News & Events

KCLA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The KCLA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the offices of Robins, Appleby & Taub LLP.

The 2011 KCLA executive committee provided a summary of events and finances for 2011.

An election was then be held for the 2012 executive committee. Congratulations to the new 2012 KCLA Executive Committee: Jina Lee, John J.S. Park, Melissa Kim, Regina Lee and Rosa Yi.

END OF THE YEAR DINNER

The KCLA held its End of the Year Dinner at Arisu (584 Bloor Street West) on December 2, 2011. We would like to thank our members for your continued support this past year.

In addition, the executive committee is grateful to all the members and volunteers who helped make our 2011 events a success. We look forward to growing the organization and continuing to make a meaningful contribution to the Korean legal profession and to the Korean-Canadian community as a whole.

JULIA SHIN DOI

The KCLA would like to congratulate Julia Shin Doi on her recent appointment as general counsel and secretary of the Ryerson Board of Governors.

Julia is a co-founder of the KCLA. We wish her all the best in her new position.

KCLA LEGAL FORUM

The KCLA was pleased to participate in a Legal Forum in cooperation with the KCWA and Family Services on September 8, 2011. The Legal Forum was held at the North York Civic Centre (Council Chamber Room) at 6:00 pm.

The Legal Forum consisted of a presentation on three topics: (1) Criminal Law by John J.S. Park; (2) Civil Law by Jae-Yon Jung; and (3) Landlord and Tenant Law by Robert Choi.

This was then followed by one-on-one consultation sessions with members of the Korean Canadian community from 7:15 pm to 8:20 pm. The KCLA would like to thank the following individuals for volunteering: Irene Kim, Jae-Yon Jung, John J.S. Park, Jonathan Park, Katherine Yang, Robert Choi, Sharon Seung, Terence Lee, and Walter Kim.

SENATOR PAULL SHIN

The KCLA was pleased to host a dinner on Sunday, September 4, 2011 with Senator Paull Shin.

Senator Shin grew up in Korea. He was orphaned at the age of 4 and grew up uneducated and begging on the streets of Seoul. He was eventually adopted by an American soldier named Ray Paull during the Korean War at the age of 19. He went to America with his new family and completed his GED in 18 months. He then went on to attend Brigham Young University where he obtained his Bachelor's degree, the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained an MPIA, and the University of Washington where he obtained his Master's degree and PhD.

Paull Shin was then elected to the House or Representatives in 1993 and then the State Senate in 1999. For more details please visit: http://www.sdc.wa.gov/senators/shin/

KCLA CELEBRATE SUMMER EVENT

The KCLA held a social event on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at the Screen Lounge. Members and friends met on a rooftop patio to enjoy food, drinks and the last days of summer.

PARK & JUNG LLP

The KCLA would like to congratulate Simon Park and Jikwon Jung on the opening of their new legal practice.

Simon Park has been a long time member of the KCLA and has served on the Executive Committee since 2009. He has been the driving force behind many KCLA initiatives, including the implementation of the KCLA Mentorship program. Simon practices exclusively in the area of criminal law.

Jikwon Jung has been a supporter of the KCLA and has volunteered at many events including Legal Clinics and Community Forums. Jikwon focuses his practice on personal injury law.

Members of the KCLA were pleased to attend the launch of their new practice on August 4, 2011.

For more information, please visit their website at: parkandjung.com

TERENCE LEE

The KCLA would like to congratulate Terence Lee on the opening of his new real estate practice.

Terence has been a long time member and supporter of the KCLA and we were pleased to attend the launch of his new practice on July 6, 2011.

For more information, please visit: www.relaw.ca

KCLA Spring Pub Night

The KCLA hosted a member's Pub Night at the Bedford Academy on Thursday, May 12, 2011.

Members were able to welcome the spring weather, relax, and discuss the future direction of the KCLA.

KCSF SCHOLARSHIP GALA 2011

The Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation held their annual fundraising gala at The Liberty Grand (Centennial Room) on April 2, 2011 at 6:00 pm.

