Professor Adam Dodek has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII). As Chair, Professor Dodek will help to guide CanLII’s mission of ensuring that Canadian legal information remains open and accessible to all, reinforcing the principle that access to the law is a fundamental right.
Since its establishment in 2001 by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, CanLII has championed this cause, building an open online database containing a wealth of judicial decisions and legislative documents from all Canadian jurisdictions. CanLII has grown from a modest online platform for current case law and legislation to one of the most trusted resources in the Canadian legal landscape with lawyers and notaries across Canada relying on the site for their daily practice. By providing this invaluable service, CanLII upholds the principle that legal knowledge should be free from financial barriers.
Read more about CanLII’s services.
With a background in both law and academia – including service as Dean of the Common Law Section – Professor Dodek brings to this role a deep understanding of the value of accessible legal information and a passion for enhancing the profession. Known for his expertise in constitutional law, professional responsibility, and access to justice, he is an ideal fit to lead CanLII into a new era of digital accessibility. Professor Dodek has previously served as a member of CanLII’s Board on multiple occasions.
Professor Dodek is a profoundly innovative and thorough researcher. His research untangles complex issues and inspires new reflections about Canadian law and the roles of lawyers, courts, and regulators in ensuring the integrity of the legal profession. Most recently, he has authored the book Heenan Blaikie: The Making and Unmaking of a Great Canadian Law Firm, which chronicles the rise and fall of one of Canada’s first national law firms.
The University of Ottawa will host a book launch on November 12, 2024. Free registration is available through Eventbrite.
Congratulations to Professor Dodek on this exceptional appointment!
View the official announcement of Professor Dodek’s appointment.