Thursday July 11, 2024
Mariam Moktar, newly elected second vice-president of the Ontario Bar Association, practices commercial litigation at Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP. (Photo credit: Paliare Roland)
TORONTO, Canada (HOL) — Commercial litigator Mariam Moktar has been elected as the second vice-president of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) for the 2024-25 term, with her presidency set for 2026. Moktar practices at Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP and is a member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for Ontario—Greater Toronto Area.
Born in Somalia, Moktar fled the civil war and was raised in Canada. Her journey in the legal field is marked by significant roles, including OBA's treasurer and finance chair. She is known for her dedication to court efficiency, broadening access to justice, and promoting effective law reform.
"My journey to becoming a lawyer is deeply rooted in the support and opportunities offered by the OBA, which values diverse experiences and opens doors for its members," Moktar said.
Moktar's expertise spans commercial litigation, public interest litigation, employment law, human rights law, and administrative law. Her career began at a leading litigation boutique and a prominent union-side boutique in Toronto, followed by clerkships for judges in the Superior Court of Justice in the Central West Region and the Divisional Court.
Mariam Moktar's leadership has been widely recognized, instilling confidence in her capabilities. She was named one of the "Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40" by the National Bar Association and received the Precedent Setter Award in 2018.
Moktar's term as second vice-president begins on September 1, 2024. Her election signifies a commitment to improving the administration of justice and promoting access to legal services, especially in addressing regional disparities and the civil case backlog.
As second vice-president, Moktar aims to foster a more inclusive and efficient legal system in Ontario, continuing her advocacy for responsible integration of technology and artificial intelligence in the legal sector.