A lifetime of dedication helping and educating others to gain access to justice
Canadian lawyer working in the administration of justice for over 42 years since being called to the bar in April 1976
Write books sharing his vision of seeing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) differently
Practice an all-inclusive approach to ADR for 33 years since Sept 1985
Educate thousands of people from around the world
Raise public awareness on ADR through his 5 year, award-winning CHIN ADR radio shows
Create a collaborative framework for the membership to drive new content development
Timeline of Ernie the Attorney™
Ernest G. Tannis
Father of two wonderful, successful adults. Grandfather of three beautiful children. Lawyer, Solicitor, Chartered Mediator, Facilitator, Author, Educator, Public Speaker
EDUCATION
1996
Chartered Mediator
Grandfathered by ADR Institute of Canada
1985 to 1991
Attended 100's of Conferences and Workshops on Alternative Dispute Resolution
Went on a learning journey in search of dispute resolution OAFM Making a Difference Award options for people.
Mentor Gordon Henderson of Gowling Lafleur Henderson Law Firm invited Ernie to present his ADR findings in a Paper to the 1988 CCLA-County of Carleton Law Association Update Conference.
Feedback on Conference paper from colleagues around the world led to the publication of his book, “Alternative Dispute disputes Resolution That Works!”, 1989
1976
Called to the Bar of Ontario
Became a Barrister and Solicitor
Judge’s advice about practicing law, “Don’t be shy, do it all" inspired his legal career
Articled for Brian Karam
1974
Graduated from the University of Ottawa
Common Law Degree
Editor for the Universities Common Law Review
1971
Graduated from Carleton University
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Applied for Masters of Library Sciences but was denied
Two professors suggested applying to law school to bring his humanitarianism into law
Taught English Literature to 10 students with disabilities through grade 9, 10, 11
Met and befriended Rod Carpenter who lives with a severe quadriplegic disability
1967
Graduated Grade 13
With homors
Received prestigious Lisgar "L"
EXPERIENCE
2000 to Present
Ernest G. Tannis Professional Corporation
Private firm operating in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Over 40 years of experience in dispute resolution
2005 to 2010
ADR Show on CHIN Radio Ottawa
Created a weekly public education program on “ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution”
Produced 260 one-hour segments during 5 years with over 1,000 guests
Co-hosted shows with the late Gary Michaels, General Manager of CHIN Radio Ottawa
Enjoyed by listeners globally over the internet
2010
Published, "Is Everyone At The Table?"
Book subtitled “18 Life Lessons in Problem Solving”
Presents his real-life stories based on actual dispute interventions
Demonstrates the importance of values, perseverance, trust, humour and other principles dealing with everyday disagreements and disputes
Published, "Alternative Dispute Resolution That Works!"
The 20th Anniversary Edition of the pioneering ADR book in Canada, originally published in 1989
Kept groundbreaking 1989 research and ideas intact
Included a new Preface discussing ADR developments during the two decades since first published
2018 reformatted as a course
1994
Formed First "All-Discipline" ADR Firm in Ontario
1992
Resumed Law Practice
After a 5-year hiatus learning non-adversarial options for people to resolve disputes
Acted as Counsel to the law firm Sadik Fogarty Max
Explored and shared negotiation options learned during 100s of ADR conferences and workshops, etc.
Founded ADR Centre Canada Inc.
1990
Akwesasne Civil Strife (during Oka Crisis in Canada)
Conflict Resolution Consultant while Executive Director of CICR – Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution (Ottawa)
Invited by the Akwesasne Mohawk leadership
Guided community to establish successful mediation center for lasting peace, “Sken Nen Kowa”
1989
Published, "Alternative Dispute Resolution That Works!"
Surprised to learn his first book was also the first book published in Canada on ADR
Originated from his 1988 research paper to CCLA-Canadian Carleton Law Association Conference
For practitioners and the public to understand the options available to resolve disputes through creative solutions
Published ‘in tact’ in 2010, 20th Anniversary Edition
1988
Co-Founded CICR
Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution
Served as Executive Director for two years
Co-founded the Dispute Resolution Centre of Ottawa-Carleton in 1987–this led to the creation of CICR to advance conflict resolution research and training
1982 to 1985
Blaney Stapells McMurty Law Firm
Associate: Practised as a Barrister in civil and criminal law.
1981
Co-Founded Reach Canada
Originally “REACH” with Rod Carpenter and Lawrence Greenspon as co-founders
Established as a Canadian non-profit organisation to provide lawyer referral services and educational awareness seminars to people with disabilities
Reach Canada’s motto is: Equality and Justice for People with Disabilities
Ongoing involvement as Honourary Officer
1976 to 1981
Karam Tannis Greenspon Law Firm
Practiced as a Barrister and Solicitor in civil and criminal law
Was instrumental in the national precedent setting case on disability rights, regarding arranging a bank account, executable by thumbprint, for Rod Carpenter living with a severe quadriplegic disability