Pamela Cross recognized with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
(Oshawa) At the June 27, 2024, Call to the Bar ceremony in Toronto, the Law Society of Ontario awarded a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) to Pamela Cross, former Advocacy Director of Luke’s Place, in recognition of her extraordinary achievement and leadership in the advancement of women’s equality.
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.
An incredible career dedicated to women’s safety and access to justice
Pamela Cross was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1995, she established herself as one of Canada’s leading experts on violence against women and the law. For over 30 years, Cross has worked tirelessly as an advocate advancing women’s equality. She is a highly skilled legal analyst, in-demand legal trainer, public speaker, media expert, researcher, writer, innovator, consultant, mentor, collaborator and leader. As our former Legal and then Advocacy Director, Pamela led the development and delivery of our provincial and national programs, including training, resources, research, and led media engagement and law reform advocacy.
Her contributions have improved the safety and experience of survivors as they navigate the court system and created a network of trusted service providers and advocates across Ontario and Canada to help survivors. Cross has appeared before House of Commons and Ontario legislative committees on several occasions. She also appeared as an expert in both the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission and CKW Inquest (where she was also the community consultant for Renfrew County). In 2023, she was appointed to the Ontario Coroner’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee.
As a volunteer, she has given countless hours of pro bono consultation and mentorship to young lawyers, as well as hours as members of nonprofit boards and committees. She continues to dedicate her time and expertise to advancing women’s equality, working as a consultant with Luke’s Place and many other feminist organizations.
“I cannot think of someone more deserving of this honour. Pamela’s contributions to women’s equality and to ending gender-based violence throughout her career are immeasurable. As our Legal and Advocacy Director, her expertise and leadership have been instrumental to the Luke’s Place journey. Her contributions have directly impacted women by ensuring they have access to critical information and support to move on to lives free from abuse. Because of her work, more stakeholders (from those supporting women to those working in the legal and justice sectors) are better prepared to support women who have been subjected to gender based violence and to challenge the laws and systems that perpetuate that violence. She has dedicated and continues to dedicate countless hours to the training and mentorship of lawyers and advocates, preparing the next generation to engage in this important work.”
Carol Barkwell, Luke’s Place Executive Director
Congratulations Pamela!
Media Contact
Kathryn Black, Communications, kathrynb@lukesplace.ca
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