Archives of the Law Society of Ontario

Photograph of King Street in Toronto looking west with St. James' Cathedral. This photograph is part of a six‑image series capturing different sites in Toronto circa 1875.

Discharge of Sergeant John Molloy from the Royal Québec Volunteers, April 1838, signed by Colonel Baird. The Royal Quebec Volunteers were a loyalist militia raised to suppress the Rebellions of 1837–1838.

Following his discharge from the Volunteers, Molloy moved to Toronto. He served as Steward of the Law Society of Upper Canada from 1844 to 1875. As Steward, he was granted the responsibility to "take charge of Osgoode Hall," to assist the librarian during extended hours of service and to attend when lectures were in session.

Doors Open Toronto 2026 - May 23, 2026 to May 24, 2026

Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee.

Doors Open considers Toronto’s past and future, together. This year’s theme, “A world in a city,” highlights the histories, cultures and nations that continue to shape our city.

Address: 130 Queen Street West, Toronto ON (at University Avenue)

Dates: Saturday, May 23, noon to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) Sunday, May 24, noon to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)

Law Society printed receipt issued in 1828 to John Tenbroeck for the payment of the Law Society fee (about $200 in today's money). The receipt is signed by W.W. Baldwin, Treasurer.

'Definition of Law', handwritten by law student Eugene McDonald in August 1832. McDonald was admitted as a law student by the Law Society in 1831, but unfortunately died before completing his studies.

The Corporate Records and Archives department has redesigned its digital collections portal. The new 'LSO Records and Archives Collections' site provides access to Law Society governance and corporate records, along with archival records, photographs, publications and other material that relate to the heritage of the legal professions in Ontario.

The LSO Records and Archives Collections site can be found at: https://lso.access.preservica.com/

- K is for Kids. Photograph of John D. Falconbridge as a child [between 1884 and 1890].

John Delatre Falconbridge (1875-1968) was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1899. After practicing law for a number of years, Falconbridge became a full-time lecturer and assistant to the Principal at Osgoode Hall Law School in 1919. He was appointed Acting Principal of Osgoode Hall Law School in September 1923, and made Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School in March 1924, a position he held until his retirement in 1948.

- J is for Journal. The Juvenile Advocate Society fonds contains several journals that document the activities of this early law student society based in York (Toronto). The fonds has been digitized and is available for research online on our Digital Collections site.

An "At Home" party was held on this date in 1931 to mark the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of Osgoode Hall Law School. The At Homes were a yearly celebration hosted by the Osgoode Hall Law School students and were regarded as the event of the season. The parties were a who’s who of Toronto society, with the finest food and refreshments. The 1931 event, held at the Royal York Hotel, featured dancing till 4am and greetings from Chief Justice Sir William Mulock.

Photograph of Eric Armour, K.C., President of the County of York Law Association in 1926.