Sheila Block appointed to the Order of Canada

 
Partner Sheila Block has been appointed to the Order of Canada “for her trailblazing contributions to law in Canada and abroad, and for her wide-ranging advocacy.” The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours, recognizing people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the nation.

Spanning over four decades, Sheila’s celebrated career as a litigator and teacher has been spent advocating for significant changes and advancements in Canadian corporate law. Her achievements have impacted areas such as women in the Canadian bar, access to justice and pro bono causes.

Sheila and our late colleague, Patricia Myhal, were the first women lawyers in the firm and the first female partners. Over the years, Sheila has played an instrumental role in shaping the governance and culture of Torys. The impact of Sheila’s tremendous skills as an advocate transcend well beyond the firm and can be felt in the legal community in Canada and beyond. She has spoken and written extensively on advocacy and civil litigation, including being the Canadian editor of Professor Steven Lubet’s Modern Trial Advocacy. Sheila has also taught advocacy in Canada, the United States and internationally, as well as for the U.N. War Crimes Tribunal in Rwanda and the Special Court in Sierra Leone. She is a founding trustee of the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy based in Geneva and has conducted advocacy programs in Switzerland, France, England, Brazil and India.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, shared her congratulations and was pleased to honour this year’s appointees.

“Celebrated trailblazers in their respective fields, they are inspiring, educating and mentoring future generations, creating a foundation of excellence in our country that is respected throughout the world. Their commitment to the betterment of Canada fills me with pride and hope for the future. Alianaigusuqatigiivassi. Congratulations.”

You can read more about the Order of Canada and the 2022 appointees on the Government of Canada’s website.

Learn more about Sheila’s work, professional contributions, awards, recognitions and insights on her bio.

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