The Professionalism Panel Updated

Andrew was called to the Bar in 2009 and is a partner with MBC Law. He practices civil litigation with a focus on construction law, bankruptcy and insolvency law, and general civil litigation matters. Andrew's construction law practice includes construction liens, delay and impact claims, contractual disputes, bond claims, trust claims, and deficiency claims. Andrew regularly represents suppliers, subtrades, general contractors, construction managers, and owners. With the recent changes to the Construction Act, you will often find him guest lecturing at the Ottawa Construction Association. As part of Andrew's bankruptcy and insolvency practice, he represents creditors, debtors, and trustees in bankruptcy. His general litigation experience also includes property disputes, contractual disputes, and employment matters. Andrew is constantly adjudicating disputes between his two young children with varying levels of success.

Kelly McDermott is a senior solicitor at the Regional Municipality of Durham specializing in labour and employment law. She has been practicing in labour law for 17 years, and, in addition to her in-house municipal practice, she has practiced at both national and boutique firms on both sides of the bar. She has volunteered on various boards of directors and committees including the Durham Legal Aid Clinic, Durham Region Law Association, Grandview Kids, and the Emergency Services Steering Committee. Kelly has been involved with the OBA and on the association’s Board of Directors and Council in various capacities for many years. She became OBA president in March of 2023 and is focusing her mandate on creating reliable, accessible support networks to assist lawyers facing challenges and changes in their careers and lives. In her own words: she wants to ensure that every member who needs support when life shows up will turn to the OBA and find exactly what they need to endure, adapt and thrive. Kelly was a MS Ambassador for MS Society of Canada representing Ontario and Nunavut. Finally, and most importantly, she is a mom of two and an avid runner.