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| Photo credit: Law Society of Ontario Justice Aston Hall, Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, speaking at the Call to the Bar ceremony of the Law Society of Ontario |
By Neil Armstrong
When the Law Society of Ontario bestowed on Aston Hall, Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD), it described him as a true champion for diversity.
In the citation, the first Black judge to be appointed to that judicial position in 2021 was praised for “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.”
His speech addressing new lawyers at the Call to the Bar ceremony at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto charted his journey and offered advice to them about the importance of their profession.
Acknowledging that he had support along the way from Black and mainstream communities and many allies, Justice Hall said he would not be where he is without his family, especially his wife, Linda.
He noted that there were some key people who had a significant influence on him such as Jamaica’s former prime minister Michael Manley, Ivy Coke who was like a mother to him in Canada, 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.
From Manley, he learnt 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 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 specialized in criminal law until he was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in 2011.
“The law is more than a career. It is a calling to advocate for those without a voice. A calling to uphold justice when it is threatened. A calling to guarantee that fairness is not just an abstract principle but a lived reality for Canadians,” he told the new lawyers.
“It’s a calling to protect democracy, it’s a calling to protect Canada, so that this
remains a place, where everyone regardless of race, gender identity, ethnic
background, sexual orientation, religious belief, physical abilities are included and
treated equally - so all our dreams and aspirations as well can become a reality.”
Sharing his experience as a Black lawyer in Ontario, Justice Hall said it has not always been very easy. 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 that the privilege of being a lawyer is immense and that empathy is crucial in the practice of law.
“You will be entrusted with people’s greatest hopes and deepest fears. You will see the
law is not just words in law books and statues, but as a force that can shape lives,
families, and entire communities.”
He said empathy allows them to understand and connect with their clients’ experiences and emotions, fostering trust and effective communication. “By demonstrating empathy,
you can better advocate on your clients’ behalf, ensuring their needs and concerns
are genuinely represented and addressed.”
Justice Hall urged them to seek mentorship and to ask questions because mentors can profoundly impact their careers.
“The practice of law has evolved significantly since my time as defence counsel,
especially post-COVID. With many new calls working remotely, or opening their own
practices early on in their careers, I urge you all to seek mentorship and ask
questions. Mentorship was pivotal in my growth as both counsel and a professional.
Mentors can profoundly impact your careers, guiding you through the intellectual
and ethical challenges you will encounter in your practices.”
In concluding his address, Justice Hall shared a few things he has learned over many years as a lawyer, a judge, and a leader in the Ontario Court of Justice — advice he hoped they would carry with them.
“Your integrity is your most valuable asset. Protect it. Your reputation will follow your entire career.
“Never stop learning. The law is dynamic and so should you. Embrace opportunities to grow.
“Success is not just about winning cases—it’s about the impact you have on the lives of others.
“Lift as you climb. No one makes it alone. Help those coming after you.
“Be Brave.”
In a call to action, he told the new lawyers that they were stepping into a profession that needs their energy, passion, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“The road ahead will not always be easy, but it will be meaningful. Today, you take an oath—not just to the law, but to the ideals of fairness, impartiality, and justice. Those are serious responsibilities.”
Describing them as the next guardians of justice, Justice Hall urged the lawyers to “go forward with courage, with energy, with integrity, with determination, and make a difference. This is your time.”
From 2015 to 2017, Justice Hall 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 specialized court for Indigenous people and developed a program 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.
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 impacts that the rapidly changing technology landscape has on the legal system and the Bench.
The Ontario judge 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 marginalized communities within society and feels it is a great honour to be able to give a voice to the voiceless.
His intellect, sound judgment and understanding of the law and justice system have earned him the respect of the legal profession, the judiciary and the Ontario public.
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.
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