Lee Samis Award of Excellence
Lee Samis Award of Excellence
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.
Eligibility
Any member in good standing of CDL or of a law society in any Canadian province or territory is eligible for the award, with the exception of current CDL Executive members.
Individuals who are elected officials at the municipal, provincial, or federal level, or who are appointed members of the Canadian Senate, are not eligible.
Nominations
Any CDL member may submit a nomination.
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by an Awards Jury comprised of the 2026 Nominating Committee.
To support the review process, each nomination should include the nominee’s CV and at least two letters of support outlining their contributions in accordance with the award criteria. The Committee may also consult, on a confidential basis, with CDL members in the nominee’s region.
Presentation
The award will be presented at the CDL President’s Dinner or at a special event.
Submission Details
Nomination forms should be submitted to the Nominations Committee c/o danielle@cdlawyers.org.
The 2026 submission period has now closed (deadline: May 1, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET).
2026 Lee Samis Award of Excellence Winner: James Regan, QC
James Regan, Senior Lawyer, Regan Desjardins LLP
James Regan’s impact on the insurance defence bar extends far beyond his distinguished career as an advocate. Known for his meticulous preparation, disciplined cross-examinations, principled litigation strategy, and unwavering credibility with the courts, James has shaped the careers of countless lawyers through his mentorship and example. Former mentees speak of the profound influence he has had on their approach to practice, instilling not only the importance of excellence in advocacy, but also the humility to learn from setbacks and the integrity to place credibility above all else. Equally remarkable is James’ generosity and genuine interest in others. Colleagues recall his willingness to invest time in young lawyers, offering encouragement, guidance, and support at the earliest stages of their careers. Through both his professional accomplishments and his commitment to mentoring the next generation, James has left an enduring legacy on the legal profession.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-regan-qc-095a3b74/ | Website: https://regandesjardins.com/
Lee Samis Award of Excellence Winners
2026 Lee Samis Award Winner: James Regan, QC
2025 Lee Samis Award Winner: David Zuber
2024 Lee Samis Award Winner: Marcus B. Snowden
2023 Lee Samis Award Winner: Stephen J. May, KC
2022 Lee Samis Award Winner: David Festeryga
2021 Lee Samis Award Winner: John Barry, ONB, KC
2020 Lee Samis Award Winner: Alison Murray KC
2019 Lee Samis Award Winner: Eric Grossman
2018 Lee Samis Award Winner: Patricia Armstrong KC
2017 Lee Samis Award Winner: Clarence Beckett KC
2016 Lee Samis Award Winner: Paul Tushinski
2015 Lee Samis Award Winner: Dennis Quinlan KC
2014 Lee Samis Award Winner: Sandra Corbett KC
2013 Lee Samis Award Winner: Geoff Adair KC
2012 Lee Samis Award Winner: Heather Sanderson
2011 Lee Samis Award Winner: Jan Lindsay KC
2010 Lee Samis Award Winner: David Hashey, KC
2009 Lee Samis Award Winner: Mary Helen Wright
2008 Lee Samis Award Winner: Rick Davison KC
2007 Lee Samis Award Winner: Graham Dutton KC†
2006 Lee Samis Award Winner: Richard Lindsay KC
2005 Lee Samis Award Winner: Harrison Arrell
2004 Lee Samis Award Winner: Thomas McGrenere†
2003 Lee Samis Award Winner: David Miller KC
2002 Lee Samis Award Winner: Philippa Samworth
