Mr. Justice Harrison Arrell Sworn in as a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice
In the newly refurbished Courthouse in Brantford, Mr. Justice Harrison Arrell was sworn in as a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Heather Smith and Regional Senior Justice Steven Glithero. A great number of the judiciary attended and the gallery was packed with lawyers and friends of Justice Arrell.
The oath of office and the oath of allegiance were administered after the reading of the Privy Council Order, all of which was done very expeditiously. The actual attiring of the robes of Justice Arrell, done by his former law partner, Justice William Festeryga, took a little longer (proving, as Gerry Swaye pointed out, that Judges have many talents but being a valet is not one of them).
Greeting were brought on behalf of the federal and provincial governments as well as on behalf of the Law Society of Upper Canada (by our aforementioned bencher Mr. Swaye). All of them took time to mention the many accomplishments of Justice Arrell within the legal profession (President of the HLA, and then CDLPA, provincial judicial appointments committee, Emilius Irving Award, Bicentennial Award of Merit, Lee Samis Award) as well as within the community (DARTS, Crimestoppers, Extend-a-Family, Banyan Community Services). Amazingly with all that, Justice Arrell also found time to marry and raise a family and to practice law at Sullivan, Festeryga, Lawlor & Arrell LLP.
Liza Sheard on behalf of the HLA spoke of Justice Arrell’s generosity of spirit and Paul Amey, representing the Brant Law Association, mentioned his roots in Hamilton, “Brantford’s largest suburb”. Mr. Amey also pointed out that Justice Arrell is filling a vacancy created by the return to Hamilton of Justice Milanetti, to replace Justice Festeryga who has elected to go supernumery.
Finally, Justice Arrell was thanked by Dan Rosenkrantz on behalf of the lawyers and staff of his former firm. Dan recounted several hilarious stories and also spoke of 5 strong traits of Justice Arrell - dedication, integrity, civility, tradition and an open mind. Then, before the guests adjourned to the first of several receptions in his honour, Justice Arrell thanked friends and family. He pointed out that it was a humbling experience but that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead, which were to start the next day as a Divisional Court Judge in Hamilton.
Congratulations Justice Arrell from all of your colleagues and friends!
2/12/2007
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