The KCSF was established in 1978 and since that time has awarded more than 550 scholarships. In addition to its original goal of awarding scholarships, the KCSF has expanded to support a variety of programs such as leadership training, career conferences, mentorship programs, internship programs and university youth group assistance programs. In addition to supporting academic excellence, the KCSF strives to make a difference in the Korean Community here in Canada.

The evening was hosted by comedian John Ki and the keynote speaker was Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The KCLA was pleased to organize a table for this event.

KCWA ARIRANG GALA

The KCLA was pleased to support the Korean Canadian Women's Association Family and Social Services by attending their Arirang Gala.

The KCWA Family and Social Services is a non-profit organization established in 1985 by a group of women who were concerned with women and family issues. Their mission is to "empower vulnerable members of the community-at-large to live free from violence, poverty and inequity through the provision of culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services for the purpose of enhancing the well-being of immigrant families and promoting their successful integration into Canadian society.

The event was held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Le Parc Convention & Banquet Centres.

KCLA 2011 KICK OFF EVENT

The KCLA hosted its 2011 Kick Off Event on March 3, 2011 at Fire on the East Side. It was an opportunity to meet new colleagues, to reconnect with old friends and to hear the proposed agenda for 2011.

The KCLA is a source for business networking, career enhancement, and community development opportunities. We invite you to consider joining or renewing your membership with the KCLA. Details can be found on the membership application. The membership application form can be found in the Join Us section of this website.

KLSA STUDENT CONFERENCE

The KCLA was pleased to support the Korean Law Students Association by participating in their annual student conference as panellists and providing a donation. The conference brings law students and lawyers together, providing an opportunity to meet and discuss career paths, developments in law, and ways in which we can contribute to the Asian-Canadian community.

The KCLA would like to thank the following members for participating: Gina You, Jacqueline An, John J.S Park, Melissa Kim, Simon Park, Walter Kim, Yeon-Tae Kim, and Yu-Sung Soh.

The event was held on February 26, 2011 at the OBA Conference Centre.

KCLA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The KCLA held its 2011 Annual General Meeting at the new offices of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP in the Bay Adelaide Centre on Friday, January 7, 2011. Food and drinks were provided courtesy of the Fasken Asia Pacific Practice Group.

The 2010 Executive Committee provided a summary of events and finances for 2010. The KCLA would like to thank the members of the 2010 Executive Committee for all their work and dedication in making 2010 a successful year for the organization.

Elections were then held for the 2011 Executive Committee. Congratulations to: Jae-Yon Jung, John J.S. Park, Melissa Kim, Sharon Seung, Simon Park and Walter Kim.

Thank you to everyone who attended and voted. After the AGM, the evening continued at the beerbistro.

2010 KCLA HOLIDAY DINNER

The KCLA was pleased to host a year end holiday dinner to show our appreciation for your continued support. The dinner was held at 7Numbers on Thursday, November 25, 2010.

2010 has been a productive year, and the executive committee is grateful to all the members and volunteers who helped make it a success. Please view the News & Events section of this website for a list of this year's events.

KCLA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

The KCLA has officially launched its Mentorship Program!

A launch event was hosted by the Korean Consulate on Friday, November 5, 2010. The Mentorship Program Committee consists of: Eugene Kim, Jae Yon Jung, Jamie Yoon, Pamela Shin, Sally Lee, Simon Park, Tae Mee Park.

KCLA LEGAL CLINIC

The KCLA was pleased to host its third Legal Clinic for 2010 in cooperation with the Korean Canadian Women's Association Family and Social Services on October 21, 2010. The Legal Clinic was held at the KCWA offices on 27 Madison Avenue.

The KCLA would like to thank Sang Joon Bae for his presentation on "Your legal rights in a car accident" and Jonathan Park for his presentation on "Your rights as a Consumer".

After the presentations, a one-on-one consultation session was held with various members of the Korean-Canadian community. The KCLA would like to thank: Janet Jin, Monica Lee, Robert Choi, Simon Park, Tina Chun Langford and Walter Kim for participating in the consultation sessions.

In addition, we would like to thank the following members of the Korean Law Student's Association for providing translation services: Andrew Park, Jonathan Park and Nara Moon.

