Ann Schweighofer awarded 2023 Sidney B. Linden Access to Justice Award

Published: April 10, 2024

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is pleased to announce that Ann Schweighofer is the 2023 recipient of the Sidney B. Linden Access to Justice Award, which is given each year to an exceptional individual who has demonstrated a commitment to access to justice for low-income Ontarians.

Ann, a former office manager at the Rexdale Community Legal Clinic, is known for her devotion to clients and her work ethic among colleagues. The clinic offers free legal services to low-income residents in North Etobicoke.

“Being the recipient of this award is very humbling. I am so grateful for the amazing people I have worked with through the years, and very proud to support the important work that legal clinics do,” Ann said after the award was announced.

Ann joined the clinic, in 1982, after working at an Etobicoke hospital for several years. Ivana Petricone, a former Executive Director at the clinic, recalled Ann’s transformation from a “shy, young legal assistant” to becoming the clinic’s “beating heart.”

Ann “has enriched the clinic system in Ontario with her empathy and respect for all the clients, her profound understanding of what it takes to deliver justice for the disadvantaged, the precision and eloquence of her writing, and her flawless administrative support,” Ivana said.

Yodit Edemariam, director of Legal Services at the Rexdale Community Legal Clinic, and Tameka Francis, director of Administration at Rexdale Community Legal Clinic, nominated Ann.

In a joint nomination letter, Yodit and Tameka praised Ann’s work ethic and collegiality.

“Ann is unwaveringly client-centered. She cares profoundly not only about the well-being of the community members but is also committed to the ideal that they deserve only the highest quality legal services,” their nomination letter read.

“She helps to bring people together in an understated and friendly way, sharing highlights of her work day or amusing stories from her life. She can take a joke and also loves to poke fun. Her humour is a key way she invites new staff members into the team — making them feel seen, supported and included.”

Colleagues describe Ann as a team player who contributed to strategic planning, budgeting and hiring decisions. Outside of work, Ann also participated in the planning of community events that promoted health and community development in North Etobicoke. On many weekends, Ann often volunteered at clinic events and conferences.

The award announcement coincided with Ann’s recent retirement, after what she said was a deeply rewarding career at the clinic.

In retirement, Ann said she looks forward to travelling and getting together with friends. But she won’t stop working entirely. She has accepted a part-time administrative support role at the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario.