Today marks the 222nd anniversary of the Law Society of Ontario. On July 17th, 1797, the Law Society of Upper Canada was founded in Wilson’s Hotel in Newark, Upper Canada (now Niagara-on-the-Lake). Ten lawyers, which was about two-thirds of all the lawyers in Upper Canada at the time, gathered at the hotel to read “An Act for the better regulating the Practice of the Law” and form the Law Society. The six senior lawyers present became the first benchers, and John White was named the first Treasurer (President).

Today marks the 222nd anniversary of the Law Society of Ontario.

On July 17th, 1797, the Law Society of Upper Canada was founded in Wilson’s Hotel in Newark, Upper Canada (now Niagara-on-the-Lake). Ten lawyers, which was about two-thirds of all the lawyers in Upper Canada at the time, gathered at the hotel to read “An Act for the better regulating the Practice of the Law” and form the Law Society. The six senior lawyers present became the first benchers, and John White was named the first Treasurer (President).