TORONTO, ONTARIO – March 3, 2026 – Oatley Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers LLP is proud to announce that Co-Managing Partner Troy Lehman has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL).
The formal induction took place during the College’s 2026 Spring Meeting in La Quinta, California. Troy joins an elite group of North American advocates recognized for their exceptional courtroom skill and professional ethics.
Key Takeaways
- Troy Lehman, Co-Managing Partner of Oatley Vigmond, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) during the organization’s 2026 Spring Meeting.
- ACTL Fellowship is an invitation-only distinction awarded to trial lawyers who demonstrate exceptional advocacy skills, professionalism, and ethical standards.
- Membership in the ACTL is highly selective and limited to no more than 1% of the lawyer population in any state or province.
- Candidates undergo a rigorous confidential review process that examines their reputation among judges, peers, and opposing counsel.
- Troy Lehman has spent more than 25 years representing individuals and families in complex catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice litigation.
- The induction reflects recognition from one of North America’s most respected trial advocacy organizations and highlights a commitment to high standards of courtroom advocacy.
A Mark of Distinction in the Legal Profession
Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is widely considered the premier professional trial organization in North America. Fellowship is extended by invitation only to those who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and civility.
Key Requirements for ACTL Fellowship:
- Minimum 15 years of trial experience.
- Limited to no more than 1% of the total lawyer population in any state or province.
- A rigorous, year-long confidential investigation into the lawyer’s reputation among judges and opposing counsel.
Leading Ontario’s Most Complex Injury Cases
As Co-Managing Partner of Oatley Vigmond, Troy Lehman has dedicated over 25 years to representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. His practice focuses on the most complex cases in the civil justice system, including:
A graduate of Western University’s Faculty of Law, Troy is also the co-author of the definitive trial text, Addressing the Jury (LexisNexis). His induction into the ACTL reinforces Oatley Vigmond’s position as a leader in Ontario trial advocacy, ensuring that catastrophically injured clients have access to the highest level of courtroom representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American College of Trial Lawyers?
The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) is one of North America’s most respected professional organizations for trial lawyers. Founded in 1950, the organization is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice. Fellowship is granted by invitation only and is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill in advocacy and a sustained commitment to professional excellence. Membership includes accomplished trial lawyers from both Canada and the United States who have earned recognition from their peers and the judiciary.
What does it mean to be inducted as an ACTL Fellow?
Being inducted as an ACTL Fellow means a lawyer has been recognized by one of the most prestigious trial advocacy organizations in North America. Fellowship is not obtained through an application process. Instead, lawyers are invited after meeting strict eligibility requirements and successfully completing a thorough evaluation process. The distinction recognizes both courtroom ability and professional integrity. According to the article, Fellows are selected based on their mastery of advocacy, ethical conduct, professionalism, and civility throughout their careers.
How selective is ACTL Fellowship?
ACTL Fellowship is extremely selective. The organization limits membership to no more than 1% of the lawyer population in any state or province. In addition to meeting experience requirements, candidates are subject to a detailed confidential investigation into their professional reputation. Judges, opposing counsel, and colleagues may all be considered during the review process. Because of these requirements, Fellowship is regarded as one of the highest honours available to a trial lawyer in Canada and the United States.
What qualifications are required to become an ACTL Fellow?
The article notes several key requirements for Fellowship. Candidates must have at least 15 years of trial experience and must demonstrate a high level of skill in courtroom advocacy. They are also subject to a rigorous investigation that examines their professional reputation and ethical standing. The review process focuses on qualities such as competence, professionalism, integrity, and civility. Only lawyers who satisfy these demanding standards may be invited to join the College.
Why is professional reputation important for trial lawyers?
A trial lawyer’s reputation can influence many aspects of a case, including negotiations, court proceedings, and interactions with opposing counsel. The ACTL places significant emphasis on professional ethics and reputation because these qualities are fundamental to the administration of justice. According to the article, Fellowship recognizes lawyers whose careers have been marked by professionalism, civility, and ethical conduct. These qualities help build trust with clients, courts, and other participants in the legal system.
What types of cases does Troy Lehman handle?
According to the article, Troy Lehman’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. His work includes cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle accidents. These cases often involve significant injuries, extensive medical evidence, and complex legal issues. Over more than 25 years of practice, he has represented individuals and families facing some of the most serious challenges within Ontario’s civil justice system.
Why might ACTL Fellowship matter to personal injury clients?
For individuals dealing with serious injuries, the experience, reputation, and advocacy skills of their legal team can be important considerations. The article notes that ACTL Fellows are recognized for their courtroom abilities and ethical standards. For someone pursuing a complex personal injury claim in Toronto or elsewhere in Ontario, recognition from a respected trial organization may provide additional confidence in a lawyer’s experience handling challenging litigation. However, every legal matter is unique and results always depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
How does the ACTL evaluate a lawyer’s professional standing?
The ACTL conducts a lengthy and confidential review process before extending an invitation to Fellowship. According to the article, the investigation examines the lawyer’s reputation among judges, opposing counsel, and other legal professionals. The process evaluates factors such as advocacy skills, ethical conduct, professionalism, and civility. This review is intended to ensure that only lawyers who meet the organization’s exceptionally high standards are admitted as Fellows.
What is Troy Lehman’s connection to legal education and advocacy?
In addition to his litigation practice, the article notes that Troy Lehman is a graduate of Western University’s Faculty of Law and co-author of Addressing the Jury (LexisNexis). The publication is described as a leading trial advocacy text. His involvement in legal education and trial advocacy reflects a broader contribution to the profession beyond representing clients in court. These accomplishments formed part of the professional background highlighted in connection with his ACTL induction.
Why is trial advocacy particularly important in catastrophic injury cases?
Catastrophic injury cases often involve complex medical evidence, significant future care needs, and substantial legal issues. These cases may require extensive preparation, expert testimony, and skilled courtroom advocacy. For families in communities such as Barrie, Vaughan, or throughout the Greater Toronto Area facing life-changing injuries, effective advocacy can be an important part of presenting evidence and advancing their claim through the legal process. The article highlights Troy Lehman’s experience handling these types of complex matters as part of the recognition associated with his ACTL Fellowship.
Oatley Vigmond
Oatley Vigmond is a leading Ontario personal injury law firm with a long-standing focus on representing people seriously injured due to negligence. The firm is known for its work in complex injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and wrongful death claims.
Troy Lehman joined Oatley Vigmond in 2006 and became a partner in 2010. As a personal injury lawyer, his greatest satisfaction comes from helping people through to the other side of a difficult time in their lives. “We’re here to help and relieve stress,” Troy says. “When I walk into a first meeting with a client, people are often scared and anxious. And for me, the best thing that can happen at the end of the meeting is that they say, ‘I feel so much better.’