Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada appoints Loretta P. Merritt a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario

Torkin Manes is pleased to announce that our esteemed former partner, Loretta P. Merritt, has been appointed as Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario (Toronto). The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced Loretta’s appointment on February 6, 2023.

Joining as an articling student, Loretta spent her entire legal career at Torkin Manes LLP, where she steadily built a robust and unique litigation practice that ultimately focused exclusively on civil sexual abuse. As one of the first lawyers in Ontario to represent sexual abuse survivors, she was lead counsel on many landmark cases in Canada, the results of which effected positive change, not only for her individual clients, but also in legal reform and educating the profession and public. As a champion for justice, Loretta continued to ensure that the law operated to protect victims of sexual assault from all walks of life and fought to advance legislative amendments to address problems that sexual abuse survivors faced in the legal system.

“Loretta has always exemplified the highest standards of the Bar as a leading advocate and was a valuable member of our team for more than 35 years,” said Jeffrey Cohen, Managing Partner at Torkin Manes LLP. “She made significant contributions to the law and pursuit of justice in Canada, and we now look forward to seeing the positive impact she makes as a member of the Bench.”

Loretta has received many accolades over the years for her dedication to justice and representation of her clients. Loretta was honoured with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s John A. McLeish Award for her outstanding contribution to the goals of a fair trial and access to justice. She was the recipient of the Governor General’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her significant contributions in representing victims of sexual abuse; and the Litigation Counsel of America’s inaugural Peter Perlman Service Award, recognizing its Fellows who have contributed in meaningful ways to society by giving their time and resources in an effort to improve the lives of others. Most recently, Loretta was the recipient of the Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction.

We wish Loretta all the best as she assumes her new role as Madam Justice Merritt, and thank her for her outstanding and meaningful contributions to Torkin Manes over the past three-and-a-half decades.

For more information about Loretta’s judicial appointment, please read the news release issued by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.