Ontario Association of Black Paralegals

Ontario Association of Black Paralegals Our goal is to provide mentorship, improve access to justice and combat systemic racism within the justice system.

You’re Invited: The Official Premiere of Judged Before the JudgeThe Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is proud to ...
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.




Save the Date: OABP Annual General MeetingThe Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is pleased to invite all members t...
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!



Call for Nominations – Help Shape the Future of OABP!The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is now accepting nomina...
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

Congratulations to OABP’s own Liz Smith and Deborah Moriah on being nominated for the Top 10 Paralegals of Excellence in...
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 👏

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals extends our congratulations to Shalini Konanur on her election as Treasurer ...
06/23/2026

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals extends our congratulations to Shalini Konanur on her election as Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario for the 2026–2027 term. This appointment marks an important moment for Ontario’s legal profession and reflects continued progress toward leadership that is representative of the communities our profession serves.

As a long-standing advocate for access to justice and equity within the legal system, Shalini’s leadership comes at a meaningful time for lawyers, paralegals and the broader legal community across Ontario.

We wish her every success in this new role and look forward to the continued advancement of an inclusive, accessible and accountable legal profession.

Congratulations, Shalini.




REMINDER: Join us tomorrow for an important and timely discussion hosted by the Ontario Association of Black Paralegals ...
05/26/2026

REMINDER: Join us tomorrow for an important and timely discussion hosted by the Ontario Association of Black Paralegals in collaboration with the York Region Paralegal Network.

This complimentary CPD will explore harassment and discrimination in the legal profession, including the realities legal professionals may face in the workplace, the impact these issues can have on individuals and the profession, and the importance of creating respectful, accountable and inclusive legal environments.

We are also pleased to welcome an incredible panel of speakers, including Lyschin Smith, Alicia Clarke, Royland Moriah, Justice Pemberton and Natalia Thawe.

🗓 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
🕖 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Link to register in bio.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals was proud to partner with KingSun Law - Paralegal Services for “The Advocate...
05/26/2026

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals was proud to partner with KingSun Law - Paralegal Services for “The Advocate’s Edge - From Filing to Finish” this past weekend in Toronto.

Thank you to keynote host Sehmani L. and Lyschin Smith, for leading an engaging and insightful discussion focused on advocacy, legal procedure and preparing cases from intake to hearing across a variety of practice areas, including criminal law, landlord and tenant matters, human rights, small claims court and various tribunals.

This professional development session provided attendees with practical guidance on navigating legal matters from beginning to resolution, while also offering real-world examples, strategies and templates that legal professionals can take back and apply within their own practice.

It was great to see licensed paralegals, lawyers, aspiring legal professionals, law clerks, administrative staff and members of the public come together for an afternoon dedicated to professional growth, education and community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to continuing to create spaces that support learning, collaboration and advancement within the legal profession!





The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is pleased to partner with KingSun Law - Paralegal Services for an upcoming ...
05/14/2026

The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals is pleased to partner with KingSun Law - Paralegal Services for an upcoming professional development event, “The Advocate’s Edge - From Filing to Finish.”

Join keynote host Sehmani KingSun-Leo for an engaging and practical session designed to explore advocacy, legal procedure and navigating matters from beginning to resolution. Whether you are building your practice, entering the legal profession or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will offer valuable insight for legal professionals across all stages of their careers.

📍 837 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
🗓 Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
* CPD Pending

OABP members can reach out to mailto:[email protected] or mailto:[email protected] to receive a discount code.

Who should attend:
• Licensed Paralegals
• Lawyers
• Articling Students
• Aspiring Lawyers and Paralegals
• Law Clerks and Legal Administrative Staff
• Self-Represented Individuals
• Legal Professionals in the Public and Private Sectors

Registration link in bio.




SAVE THE DATE!The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals, in collaboration with the York Region Paralegal Network, is p...
05/11/2026

SAVE THE DATE!
The Ontario Association of Black Paralegals, in collaboration with the York Region Paralegal Network, is pleased to host a complimentary CPD focused on navigating harassment and discrimination in the legal profession.

This important discussion will explore the realities legal professionals may face in the workplace, the impact these issues can have on individuals and the profession, and the importance of creating respectful, accountable and inclusive legal environments.

We are also pleased to welcome an incredible panel of speakers, including: Lyschin (Liz) Smith, Alicia Clarke, Royland Moriah, Justice Pembroke, and Natalia Thawe.

🗓 May 27, 2026
🕖 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming weeks.





OABP members, you’re invited.The The Paralegal TownHall is pleased to offer complimentary access for our members to atte...
04/23/2026

OABP members, you’re invited.

The The Paralegal TownHall is pleased to offer complimentary access for our members to attend the 2nd Annual Virtual Paralegal TownHall on April 25, 2026.

This full-day virtual event brings together legal professionals, thought leaders, and organizations across the industry for a day of learning, practical insights, and meaningful conversations. From keynote sessions to interactive breakout rooms, topics will cover everything from AI in the legal field and regulatory updates to wellness, equity in the profession, and building a sustainable paralegal practice.

We’re also proud to be part of the conversation, with OABP contributing to discussions on navigating the legal field as a person of colour.

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10am
Where: Zoom

Link to register in bio.

Address

Toronto, ON

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