Celebrating commitment - 2025 Volunteer Awards

Montreal, May 27, 2025 - On May 21, at the Annual General Meeting held at the Quebec Court of Appeal, the Young Bar of Montreal (JBM) had the honour of recognizing the exceptional commitment of its volunteer members by presenting the 2024-2025 Volunteer Awards.

This annual recognition aims to spotlight those whose involvement contributes directly to the influence and success of our many projects. Thanks to their dedication, the JBM continues to evolve and serve the legal community with dynamism.

Here are this year's winners:

New Rookie Award 2024-2025

This award recognizes the remarkable commitment of a new volunteer who has quickly made a name for himself or herself.

Nominees :

• Malika Rougaibi, litigation lawyer with the Agence du Revenu du Québec, active on several committees, including the LRC.
• Me Ayoub Belhoucine, lawyer with the Autorité des marchés financiers, active member of the training committee
• Me Aminata Ba, partner at DTB Avocats, involved in several committees, including training

Winner: Me Malika Rougaibi
Her exemplary commitment, rigor and energy were unanimously praised.

Continuing Commitment Award 2024-2025

This award recognizes a volunteer whose consistent involvement over time has had a lasting impact on the JBM.

Nominees :

• Frédérik Bergeron, lawyer with Deloitte, involved with the CTI committee
• Nadim Farès, lawyer with AENQ-CSQ, active contributor to the LRC and the student-lawyer twinning program
• Me Emmanuelle Lacoste, Legal Counsel, Business Law, CBC/Radio-Canada

Winner: Me Nadim Farès
A pillar of the JBM whose ongoing commitment inspires our entire community.

Prices for pro bono services 2024-2025

This award recognizes outstanding contribution to access to justice through pro bono volunteerism.

Nominees :

• Sarah Li Grondin, lawyer at Stikeman Elliott, involved in our pro bono services
• Francis Azar, lawyer at Trans-Canada Capital, also involved in our pro bono initiatives
• Me Roy Ghanem, lawyer-analyst with the Fonds d'assurance responsabilité professionnelle du Barreau du Québec, recognized for his ongoing involvement in numerous editions of the Clinique juridique téléphonique.

Winner: Me Roy Ghanem
His generous and sustained commitment contributes concretely to improving access to justice for the most vulnerable.

Volunteer of the Year Award 2024-2025

This award recognizes the exceptional commitment of a volunteer whose contribution has left its mark on the year.

Nominees :

• Dario Hajjar, founding lawyer of Services Kazuko s.a., has been involved since 2020 in numerous committees (training, CIM, CTI, CRL, pro bono, events) and in several editions of the Clinique juridique téléphonique. A passionate entrepreneur, he actively supports the JBM, notably through sponsorships and the encouragement of his team.
• Me Ousmane Diagne, a lawyer with Gaucher Ross Avocats, has distinguished himself through his many commitments, notably on the events, training and pro bono committees. Since his studies, he has demonstrated a strong spirit of service, which he continues today by giving back to the legal community.
• Me Inès Maarouf, lawyer at Deloitte, member of the Bar since 2023, involved in the CTI committee, notably for Legal IT and Legal IT X. She contributes to legal innovation within the JBM.

Winner: Me Dario Hajjar
A model of involvement and leadership, Mr. Hajjar stands out for his dedication and generosity. The JBM is proud to be able to count on him!

A huge thank you to all our volunteers! Your involvement is the cornerstone of the JBM's projects. Thanks to you, our mission comes to life every day.

We would also like to thank our partner ZSA, proud presenter of these awards, for its invaluable support.