What was your path into law and onto the bench?
My journey into law began with my family's immigration to Canada from Seoul in 1969 when I was just two years old. Growing up as one of the few racialized individuals in my school, I experienced both overt and subtle racism, which helped me develop a deep appreciation for equity and advocacy.
I pursued an undergraduate degree in English before being admitted to Osgoode Hall Law School. Interestingly, my Father, upon hearing of my acceptance, immediately envisioned me becoming a judge - an idea deeply rooted in the Korean legal tradition where one can enter the judiciary after legal practice and specialized training.
During my first year at Osgoode, I had the privilege of hearing Supreme Court Justice Bertha Wilson’s inspiring speech, Will Women Judges Really Make a Difference? That moment solidified my aspiration to pursue a judicial career.
After articling and practising in litigation in Toronto, I transitioned into practising corporate-commercial law at Gowling WLG in Ottawa. I co-authored a book on contract clauses and interpretation, Behind and Beyond Boilerplate: Drafting Commercial Agreements, taught advanced corporate/commercial law and contract law at law schools, and eventually moved in-house as corporate counsel and ultimately, General Counsel. During my time in-house, I spoke to numerous judges who provided me with invaluable guidance on the role of a judge and the judicial application process.
In 2023, I was appointed as the first Korean Canadian judge in the Superior Court in the Toronto region and the first Korean woman judge in the Superior Court of Ontario.
What experience in your legal career best prepared you for work on the bench?
My experience as General Counsel at a university provided me with the most comprehensive preparation for judicial work. In that role, I advised on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including corporate/commercial law, corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, privacy, real estate, employment, administrative law, and even constitutional law issues.
I was also responsible for managing litigation affecting the university, which exposed me to a variety of complex legal issues. Additionally, my election as a Bencher at the Law Society of Ontario allowed me to serve as an adjudicator at the Law Society Tribunal and Chair the Tribunal Policy Committee. That experience significantly honed my decision-making skills, judgment writing, and familiarity with administrative law processes, which are key competencies for a judge.
Beyond legal expertise, my role as General Counsel was highly community-facing, a vital aspect of judicial work. As a judge, you are a public figure and must uphold the integrity of the legal system. My time in that role strengthened my ability to navigate these responsibilities with confidence.
What advice do you have for counsel who appear before you?
Having spent many years in education, I view advocacy as a form of teaching. When appearing before the court, counsel should consider themselves as educators and the judge as the student.
The best advocacy involves guiding the judge through the case in a structured and clear manner. This means understanding and responding to the judge’s questions thoughtfully. In addition, structure your arguments in a way that aligns with how judicial decisions are typically written, beginning with facts, followed by legal issues, the applicable test, relevant case law, and then the application of law to the facts.
A strong advocacy framework includes:
- What it is – Clearly define and explain the issue.
- Why it is important – Explain its significance.
- What you want the judge to do – Provide a direct and well-reasoned request for relief.
By covering: Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, and How much, counsel can present their cases more effectively and can guide judges.
What do you wish the public knew about the justice system?
Judges are independent and impartial decision-makers who take their responsibilities with the utmost seriousness. We are dedicated, diligent, and mindful of the significant impact our decisions have on individuals and society. Judges are not just arbiters of disputes; we are public servants committed to ensuring justice is done fairly and transparently. Many of us pursued judicial appointments out of a deep-seated interest in public service and a desire to contribute to a just society. The public should have confidence in the judiciary, knowing that judges work tirelessly to apply the law fairly and make decisions rooted in legal principles and societal values.
After 30 years of practice, it is a privilege to be a judge because I have an opportunity to delve into the law and apply the law to make just decisions.