The Martin Medal, presented annually since 1989, recognizes outstanding, lifetime contributions to criminal justice and is named after G. Arthur Martin, who was Canada’s greatest criminal advocate before becoming a leading jurist with the Ontario Court of Appeal. Michael D. Edelson C.S. will receive the Medal at a special awards luncheon on November 22, 2025.
In being chosen by a committee composed of CLA President Boris Bytensky, a Justice of the Ontario Court of Appeal, a legal academic and a seasoned criminal defence Lawyer, Mr. Edelson becomes the 37th recipient, and joins the ranks of famed lawyers and jurists headlined by G. Arthur Martin himself, the first winner of the award.
Update as of November 19 – Due to an unforeseen illness, Mr. Edelson is not able to attend in-person to accept the award. Accepting the award on his behalf will be his son Gabriel and Mr. Edelson's business partner James Foord.
The presentation will include:
- Welcome and introduction by Boris Bytensky, President, Criminal Lawyers' Association
- Presentations by Justice David Paciocco and Justice Vincent Clifford
- Acceptance of award for Mr. Edelson: His son Gabriel along with his business partner James Foord.
Previous winners of the medal include G. Arthur Martin himself, John Robinette, Edward L. Greenspan, Marlys Edwardh, and James Lockyer as well as former Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justices Antonio Lamer and Beverley McLachlin, along with prominent justices from all levels of the judiciary and defence counsel from across the country.
Join us on IN-PERSON November 22, at 1 to 3 p.m. at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel, 525 Bay Street, Toronto, ON over lunch.
Reserved seating is only for table of 10 purchases. All other luncheon ticket sales will be open seating.
REGISTRATION
- CLA member: $50 plus HST
- Non-member: $65 plus HST
- Table of 10: $500 plus HST: Open to members and non-members. Please make sure table guests have not already purchased a ticket as there are no refunds if so.
There are no refunds.
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