Richard B. Lindsay K.C. Award
Richard B. Lindsay K.C. Exceptional Young Lawyer Award
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.
Eligibility
Any CDL member in good standing who qualifies as a Young Lawyer (10 years of call or less) is eligible for the award, with the exception of current CDL Executive members.
Nominations
Any CDL member may submit a nomination.
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by an Awards Jury representing the CDL Executive and membership at large.
To support the review process, each nomination should include the nominee’s CV and at least three letters of support. At least one letter must come from the nominee’s current firm. The Committee will consider the nominee’s contributions in accordance with the award criteria.
Presentation
The award will be presented at the CDL President’s Dinner or another suitable event.
The recipient will also receive complimentary registration and, if required, subsidized travel to attend the CDL Annual Litigation Conference.
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 Richard B. Lindsay Award: Surina Sud
Surina Sud, Partner, Kostyniuk & Greenside Lawyers
Since her call to the Ontario Bar in 2017, Surina Sud has quickly established herself as one of the most accomplished and respected young lawyers in the profession. Recognized for her exceptional intellect, advocacy skills, and leadership, Surina combines a deep knowledge of civil procedure with a thoughtful and persuasive advocacy style that commands the respect of colleagues, clients, and the judiciary alike. Her ability to engage in complex legal discussions with clarity, confidence, and professionalism has distinguished her as a trusted voice within the legal community. In 2022, she became the youngest partner at her firm, a reflection of both her remarkable work ethic and the esteem in which she is held. Beyond her practice, Surina is an active contributor to the profession through her involvement with Canadian Defence Lawyers’ Public Policy Secretariat, where she continues to demonstrate a commitment to advancing the legal community and shaping the future of the profession.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surina-sud-2a66b8100/ | Website: https://kostyniukandgreenside.com/
Richard B. Lindsay, KC, Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winners
2026 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Surina Sud
2025 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Tory Hibbitt
2024 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Andy Smith
2023 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Serena Genova
2022 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Devan Marr
2021 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winners: Mouna Hanna and Erin Durant
2020 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Christina J. Cook
2019 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Alison Hopkins
2018 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: John Lea
2017 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Jason Frost
2016 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Andrea Lim
2015 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Laura Emmett
2012 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Stuart Zacharias
2010 Exceptional Young Lawyer Award Winner: Kadey J. Schultz
