Antoine L. Collins

Ottawa Chapter President, Antoine L. Collins has practiced law in the United States and Canada over the past 19 years. After graduating in 2002 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, his career began as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Baltimore City’s States Attorney’s Office. There, he prosecuted cases ranging from minor theft to felony child abuse and domestic violence. Subsequently, Antoine joined one of Baltimore’s top law firms, defending Workers’ Compensation cases. After moving to Canada, he was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011, thereafter, he ran a progressive and dynamic solo transactional practice focusing on Wills and Estates and Real Estate law. He is currently a Coordinating Member (Adjudicator/Manager) with the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. As an Adjudicator, he is charged with making well-reasoned decisions of applicants claiming refugee protection in Canada.

Additionally, Antoine is actively involved in the Ontario legal community. He sits as a Trustee for the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Foundation acting as Chair for the Foundations Chief Justice Fellowship in Legal Ethics and Professionalism Studies. Past Co-Chair of the OBA’s Institute, as well as past-member of the Governance, Professional Development, and Equality (Past-Chair) Committees of the OBA. As President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Antoine is committed to legal excellence and reinvesting in the community through a multitude of events that promote academic and professional excellence and the advancement of issues of equality and diversity among the bar and judiciary. He is a Trustee for the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA), and a volunteer for Pro Bono Ontario. Antoine also served as Adjunct Professor at Algonquin College, where he taught Evidence Law.

Outside of his legal career, Antoine has an extensive musical theatre resume along with independently releasing two full length jazz albums. His 2015 debut LP, Somewhere Along The Way, was recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel and features soulful, R&B-inspired takes on traditional standards. His 2018 follow up album “Nature Boy, The Music of Nat King Cole”, celebrates the legacy of a global cultural icon who left an indelible mark on jazz and popular song. Recreational cycling also helps Antoine ensure a healthy work-life balance.  Whether on the bike path, recording studio, concert hall, or advocating in the courtroom, Antoine exudes positive energy through his personality, style, warmth, and his continuing support for a more enlightened and inclusive community.