They are appointed to Windsor, Oshawa, Chatham
The Ontario government has announced the appointment of four new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective June 13.
The new appointees are Michael David Frank, Joseph Hanna, Courtney Harris, and Liana Marcon.
Justice Michael David Frank
Michael David Frank, who was called to the Ontario bar in 1993, is experienced in litigation, mediation, and family and estate law. He established his practice in 2002 and has been a panel lawyer for the Office of the Children's Lawyer since 2000, aiding in child protection and civil family law cases.
Frank has also contributed to the Essex Law Association and served on the Legal Aid Area Committee. He has a long history of volunteer work, including with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Lasalle Minor Hockey Association. Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas has assigned Frank to Windsor.
Justice Joseph Hanna
Joseph Hanna was called to the Ontario bar in 2007 and started his career as an articling student. He later became an assistant Crown attorney in the Scarborough Crown Attorney’s Office. He has prosecuted numerous criminal cases and appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Hanna has actively participated in community service, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and coaching youth soccer. He has also been a board member and chair of the Community Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Whitby. Nicklas has assigned Justice Hanna to Oshawa.
Justice Courtney Harris
Courtney Harris, called to the Ontario bar in 2003, began her career at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP before practising family law and later serving as Crown counsel at the Ministry of Labour. She spent a decade at the Constitutional Law Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General, litigating significant cases, including at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Harris is a mental health advocate. She co-created the Law Society of Ontario Summit on Mental Health and co-founded Voices for Mental Health. For her contributions, she has received several awards, including the Deputy Attorney General's Award of Excellence and the Laura Legge Award. Nicklas has assigned Harris to Chatham.
Justice Liana Marcon
Liana Marcon was called to the Ontario bar in 1998 and began her career as an articling student at Seabrook, Epstein, Ste. Marie and Miller. She later worked as a defence lawyer before becoming an assistant Crown attorney in Brampton, Orangeville, and Milton. In 2015, she became the Crown attorney in Dufferin County, managing assistant Crown attorneys and handling her caseload.
Marcon has been actively involved in volunteer work, including at Anova Women’s Shelter and SARI Therapeutic Riding. She has also supported various sports organizations and fundraising events. Nicklas has assigned Marcon to Oshawa.
