Gowling WLG is proud to share that Hamilton partner Louis (Lou) Frapporti has been named the 2025 recipient of the Ontario Bar Association's (OBA) David Scott, Q.C. Award for Pro Bono Law.
Presented annually, the award recognizes contributions and achievements by members of the OBA in the practice, promotion or enhancement of, or leadership in, pro bono legal services.
Lou is being honoured for his tireless efforts to improve access to justice, including his pivotal role in bringing the Paladin software platform to Ontario—a tool that helps legal teams deliver pro bono support more efficiently and effectively. The award will be presented to him at the OBA Annual Awards Gala on June 19, 2025.
"For the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens, access to competent legal services at a reasonable price is increasingly elusive," said Lou in an interview with the Law Times. "As with so many other vexing societal problems, innovative approaches and partnerships hold enormous promise in addressing these issues. I'm privileged to be one of many working to bring innovation to the world of pro bono law and am deeply honoured to be recognized for this effort by the Ontario Bar Association."
"Lou has invested considerable time advancing pro bono work, including championing the adoption of Paladin in Ontario," said Pam Vermeersch, managing partner of Gowling WLG's Hamilton office. "This recognition is a testament to Lou's leadership and a powerful reminder of the profession's potential to drive meaningful change."
Gowling WLG congratulates Lou on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for his continued dedication to improving access to justice. The firm also extends its congratulations to all of this year's OBA award recipients—view the full list of honourees here.