WHAT WAS YOUR PATH INTO LAW AND ONTO THE BENCH?

My path into law and eventually onto the bench was made up, simply, of people. I had no burning desire or instinct towards a legal career, but I have a personality that other people recognized would make a career in law successful. They told me so and gave me guidance. I asked for none of that advice, but listened to it when offered to me.

To realize the vision I was given, I worked hard and was straightforward and honest. I did have an interest in criminal law and started the practice of law in the Crown Attorney’s Office as an Assistant Crown. After three years, I went into defence work and federal prosecutions. After 14 years, I was appointed to the Superior Court of Ontario in 2000. I was appointed the Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court in 2020.

I followed the paths that were laid out in front of me as a lawyer to get onto the bench.

WHAT EXPERIENCE IN YOUR LEGAL CAREER BEST PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THE BENCH?

My best preparation in practice was being a criminal lawyer. I was a full-time litigator, in court every day. And, as a criminal lawyer, I learned the rules of evidence. Both are not the concentration of other types of lawyers.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUNSEL WHO APPEAR BEFORE YOU?

Be honest. Remember that you have a duty, not only to represent your client, but also to be an officer of the Court. A balance between those two duties is of utmost importance.

And Judges can see disingenuous practitioners. Those lawyers lose their credibility with the Court in the end.

WHAT DO YOU WISH THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM?

I wish the public understood how hard-working and sincerely dedicated judges are to the rule of law in Canada, which sets us apart from most of the rest of the world.

I wish the public understood that Canada’s commitment to the rule of law has made this country one of the best, if not the best country in the world to live.

I wish that the public understood that this country’s legal system is now naturally inclined to equality, diversity and inclusivity, and that we do not have the same history as the United States. We have our own history.

I wish that the public understood that progress is slow, but that we are living, in Canada, in one of the most free, affluent, progressive and beautiful countries in the world.

I wish that the public understood that the justice system is an integral part of ensuring that Canada remains one of the best countries in the world.