The Honourable Michael J. Moldaver

One of Canada's most respected advocates, the Honourable Michael Moldaver served for over a decade as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. When he retired in 2022, he was described by Chief Justice Richard Wagner as “one of the best Justices” the top court has had in its 147-year history, and was lauded for both his exceptional contributions to Canadian jurisprudence and his enduring commitment to preserving the confidence of Canadians in their justice system. During his time on the Supreme Court, Michael authored more than 100 judgments including in noteworthy cases involving intellectual property, commercial disputes, and many other aspects of constitutional and criminal law, leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s legal system.

In 2023, Michael returned to Goodmans following a distinguished judicial career spanning three decades.  He was appointed to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in 1990, was elevated to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 1995 and appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2011. Prior to his judicial service, Michael was a prominent member of the criminal bar, beginning his career with the law firm Pomerant, Pomerant and Greenspan (later Greenspan, Gold and Moldaver), where he became a partner in 1975. After being appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985, Michael practised as a sole practitioner and was affiliated with Goodmans until his appointment to the Bench. 

Throughout his career, Michael has made significant contributions to the legal community. While in practice, in addition to teaching at Osgoode Hall and the University of Toronto law schools, he was a Director of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, a Director of the Advocates’ Society and a Co-Chair of the University of Toronto Academic Tribunal, Discipline Subsection.  He has acted as a speaker and instructor in numerous continuing education programs for both the judiciary and the profession, participated in educational programs sponsored by the National Judicial Institute and the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice, taught criminal law to newly appointed judges from across Canada, and instructed in the Ontario Crown Attorneys' Association, Criminal Lawyers' Association and Ontario Bar Association continuing education programs.

Michael was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1973. He received a Bachelor of Laws (Gold Medalist) from the University of Toronto in 1971, a degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of Toronto in 2019, and a degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the Law Society of Ontario in 2022.  He is an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. In Spring 2023, Michael was honoured by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law with its Distinguished Alumni Award for his extraordinary public leadership and lifelong commitment to the community.