Kenneth Cole is the recipient of the 2017 Catzman Award for Professionalism & Civility.
The award, which was named after Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Marvin A. Catzman, was created to recognize individuals who exemplified the qualities the late Justice Catzman demonstrated. These include knowledge of the law, integrity, fairness, civility, generosity of time and expertise, and dedication to the highest ideals of the legal profession through writing and lecturing.
The 2017 Catzman Award for Professionalism & Civility winner Kenneth Cole (centre) with The Advocates’ Society president Sonia Bjorkquist (left) and Julie Catzman (right)
A founding partner of Epstein, Cole LLP, Cole's practice involves all aspects of family law and alternative dispute resolution. He is also an adjunct professor teaching advanced family law at the University of Toronto's faculty of law. Additionally, Cole lectures on economic and ethical issues as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Cole is known as a leader of the bar and as a highly respected and civil advocate. Nomination letters attest to his character and laud the qualities the Catzman Award recognizes. He generously shares his time and expertise with partners, young associates and articling students. Both clients and opposing counsels note his integrity and fairness.
Chief Justice of Ontario George Strathy and Julie Catzman presented the award to Cole on Sept. 12 at the Opening of the Courts Ceremony in Toronto.
The Catzman Award was created in 2008 by the Catzman family, together with The Advocates’ Society and the Chief Justice of Ontario’s Advisory Committee on Professionalism. Candidates for the Catzman Award are nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee comprised of a member of the Catzman family, the chair of The Advocates' Society Institute for Civility & Professionalism, the treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the president of The Advocates’ Society, and two members from the bench and/or the bar.
