Effective November 2, 2023, the Ontario government has announced the appointment of three new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice. The new judges, who bring a diverse range of expertise in family law, public inquiries, and legal aid, have been assigned to Brampton by Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas.
Justice Adrian David Baker was called to the Ontario bar in 2002 and initially worked at Gottlieb Law Firm, specializing in family law. Since 2010, he has been a sole practitioner at Adrian Baker Family Law. Justice Baker has made significant contributions in child protection and domestic family work. Additionally, he has served as a personal rights panel member with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer at the Ministry of the Attorney General from 2008 to 2023. Justice Baker has also mentored new legal talent through the Legal Aid Ontario mentorship program since 2016 and volunteered with Special Olympics Ontario.
Justice Joanne Beasley has been practicing law since 1989 and founded her own family law and mediation practice, Beasley Law Office. Her legal career includes over a decade as counsel at the Family Responsibility Office in London and St. Thomas. In 2014, she was appointed as a dispute resolution officer for the Superior Court of Justice family court. Beasley also holds a record of volunteerism, notably with Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre, and organizations supporting victims of domestic violence.
Justice Jennifer McAleer was called to the Ontario bar in 2000 and has spent her legal career at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, becoming a partner in 2006. She has played significant roles in public inquiries, including serving as co-counsel to the former premier for Ontario at the Ipperwash Inquiry. Justice McAleer also served as independent legal counsel to the former Discipline Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Her community involvement includes board membership with Literacy North Halton and Links2Care, as well as sponsoring a Syrian refugee family through the Halton Hills Coalition for Refugees.
The appointment of these judges is part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a fair and efficient judiciary. Their backgrounds in different legal areas are expected to be valuable assets to the Ontario Court of Justice as they take up their new roles in Brampton.
