Awards

The Lee Samis Award of Excellence is named for CDL’s Founding President. Each year CDL recognizes a member who has made exceptional contributions to; the legal profession in general, jurisprudence in Canada on the law of Insurance; law or development of the law of Insurance in Canada; or a significant law-related benefit to CDL and/or the Insurance Industry.
 

 
The Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession is named for one of CDL’s founding members. Each year the CDL recognizes a member show has demonstrated; commitment to advocating the inclusion and promotion of women in the legal profession through activity has a visible, tangible or measurable impact on the perception of attitude toward, and respect for the treatment of women, and fostering women’s initiatives and promoting positive mentoring relationships with other women in the legal profession; and/or leadership in the development of measures to fight gender discrimination and prejudice in the profession.
 

 
The Richard B. Lindsay, KC, Exceptional Young Lawyer Award is named in honour of one of CDL’s most impactful Past Presidents. Each year CDL recognizes a lawyer within 10 years of call who has made exceptional contributions to; the legal profession in general, jurisprudence in Canada; the Canadian Defence Lawyers and its membership; or service to the community at large.
 

Each year Canadian Defence Lawyers hosts a luncheon or dinner in honour of the winner of the Lees Samis Award of Excellence. The celebration is an opportunity for the winner to include friends, family and colleagues in their recognition.
 
Canadian Defence Lawyers proudly arranges for the celebration meal, with ticket prices set at cost recovery, and several complementary registrations are provided for the recipient and their immediate family or close colleagues and friends.