KCLA NEWS (SEPTEMBER 2010)

Welcome to the second edition of the KCLA Newsletter.

Please click here to view a copy of our September 2010 edition.

KCLA LEGAL CLINIC

The KCLA was pleased to host its second Legal Clinic for 2010 in cooperation with the KCWA on August 18. The Legal Clinic was held at the KCWA offices on 27 Madison Avenue from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Legal Clinic had a presentation on two topics: (1) How to file a claim in small claims court; and (2) Residential real estate. This was followed by one-on-one consultation sessions with KCLA members.

The KCLA would like to thank the following volunteers: Ayla (AhYoung) Kim, Jae-Yon Jung, Janet Jin, Jin Hui Han, Jonathan Park, John Lee, Robert Choi, Sang Joon Bae, Simon Park, Soohyun Nam, Tina Chun, and Walter Kim.

KCLA SUMMER FETE

The KCLA was pleased to host a summer fete at Origin, the exciting new restaurant from acclaimed Chef Claudio Aprile, the Chef/Co-owner of Colborne Lane (click here for restaurant review). It is located at 107 King Street East and the event was held on July 28, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

2010 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF KOREAN LAWYERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The International Association of Korean Lawyers hosted their 18th Annual Conference from September 23-26, 2010 at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago, Illinois.

The IAKL is an organization that brings together lawyers in Korea and lawyers of Korean descent. It was founded in 1988 and holds annual conferences that have attracted lawyers, judges, law professors, and students from throughout Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Japan, Korean, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore and the United States.

For more information on the IAKL, please visit their website at: www.iakl.us

8th ANNUAL HONG FOOK GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Hong Fook Mental Health Association hosted their 8th Annual Hong Fook Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the Station Creek Golf Course.

Hong Fook was established in 1982 to address the mental health concerns in the East & Southeast Asian communities.

It currently works with the Korean, Cambodian, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities. Its aim is to help people with linguistic and cultural barriers to gain access to mental health services. They provide counseling, case management, assessment, consultation, advocacy, psycho-educational workshops and self help & mutual support groups, special English as a second language class, and housing services to community members with mental health problems and their families.

SONNY CHO

The KCLA does not endorse the Liberal Party, the Korean Canadian Liberal Association or Mr. Sonny Cho's campaign. The KCLA is generally supportive of Korean Canadians running for political office regardless of their political affiliation. The KCLA feels that it is important for Korean Canadians to participate in government and represent our community.

Sonny Cho is a Korean Canadian running as a candidate for Toronto City Councillor (Willowdale, Ward 24). He came to Canada at the age of 13 and has lived in Toronto for the past 37 years.

He was the 2009 President of the Korean Canadian Liberal Association and has been actively involved with the Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association.

A fundraising dinner for his campaign was held on June 5, 2010 at the Crown Prince Fine Dining and Banquet (3600 Victoria Park Avenue).

For further details, please visit www.sonnycho.ca

HONG FOOK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Hong Fook Mental Health Association was established in 1982 to address the mental health concerns in the East & Southeast Asian communities.

Their Annual Gala was held on June 12, 2010 at the Hilton Suites Hotel (8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, Ontario).

ILLUMINATE 2010

The KCLA was pleased to support HanVoice by attending their Illuminate 2010 Gala.

HanVoice is a human rights organization established in 2007 dedicated to ending the plight of North Korean refugees in China. Starting with a small group of three Korean Canadian lawyers (Jack Park, Simon Park, and Sylvia Seo), HanVoice has grown into an organization with hundreds of members. In addition to its awareness campaign, HanVoice is currently preparing a sponsorship program to bring North Korean refugees to Canada.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Kim Youngsoon. For a description of her story, please see Peter Goodspeed's article 'Speaking Against Dear Father', National Post article published on June 12, 2010 (click here).

For a more general overview of the recent hardships faced by North Koreans please read Sharon LaFraniere's article 'Views Show How North Korea Policy Spread Misery', New York Times article published on June 9, 2010 (click here).

KCLA NEWS (MAY 2010)

Welcome to the first modern edition of the KCLA Newsletter.

