City Solicitor Honoured by Canadian Corporate Counsel Association

Today at Council, Mississauga City Solicitor, Mary Ellen Bench was honoured by the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA) with its Professional Contribution Award.

The award recognizes an individual or group who raises the profile of the CCCA in the professional community.

“I am proud to see Mary Ellen honoured with this prestigious award and recognized by her peers for her passion and dedication to her profession, said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.”

“This award reflects the professionalism and high standard of service Mary Ellen delivers and showcases Mississauga’s good fortune of having her as a trusted advisor to Council, senior leaders and City staff for the last 18 years. This honour is timely as Mary Ellen has recently announced she will be retiring from her position at the City of Mississauga in May.”

The award was presented by CCCA Chair, Daniel Bourque and Executive Director, Alexandra Chyczij.

“I am honoured by this recognition from the CCCA,” said City Solicitor, Mary Ellen Bench. “It is a privilege to work at the City of Mississauga and be part of the team that has shaped Mississauga into a modern urban centre.  Mississauga has always been a leader in the municipal sector and has provided me with opportunities to participate in the great work being done by Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and work with/ learn from in-house counsel across Canada.”

To learn more about the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and the Professional Contribution Award, visit www.ccca-accje.org.

Background

Bench was one of the first lawyers in Canada to be certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a specialist in Municipal Law. In 2008, she received the designation of Local Government Fellows from the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA). In 2012, she received the IMLA’s Bruce A. Noble Award. In 2015, she received the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) Tom Marshall Award of Excellence for Public Sector Lawyers. In 2016, she was presented with the Osgoode Hall Law School Gold Key Award in the Public Sector category and was named President of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA).