From the Fall 2007 issue of Nexus.
A 1970 graduate of the U of T Facuty of Law, and long-time commercial and real estate partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Paul Ginou passed away peacefully at home, on April 7, 2007. In memory of his 34 years of dedicated service, friends and colleagues at Fraser Milner have established a student financial aid bursary at the U of T Faculty of Law.
"Paul was a friend, colleague and mentor, as well as a respected teacher and trusted partner within the firm," said Chris Pinnington, managing partner at Fraser Milner. "He was a family man who never missed a family birthday, and a colleague who always provided exemplary and diligent service to his clients and colleagues."
It was this commitment to family and work-life balance that made Ginou stand out as "ahead of his time" recalls Pinnington. "One of the greatest challenges confronting the legal profession today is the understandable and compelling quest for work-life balance. Paul was committed to helping younger lawyers strive for the same healthy equilibrium he found so important to his own life. He was always willing to pitch in and help others - even if it involved passing work back up the ladder," he says.
Throughout his career Ginou was also committed to the broader community and to incorporating pro bono work into his practice. He was instrumental in navigating the Dorothy Ley Hospice through the permit and building process for their new 220,000 square foot residence for terminally ill patients in Etobicoke, and served as the President of the organization for eight years. He was also active on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association in the cause of supportive housing. "Again, Paul was ahead of his time in the Canadian legal profession," says Pinnington. "Toronto firms are just now awakening to the need and desire for more comprehensive and formal firm-sponsored commitments to pro bono service - and to giving more back to our communities. Paul always applied his skills in real estate and developmental law for the greater good," he adds.
The Paul Ginou Bursary was established by Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP in honour of a friend and colleague who touched all members of the firm with his energy and enthusiasm. The annual award will be given to an upper-year student who displays financial need and a commitment to pro bono work - in honour of Paul Ginou's memory and generous spirit.
