Ontario Association of Black Paralegals

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Ontario Association of Black Paralegals

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Our goal is to provide mentorship, improve access to justice and combat systemic racism within the justice system.

10/01/2026

Each year, honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home, and their communities. Take the time to listen and learn.

Licensees can watch the archived webcast of the accredited program for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: https://lso.ca/lawyers/equity-supports-resources/equity-legal-education-series

and Shared Pathways: Legal Education About Indigenous Ontario https://lso.ca/lawyers/enhancing-competence/legal-education-about-indigenous-ontario

09/21/2026

We are one day away from the premiere! Below you will find some important information.

DOORS: We are opening our doors earlier to allow guests more time to settle in. Doors will open at 6:15 pm. The show will start at 6:45 pm sharp!

PARKING: There is a Green P parking (Carpark 84) available directly behind the theatre, just north of Bloor St. W. Street parking is also available but it is very limited.

TRANSIT: Paradise Theatre is a 6-7 minute walk away from both Ossington and Dufferin station on the Bloor/Danforth line, as well as bus stops on Dufferin St. and Dovercourt Rd.

SEATING: General Admission-first come first served.

FOOD and DRINKS: Will be available for purchase at the theatre.

TICKETS: Door tickets will be charged $5 extra

PANEL: A box will be available for you to add any questions you have for the panel.

DONATIONS: OABP is a non-profit organization. If you would like to donate in order help us put on more events and continue the work that we do, we will have a box available at the front, or you can send donations to [email protected]

We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

09/18/2026

OABP is excited to announce that Sheldon Shaw will be one of the panelists for the discussion following the documentary!

Sheldon Shaw is a multifaceted force in film and television, with a career marked by creating culturally significant and compelling stories as a producer, director, writer, and editor. He produced the powerful 2016 documentary “This Is For Toronto,” which was distributed by AMC Networks and made available on Amazon Prime and ALLBLK. Demonstrating his expertise in reality television, he later co-produced, directed, and edited 24 episodes of “Naija Wives of Toronto” (2020-2021), securing distribution with Afroland TV. Shaw’s talent and dedication to industry growth have been recognized through his participation in prestigious initiatives like the Reelworld Black Entrepreneur Program (2022) and the BANFF Netflix Diversity of Voices Initiative (2023). Further showcasing his innovative approach, he co-developed and directed the educational VR solution “Audio Odyssey.”

His recent work includes the feature documentary Michelle Ross: The Unknown Icon, which premiered on CBC in 2025. In 2026, Sheldon was nominated for a Canadian Screen Reward for Best Researcher for his documentary Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon and selected for the Entrepreneur of Impact competition.

The panel discussion will be followed by a networking opportunity.

Buy your tickets here: https://www.oabp.org/event-details/judged-before-the-judge-official-premiere

09/12/2026

OABP is excited to announce that Judge Rochelle Ivri will be one of the panelists for the discussion following the documentary.

Judge Rochelle Ivri is one of Canada's ten citizenship judges and an adjunct professor with Queen's University Faculty of Law. She is also an author and sought-after speaker whose work centers human rights, active citizenship, and community advocacy. Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including being the first paralegal to receive the Law Society of Ontario's Lincoln Alexander Award, and being named one of Canada's Most Influential Black Canadians among other accolades. After many years of serving on various provincial and municipal boards, Judge Ivri continues to lend her expertise to several initiatives surrounding justice and community well-being.

The panel discussion will be followed by a networking opportunity.

Link in our profile and at https://www.oabp.org/event-details/judged-before-the-judge-official-premiere

09/11/2026

Thank you to Emond Publishing for donating two Emond books as door prizes! In order to have a chance to win one of these two books which delve into the issues of race and restorative justice in Canada's legal system get your tickets to Judged Before the Judge today!

09/05/2026

Get your tickets today!

"Judged Before the Judge," premiere is taking place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Speakers will be announced shortly! Along with a special offer to all those who attend.

📍 Paradise Theatre, 1006C Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2
🕐Doors: 6:30
Start: 6:45pm - 9:00pm

Special speakers to be announced soon!

