I am truly honoured, humbed and so proud to have been elected as one of the new Board Members of NARPA – the National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy, at the annual conference in Hartford Connecticut this weekend. I cannot wait to get started on the work of the Board and linking Canada to the incredible network of lawyers, clients and other advocates in the U. S. who work tirelessly and with such creativity for the rights of those experiencing emotional crises or mental health issues. I am rolling up my sleeves, ready to watch, learn and contribute. Grateful to the Board for their confidence in me. I hope not to disappoint. Looking forward to a great three years ahead.
• Called to the Bar (1992)
• U of T Law grad (1990)
• Sole practitioner (33 years)
• Partner in small law firm (Hiltz Szigeti) 2002 - 2013
• Mom to two astonishing kids, Scarlett (20+) and Sebastian (20-)
• (Founding) Chair of Mental Health Legal Committee for ten years (1997 to 2007)
* Founding President of Law and Mental Disorder Association - LAMDA since 2017
* Founder and Secretary to Women in Canadian Criminal Defence - WiCCD - since 2022
• Counsel to clients with serious mental health issues before administrative tribunals and on appeals
• Former Chair, current member of LAO’s mental health law advisory committee
• Educator, lecturer, widely published author (including 5 text books on consent and capacity law, Canadian civil mental health law, the criminal law of mental disorder, a law school casebook and a massive Anthology on all things mental health and the law)
• Thirty+ years’ experience as counsel to almost exclusively legally aided clients
• Frequently appointed amicus curiae
• Fearless advocate
• Not entirely humourless
anitaszigeti 