Carol Shamess recognized by Law Society

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LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA

**************************** Sault Ste. Marie lawyer Carol Shamess receives the Law Society Medal from Law Society of Upper Canada CEO Malcolm Heins at a special ceremony in Toronto on May 25, 2011.

She is one of eight Ontario lawyers honoured this year for their outstanding achievements and commitment to serving society and the profession.

Ms. Shamess is recognized as a leader within the family law Bar and as a dedicated community leader.

**************************** About Carol Shamess

Carol A. Shamess, Sault Ste. Marie, called to the Ontario Bar in 1979

In more than 30 years of practice, Carol Shamess has made a name for herself as an extremely accomplished lawyer and dedicated community leader.

A sole practitioner who is devoted to the specialty of family law, her considerable knowledge of both procedural and substantive law, together with a reputation for fairness and problem solving, distinguishes her as a leader within the family law Bar.

She is well-respected both by members of the Bar and by the public for her principled conduct in the practice of law, her efficiency and proficiency, her civility and her example of selfless service.

Ms. Shamess sits on the Board of Directors for the Algoma Family Services, as well as the Health Professions Appeal Review Board.

Ms. Shamess has devoted countless volunteer hours to effecting social change within her community by working with Algoma Family Services, the Big Sisters Association, the Children’s Aid Society, Women in Crisis and the United Way, where she was named volunteer of the year (1990).

Ms. Shamess was a special prosecutor with the Federal Department of Justice (1984-1990).

In 1992 she was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Sault Ste. Marie Business and Professional Women group.

She served on the Legal Aid Area Committee (1996-2007), acting as chairperson beginning in 2000.

Ms. Shamess served as a director of the Algoma District Law Association between 1980 and 1988 and again between 1994 and 2004.

In 1999, the Law Association awarded her with the Harry Hamilton Award, in recognition of her service in accordance with the highest ideals of the legal profession.

Celebrated by colleagues in Sault Ste. Marie for promoting collegiality and fostering civility through her efforts to organize events for the local bar, Ms. Shamess is also esteemed for her willingness to mentor new lawyers in her community.

She is known to offer advice on ethical issues and to discreetly support colleagues struggling with personal difficulties.

Ms. Shamess received her LL.B. from the University of Ottawa (1977).

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