Justice Annik Sonia Wills has been appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice, with her new role set to take effect on September 26, 2024, the Ontario government announced.
Called to the Ontario bar in 2005, Wills brings a wealth of experience from both private practice and public service. She ran a bilingual criminal defence practice for a decade, representing clients in both French and English before the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. In 2015, Wills joined Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), where she steadily advanced through various leadership roles.
As senior counsel, Wills represented vulnerable Ontarians before moving into management as director general of LAO’s eastern district. By 2022, she had become vice-president of operations, where she played a pivotal role in expanding LAO’s intake services, improving access to justice across the province. Earlier this year, she assumed the position of vice-president of regional services, overseeing the delivery of legal services throughout Ontario.
Beyond her legal work, Wills has been a long-time instructor at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Common Law, teaching courses in evidence and criminal law since 2013. She has also served on the board of directors at the Amethyst Women’s Addiction Center and volunteered with Action Ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes, a group dedicated to addressing violence against women. Her community involvement extends to mentoring law students in preparation for mock trials and the Ontario bar admission exam, as well as coaching young athletes with the Nakkertok Nordic cross-country ski club.
Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas has assigned Wills to serve in Ottawa.
Wills’ appointment reflects her extensive experience in both criminal law and public service, as well as her commitment to improving access to justice and supporting vulnerable populations across Ontario.
