Meet Dianne

Dr. Dianne Saxe is one of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers, according to Best of the Best, 2008 (the latest edition). Certified Specialist in Environmental Law, Ph.D. in Law. Heads an experienced, effective and practical environmental law firm boutique. Widely published and respected:

Thank you, Dianne, for speaking to the OBA. You were, as always, compelling, thorough and succint.  You deserve the very high regard in which you’re held and we appreciate  your generosity.

A lawyers’ lawyer. 34 years practical experience. Listed as one of the top environmental practitioners in Toronto and Ontario by Lexpert, as “highly qualified” by Martindale-Hubbell and as one of the world’s leading environmental lawyers by several international rating services.

Civil, criminal and administrative environmental litigation, opinions and advice (including claims against lawyers and engineers for professional negligence). Core practice areas: brownfields, due diligence, compliance, enforcement, renewable energy approvals, source protection, environmental assessment, ISO 14000, approvals and climate change. Regularly consulted by governments, business, individuals and environmental groups, relied upon by corporate counsel and general practitioners.

Tributes to Dianne on the occasion of her Distinguished Service Award:

• I’ve always supported you as one of the most innovative lawyers in Canada.  Not just in terms of enviro law. You are a treasure.
• What more can I say?  Few are so deserving.
• Over the years, I learned that you were competent, fair, knowledgeable, poignant and caring. These are not easily recognized attributes of your typical lawyer. You are a true professional and serve your profession with honor and dignity to the highest standards.
• It was always a pleasure to serve with you in the past, and to receive your insights, expertise and guidance … The OBA Award, like others on your wall, reflect not only your dedication and expertise but the esteem held by peers and many others of your valued contributions to conserving, improving and better managing our environment.
• You have done more for environmental law than any other lawyer in Canada!

Honoured member of City of Toronto External Panel on Climate Change Risk Management.

Certified as a Specialist in Environmental Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada. Ph.D. in Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1991. Ontario Bar, 1976. LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, 1974. A certified, experienced mediator. Former senior legal counsel, Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Head of her own law firm since 1991.

Author of Ontario’s standard environmental law reference, Ontario Environmental Protection Act Annotated, plus award-winning columns in Hazardous Materials Management and Municipal World and numerous articles, chapters, and texts, including:

• Contaminated Land, a study for the Law Reform Commission of Canada
• Buyer’s Guide to Contaminated Land
• Environmental Offences: Corporate Responsibility and Executive Liability
• Environmental Protection Legislation – Guidance & Recommendations for Boardroom Practice

Substantial pro bono commitments, including Director, Evergreen, Pollution Probe and Windshare. Long time volunteer for Algonquin Ecowatch. Public Affairs liaison: Ontario Bar Association, Environmental Law Section Executive. Member: Investment Committee for the $3M OBA portfolio; Strategic Steering Committee on the Environment, multi-stakeholder advisory committees for ISO 14000 and Canadian voluntary environmental standards. Founding member: Environmental Specialist Certification Committee, Law Society of Upper Canada. Life Member: Bruce Trail Conservancy.

When she’s lucky, Dianne gets a little time away from work. She’s the proud wife of Stewart Saxe and mother of Rebecca Saxe, David Saxe, and Shoshanna Saxe. And she loves to go to the wild and beautiful places of the world, preferably by paddle or pedal: