN board members or selection committee members may not be nominated; the current selection committee members may not nominate another person.
Nominees must agree to the nomination and to the publication of their names, photos, and information. They must also be able to attend the awards ceremony during the 2025 NGCN annual conference.
The nominations window for the 2025 award will close on October 24. The nominations will then be evaluated by board members, NGCN’s executive director, and the selection committee.
The board will select the committee members, which must include at least two board members and an individual from the legal community or judiciary chosen by either the board or a board member. If a three-person committee cannot be formed, the two board members will make up the selection committee.
The award may be rescinded if a recipient strays from the NGCN’s mission, vision, and values.