Law Society of Ontario confers honorary degree on Ja-born judge

Justice Aston Hall, who in 2021 became the first black judge to be appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, has been honoured with a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) by the Law Society of Ontario.

At its June 27 Call to the Bar ceremony in Toronto, the Law Society described Hall as a true champion for diversity – “advancing justice and equality not only through his work as a lawyer and judge but also through his personal journey. His relentless efforts to break down systemic barriers have had a profound impact on the community, inspiring and empowering individuals to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.”

Sharing his experience as a black lawyer in Ontario, Hall said it has not always been very easy. He said that at times, his presence had been questioned as to whether or not he was a lawyer simply because of the colour of his skin.

“On several occasions, I have been mistaken in court as the interpreter, a police officer, or the accused person. My strategy was to use these moments as fuel to challenge the system, challenge stereotypes, demand respect and seek to change the system so myself and others like me are treated as equally as any other lawyer.”

He told the new lawyers.“You’ve worked tirelessly, sacrificed, and persevered to be here. And now, as you are going to be called to the Bar, you are stepping into a profession that demands excellence, integrity, and a commitment to justice for all Canadians.”

He told them that the privilege of being a lawyer is immense and that empathy is crucial in the practice of law. He urged them to seek mentorship and to ask questions because mentors can profoundly impact their careers.

INFLUENCE OF KEY PERSONS

The Law Society awards honorary doctorates each year to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in service to the legal professions, the rule of law and the cause of justice.

Justice Hall said he was flattered, humbled, and grateful to his family and the people who got him to this point.

“I had a lot of help along the way, from the black community, from the mainstream community, lots of allies that were very helpful. I certainly wouldn’t be here without my family,” he said.

He reflected on the significant influence of key persons including former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, Ivy Coke, and his own grandmother, Estella Weir, who raised him.

“She modelled a kindness that showed the power of generosity, a determination that showed the value of hard work and the fierce optimism in the nobility of community and public service,” said Hall about Weir.

He said he learnt from the late prime minister that he must “walk through this world not on my knees but upright and forward, cloaked in the memory of our ancestors and stand up for justice and fairness always.”Justice Hall said that as a young boy in Kingston, Jamaica, he was fascinated with the law and was a fixture in the backrow of the Sutton Street courthouse watching the proceedings.

He became a Canadian resident in 1983 and pursued his law degree at Osgoode Hall; he was called to the Bar in 1995. Throughout his career as a lawyer, Hall specialised in criminal law until he was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in 2011.

From 2015 to 2017, he was the local administrative judge for the Scarborough courthouse. During this time, he was the chairman of the Operations Committee. In this role he supported the creation of a specialised court for Indigenous people and developed a programme for Black History Month to celebrate diversity and the contributions of African Canadians in the development of Canada.

In 2017, he was appointed regional senior judge for the Toronto Region and was instrumental in ensuring a vast cross section of justice partners were engaged in the planning and development of the New Toronto Courthouse project.

ADVOCATE FOR MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES

Since being appointed Associate Chief Justice, he has led the educational programming of Ontario’s provincial court judges. “ He is deeply committed to the idea of strengthening judicial independence, impartiality and competency through education and professional development,” notes the Law Society.Justice Hall also oversees the Court’s technology portfolio. In this role, he is focused on integrating modern technology into the court system which will improve access to justice for the citizens of Ontario. Furthermore, he works to enhance the awareness and understanding of the significant impact that the rapidly changing technology landscape has on the legal system and the Bench.

He continues to be an active leader and a member of numerous judicial committees that have advanced change and promoted diversity in Ontario’s courts. He has a deep and unflagging commitment to working with justice partners as well as a wide range of diverse communities to address systemic challenges in the criminal justice system.

Justice Hall has spent his career advocating for the marginalised communities within society and feels it is a great honour to be able to give a voice to the voiceless.

His intellect, sound judgement and understanding of the law and justice system have earned him the respect of the legal profession, the judiciary and the Ontario public.