We invite legal professionals, students, community members, and allies to join us for this important event.

Link in Bio to purchase your tickets.

CPD accreditation is currently pending.

This long-anticipated documentary explores the often, unacknowledged realities of racial discrimination experienced by Black legal professionals in Canada. Produced and directed by Sheldon Shaw Productions with funding from the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), this important film shines a light on lived experiences, sparks meaningful dialogue, and calls for lasting change within the legal profession.

Together, let's continue the conversation, challenge barriers, and work toward a more equitable legal profession.

07/28/2026

You’re Invited: The Official Premiere of Judged Before the Judge

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is proud to announce the official premiere of our powerful new documentary, Judged Before the Judge, taking place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

This long-anticipated documentary explores the often, unacknowledged realities of racial discrimination experienced by Black legal professionals in Canada. Produced and directed by Sheldon Shaw Productions with funding from the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), this important film shines a light on lived experiences, sparks meaningful dialogue, and calls for lasting change within the legal profession.

📍 Paradise Theatre, 1006C Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2
🕐 6:45pm - 9:00pm

The evening will begin with the premiere screening, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring members of the legal community who are actively working to advance equity, inclusion, and meaningful systemic change.

We invite legal professionals, students, community members, and allies to join us for this important event.

Purchase your tickets from the link in our bio.

CPD accreditation is currently pending.

Together, let’s continue the conversation, challenge barriers, and work toward a more equitable legal profession.

07/14/2026

Save the Date: OABP Annual General Meeting

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is pleased to invite all members to our 2026 Annual General Meeting.

🗓 Thursday, July 23, 2026
🕖 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
💻 Online
Click the link in our bio to register

As a valued member of OABP, your voice matters. The AGM is an opportunity to learn about the Association’s progress over the past year, engage in important discussions, ask questions, and help shape the future of OABP.

In the coming weeks, members will receive the meeting agenda, annual report, and proposed bylaw updates for review in advance of the meeting.

We encourage all members to attend and participate. Your input and engagement are invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow our community.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you online on July 23!

07/09/2026

Call for Nominations – Help Shape the Future of OABP!

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is now accepting nominations for upcoming Board positions!

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our association by nominating leaders who are committed to advancing the interests of Black paralegals across Ontario. Strong leadership is essential to building a more inclusive, engaged and impactful profession, and your participation matters.

👉 Nominees must:
✔️ Be in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
✔️ Have been a licensed paralegal for at least 2 years (licensed on or before April 2024)
✔️ Have at least 1 year of paralegal practice experience
✔️ Demonstrate proven leadership experience
✔️ Have experience working within the community
✔️ Board experience is considered an asset

Please note that each nominee must receive at least two nominations to be considered.

👉 Who can nominate?
Current and active OABP members, including Board members, committee members and general members.

👉 Nomination Deadline: Extended to July 13, 2026
Following the close of nominations, elections will take place on July 15, 2026. The Board will review all nominations and notify nominees, who will also have the opportunity to withdraw their names before voting.

Submit your nomination today using the nomination form and be part of shaping the next chapter of OABP’s leadership. Link in bio

06/25/2026

Congratulations to OABP’s own Liz Smith and Deborah Moriah on being nominated for the Top 10 Paralegals of Excellence in Ontario Awards by The Paralegal TownHall!

This recognition celebrates paralegals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, leadership, advocacy, mentorship, integrity, and a meaningful commitment to advancing access to justice within their communities and across the profession.

We are proud to see both Liz and Deborah recognized among this year’s nominees. Through their dedication, leadership, and continued contributions to the legal community, they embody the values that strengthen and elevate the paralegal profession in Ontario.

Voting is now open and will close on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Be sure to cast your vote and help celebrate excellence in Ontario’s paralegal profession here. Click the link in our bio.

Recipients will be formally announced and honoured at the 2nd Annual Paralegal TownHall on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Congratulations again to Liz and Deborah on this well-deserved recognition 👏

Address

Toronto, ON

Website

http://www.oabp.org/

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