Law Society presents Honorary LLD to Marie Henein

At the June 27, 2024, Call to the Bar ceremony in Toronto, the Law Society bestowed a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) upon Marie Henein, who demonstrates a deep and abiding commitment to the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The Law Society awards honorary doctorates each year to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in service to the legal professions, the rule of law and the cause of justice.

Born in Egypt, Marie immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of four. Having escaped the volatility of the Middle East, her family were adamant that as a woman, Marie should have every opportunity that would not have been available had they stayed. Education and independence as a woman were key tenets of her upbringing. Unwaveringly supported by her mother and engaged in vigorous debate with her father from a young age, a career in law was natural. Marie went on to study law at Osgoode Hall Law School, graduating in 1989, then attaining her Masters in Law from Columbia University in 1991.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 1992, Marie rose to prominence, renowned for her outstanding skills as a criminal defence lawyer. She is a past president of The Advocates’ Society, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and is a co-founder of the Inmate Duty Counsel program at the Ontario Court of Appeal. She is the co-editor of Martin’s Annual Criminal CodeMartin’s Annual Criminal Practice, and Martin’s Related Criminal Statutes and associate editor of Canadian Criminal Cases.

Marie is committed to giving back to the legal community, generously sharing her expertise as a mentor to young lawyers and a role model for young women. Her impact on the lives and careers of generations of lawyers over the years has been profound.

Source: Law Society of Ontario Gazette