Will McDowell Inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers

Lenczner Slaght is very proud to announce that William C. McDowell has been made a Fellow of the ACTL, a leading organization of preeminent members of the Bar from the United States and Canada.

Will McDowell was inducted as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers at a ceremony held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fellowship in this elite group of trial lawyers is extended by invitation after a careful screening process to “those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.” 

Candidates must possess the following qualities:

• Be unquestionably and eminently qualified
• Be regarded as the best in their state/province
• Have high ethical and moral standards, as well as, excellent character
• Be actively engaged in trial work for a minimum of 15 years

Tom Curry, Managing Partner of Lenczner Slaght said:

“We are so proud of Will – he is a deserving inductee who possesses all of the qualities of an exemplary advocate. He knows his way around the Courtroom and draws on his wide experience in leading cases, including in the Supreme Court of Canada. He does all that while maintaining the highest standards of the profession.”

Will McDowell is a partner of Lenczner Slaght with an active public and private law advocacy practice. From 2005 to 2008, he was also Canada’s Associate Deputy Minister of Justice, with responsibility for civil litigation, national security and issues involving central agencies. In August 2017, he was named Lead Commission Counsel to the Long-Term Care Homes Inquiry.

Will is a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario and was a joint recipient of the Department of Justice National Award and is recognized as an expert litigator by Lexpert, Best Lawyers, Benchmark, and Who’s Who Legal. He has also been honoured by the University of Toronto for many years of volunteer efforts on behalf of his alma mater.

About the American College of Trial Lawyers

The American College of Trial Lawyers is a distinguished organization of trial lawyers in North America, dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics and the administration of justice. There are currently more than 5,700 Fellows across the U.S. and Canada. However, membership can never be more than 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Eligible lawyers are called to Fellowship in the College from all branches of trial practice and include advocates who represent plaintiffs or defendants in civil proceedings of all types, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the administration of justice.