Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Law Team Wins the 2026 OTLA Cup
White Macgillivray Lester LLP Proud to Support the Next Generation of Trial Advocates
White Macgillivray Lester LLP is proud to congratulate the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law team from Lakehead University on winning the 2026 OTLA Cup, one of Ontario’s premier trial advocacy competitions.
The competition took place on March 7, 2026 at the Sopinka Courthouse in Hamilton, where teams from law schools across the province argued a complex tort trial problem before a distinguished three-judge panel.
Representing Bora Laskin were:
- Caitlyn Aune
- Owen Zimmer
- Minahil Choudhary
The team delivered exceptional advocacy throughout the competition and was awarded the Bergeron Clifford Award for Best Team, securing the OTLA Cup.
White Macgillivray Lester LLP partner Jeffrey J. Moorley had the privilege of coaching the team.
“These students demonstrated remarkable preparation, poise, and courtroom skill. Watching them develop as advocates was an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Individual Advocacy Awards
In addition to winning the OTLA Cup, members of the Bora Laskin team received individual honours:
- Tim Boland Award – Overall Advocate: Owen Zimmer
- Bonn Law Award – Best Cross-Examination: Owen Zimmer
The final round was heard by a three-judge panel consisting of:
- Justice Lauren Bale
- Justice Michael Bordin
- Justice Andrew Spurgeon
The judges provided detailed feedback following the competition, making the experience both an intensive learning opportunity and a showcase of advocacy talent from across Ontario.
The OTLA Cup Competition
The OTLA Cup is a province-wide trial advocacy competition organized by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. Students conduct a simulated civil trial involving opening statements, witness examinations, and closing submissions before members of the bench and experienced trial lawyers.
The 2026 problem involved a multi-party negligence action arising from a gas line excavation incident, requiring teams to analyze liability among several defendants and present their cases in a full trial format.
A Proud Moment for Lakehead University
The victory reflects the growing strength of advocacy training at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and the commitment of its students to developing the skills required for courtroom practice.
Competitions like the OTLA Cup provide invaluable experience in:
- trial strategy
- witness examination
- legal argument
- courtroom advocacy
Skills that form the foundation of effective representation for clients.
Looking Ahead: OTLA Cup Coming to Thunder Bay
The success of the Bora Laskin team is particularly exciting for Northwestern Ontario because Thunder Bay will host the OTLA Cup in 2027.
The event will bring law students, lawyers, and judges from across Ontario to the region and highlight the strength of legal education and advocacy training in Northern Ontario.
White Macgillivray Lester LLP looks forward to welcoming the legal community to Thunder Bay for the competition.
Supporting the Next Generation of Advocates
At White Macgillivray Lester LLP, we believe strongly in mentoring future lawyers and supporting opportunities for students to develop practical advocacy skills.
We congratulate the Bora Laskin team on their outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing their continued success in the legal profession.