Professor Nicholas Bala wins OBA Award

Professor Nicholas Bala receives the Award for Excellence in Family Law from Tom Dart, chair of the Family Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association, on June 10, 2009.

Professor Nicholas Bala, Law '77, received the 2009 Award for Excellence in Family Law from the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) at a ceremony on June 10, 2009. Bala was presented the award, which recognizes exceptional contributions and achievements in family law, in front of a sold-out crowd at the Law Society of Upper Canada.      

"Throughout his legal career, Professor Bala has been a leader in teaching and advancing family law in our province and across North America," says Tom Dart, chair of the OBA Family Law Section. "His contributions to the body of law, legal education and his community are truly remarkable. We are honoured to present him with the 2009 Award for Excellence in Family Law."

Bala began his academic career at Queen's Law in 1980 after graduating from Harvard with an LL.M. A leading expert on family and children's law, his research focuses on issues related to parental rights and responsibilities after divorce, child witnesses and child abuse, spousal abuse and its effects on children, young offenders, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. His publication record includes 15 books, more than 130 articles and book chapters, and many reports for government. His writing has been referenced and cited as high as the Supreme Court of Canada.

Bala's work will be recognized again this year on September 23, when he will receive the Law Society Medal. The highest honour bestowed by the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Law Society Medal was established in 1985 to recognize outstanding Ontario lawyers whose service reflects the ideals of the profession.

"I am deeply honoured at these awards from the legal profession," says Bala. "They reflect important recognition not only for myself, but for the Faculty of Law at Queen's and for the importance of the family law academy. It is recognition of the contributions that family law teachers have as mentors for future members of the profession, and as scholars who can contribute to increasing understanding of the effects of the justice system on children and families, and in helping to reform it."