Ukrainian Canadian Lawyer Donald Bayne – Recipient of the 2016 Catzman Award for Professionalism & Civility
The 2016 Catzman Award for Professionalism & Civility was presented by the Honourable George R. Strathy, Chief Justice of Ontario, to Donald B. Bayne of Bayne, Sellar, Boxall on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the Opening of the Courts Ceremony in Toronto.
Donald Bayne is one of Canada’s leading criminal law advocates. He has been designated a specialist in criminal litigation by the Law Society of Upper Canada and has conducted trial and appellate advocacy at all levels of courts in Canada and at public inquiries (Somalia, Arar, Iacobucci). He has defended all manner of criminal charges including murder, complicated conspiracies, war crimes cases and charges against corporations. Mr. Bayne was the 2006 recipient of the G. Arthur Martin award for “an individual in Canada who has made a significant contribution to criminal justice”, and the 2011 Ottawa Advocate Honouree awarded by The Advocates’ Society.
Mr. Bayne has made an enduring and remarkable contribution to the profession. The letters from his nominators attest to the fact that Donald Bayne exemplifies all of the qualities that the Catzman Award winner should have. He is a leader of the bar and a highly skilled and respected advocate. During his illustrious career he has taken on many difficult, unpopular, and high profile cases. Despite the demands of his practice, he always takes the time to mentor young lawyers and participate in legal educational programs. Without fail, he is courteous and respectful, even in tense moments during emotionally difficult litigation.
The Catzman Award was established in 2008 by the Catzman family together with The Advocates’ Society and the Chief Justice of Ontario’s Advisory Committee on Professionalism, in memory of The Honourable Marvin A. Catzman of the Court of Appeal for Ontario. The annual Catzman Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the qualities exemplified by Justice Catzman throughout his distinguished career: knowledge of the law, integrity, fairness, civility, generosity of time and expertise, and dedication to the highest ideals of the legal profession through writing and lecturing.