About Ernest G. Tannis and his work with Alternative Dispute Resolution

Ernest George Tannis

Ernest George Tannis (a.k.a. “Ernie the former Attorney”) – after what the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) officially described as “an unblemished law career” – ceased a vast and varied 47.5-year law practice on December 31st, 2022. Since then, he practices as a Negotiation Consultant; able to give legal information, but cannot provide legal advice.

Ernie was born on November 28th, 1948, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to his mother of Syrian descent [born in Montreal, Quebec], and his father from Lebanon.

He graduated from Ottawa University Common Law in 1974, Juris Doctor (JD) cum laude, and he was an editor of the Law Review. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1976, and obtained a Bachelour of Arts degree from Carleton University in 1971 in English Literature and Political Science.

Ernest is a Member Emeritus of the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM).

He wrote the seminal book in Canada in 1989 on the subject of “Alternative Dispute Resolution That Works!”, and also wrote a new 2010 version of the book on the same topic.

His second book that was released in 2010 – based on actual mediation stories – was much expanded on over a decade later, and is soon to be released in a 2025 new edition with an Aboriginal book cover entitled: “Is Everyone at the Table? Life Lessons in Problem-Solving.” These and other educational materials can be found at:

Ernest is a recipient of dozens of awards and accomplishments from local, provincial, national and international levels, reflecting his lifelong commitment to assist vulnerable persons, and – with innovative ways – to improving Access to Justice to reduce the human and economic costs of conflict, and encourage cross cultural competence.  These awards include:

  • “Making the Difference” from the OAFM.
  • Gordon F. Henderson Award [for community service] from the County of Carlton Law Association (CCLA).
  • Award of Recognition “… of his dedication to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, fostering access to justice, and promoting the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” issued by the “Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments” (GAATES).

He works with a team to develop resources for the general public. One example of such resources is legalsforlife.com [Holograph Will and Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care].

His not-for-profit, charitable activities are described at my-world.ca.

His other source of ever-expanding information – including many videos – can be found at the My World YouTube Channel.

Ernie is guided by the following Bible verse, which is the dedication in his forthcoming book, entitled “Is Everyone at the Table? “:

“Learn to do well, seek Justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow”,
– Isaiah 1:17