Members of Ontario’s legal professions — including acting dean of Windsor Law Beverly Jacobs — will receive recognition for their career achievements and contributions to their communities at the annual Law Society awards celebration on Wednesday, May 26.

Dr. Jacobs is the recipient of the 2021 Laura Legge Award, honouring women lawyers who have exemplified leadership within the profession. The award was established in 2007 in commemoration of the first woman elected as a bencher of the Law Society and the first woman to serve as its treasurer.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award,” says Jacobs. “It has come at a time in my life when I needed it. I have to acknowledge all of those who reminded me about the responsibilities of being a leader and role model. Needless to say, many of my mentors have now passed on to the spirit world so this is very emotional for me. I continue to stay committed to my family, my friends, my clients, my community, and now to my Windsor Law family and community.”

Called to the bar in 2003, Jacobs is currently serving a three-month term as acting dean of law. Once her term as dean concludes, she will resume her appointment as associate dean (academic). Her work focuses on ending gendered colonial violence against Indigenous people and restoring Indigenous legal orders.

Outside of the academy, Jacobs is a part-time practising lawyer, consultant, researcher, writer, and public speaker. In 2018, she became a member of the Order of Canada: one of Canada’s highest civilian honours.

“It is important that we publicly acknowledge those who bring distinction and honour to our professions,” said law society treasurer Teresa Donnelly. “In doing so, we recognize the contributions they have made, while identifying them as role models to other members, colleagues and stakeholders, and reaffirming the public’s confidence and trust in the legal professions.”

The awards celebration will be webcast at 5:30 p.m. on May 26; access the virtual event via this link.