Canadian Lawyer

22 M A R C H 2 0 1 6 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m ichard McLaren has begun the new year on a high note with the recent release of the Inde- pendent Commission's sec- ond report — led by McLaren and two others commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency — which has sin- gle-handedly changed the sporting world. "When you make rec- ommendations and within five days the entire sports world has done a 360-degree change and implemented every single rec- ommendation, that is a pretty high note," says McLaren. Just a few weeks before that, the Lon- don, Ont.-based Western University law professor, world-renowned sports arbitra- tor, and commercial litigator with McK- enzie Lake Lawyers LLP was named to the Order of Canada. The days following the release of the report have been hectic and McLaren seems to be in a constant game of catch-up. In its findings, the Independent Commis- sion discovered behaviour at the Interna- tional Association of Athletics Federations that began with breaches of anti-doping rules and extended to criminal acts of con- spiracy, corruption, and bribery within the organization's leadership. "When you do these things and you travel all over the world it's just a pain in the neck," he says. Spending 15 hours flying each way to the Independent Commission news confer- ence in Munich, Germany was stressful and tiring, he says. "You have to have some stamina in the work I do." McLaren's work ethic and dedication is admirable and underscores his recent naming as an Officer of the Order of Can- ada for his contribution to sports law and arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, and legal education as an internationally renowned lawyer and professor. "It was a completely unexpected honour and I am absolutely thrilled," says McLaren. Canadian lawyer, author, and former president of WADA Dick Pound — who also investigated the doping scandal with McLaren — says McLaren is a world lead- er in sports arbitration. The recognition by Canada along with the rest of the world speaks to the fact that McLaren has good judgment and a wealth of experience. "All around the world there are people who have heard of this Canadian," says Pound. C R O S S E X A M I N E D On a high note Final anti-doping report, with every Final anti-doping report, with every recommendation implemented, comes recommendation implemented, comes weeks after Richard McLaren weeks after Richard McLaren is appointed to Order of Canada. is appointed to Order of Canada. By Anastasiya Jogal R

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