Please click here to view a copy of our May 2010 edition.

SPECIAL EVENING WITH SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE BAR

The KCLA hosted a Special Evening with Senior Members of the Bar on June 3, 2010. It was a unique opportunity for senior and junior lawyers to connect and for us to recognize the founders and early members of the KCLA.

The evening was initiated by Julia Shin Doi and graciously hosted by Won Kim (the two founders of the KCLA). The KCLA would also like to thank the following sponsors of this event:

Julia Shin Doi, Adjunct Professor Won Kim, Principal Tai Nahm, Partner

York University Kim Orr Barristers P.C. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Richard Wong, Partner Peter Choe, Partner Peter Hong, Partner

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Jason Park, Partner Jane Chung

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP Miller Thomson LLP

KCLA PUB NIGHT

The KCLA hosted a Pub Night at Pogue Mahone (777 Bay Street) on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

Lawyers were able to relax, meet, mix and mingle with old and new friends.

KCSF SCHOLARSHIP GALA 2010

The Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation held their annual fundraising gala at The Granite Club (2350 Bayview Avenue) on March 26, 2010.

The KCSF was established in 1978 and since that time has awarded more than 500 scholarships. In addition to its original goal of awarding scholarships, the KCSF has expanded to support a variety of programs such as leadership training, career conferences, mentorship programs, internship programs and university youth group assistance programs.

ONTARIO JUSTICE EDUCATION NETWORK

The Ontario Justice Education Network (www.ojen.ca) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting public understanding, education and dialogue to support a responsive and inclusive justice system. As part of this mandate, OJEN carries out programming for newcomer youth in order to address the barriers to full civic participation as experienced by many immigrants

As children of immigrants, or as newcomers ourselves, the OJEN invites you to participate in OJEN's programming. They are currently seeking volunteers to facilitate workshops which teach newcomer youth about the basics of Canadian law and/or to judge mock trials.

Having volunteer lawyers from culturally diverse backgrounds is often an inspiration for these newcomer youth and helps to support an inclusive justice system which takes different cultural perspectives into account. Currently OJEN is working closely with ESL classes from across the city but they hope to expand their network to include community organizations and to eventually reach out specifically to Korean youth.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Syliva Seo at sseo@ojen.ca.

KCLA LEGAL CLINIC

The KCLA hosted a Legal Clinic on April 22, 2010 at 339 Bloor Street West from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The KCLA provided a presentation to the Korean Canadian Community on Civil Litigation followed by consultation sessions to provide general legal information to members of the Korean Canadian Community.

The KCLA would like to thank the lawyers who participated: Jae-Yon Jung, Philip Cho, Robert Choi, Sang Joon Bae, Simon Park, Tina Chun and Walter Kim. We would also like to thank the KCWA for organizing the clinic.

KCLA 2010 KICK OFF EVENT

The KCLA hosted it's Kick Off Event at The Queen and Beaver Pub on March 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

The Executive Committee presented their proposed agenda for 2010.

KLSA STUDENT CONFERENCE

The KCLA was pleased to support the Korean Law Students Association by participating in their annual student conference and providing a donation.

The event was held on February 27, 2010 at the OBA Conference Centre.

KCWA ARIRANG GALA

The KCLA was pleased to support the Korean Canadian Women's Association by attending their Arirang Gala.

The KCWA Family and Social Services is a non-profit organization established in 1985 by a group of women who were concerned with women and family issues. Their mission is to “empower vulnerable members of the community-at-large to live free from violence, poverty and inequity through the provision of culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services for the purpose of enhancing the well-being of immigrant families and promoting their successful integration into Canadian society.

The event was held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Sheraton Richmond Hotel.

KCLA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The KCLA held its AGM in the boardroom of Fasken Martineau on January 22, 2010.

The 2009 Executive Committee Members summarized the past years events and presented the finances. The members then elected the 2010 Executive Committee. Congratulations to Gloria Song, Janet Jin, Sang Joon Bae, Simon Park, Tina Chun and Walter Kim.

After the AGM, the evening continued at Swish by Han.

Korean Canadian Lawyers Association