John J. Robinette, Peerless Mentor: An Appreciation
2003
Published for the Osgoode Society by Dundurn Press
Cost: $30.45
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Description
John Robinette is generally acknowledged to have been the foremost counsel of his era and was,
perhaps,
Canada's greatest advocate of all time. Comfortable before any court or tribunal at any level and
regardless
of issue, he combined all the technical skills of the finest courtroom tactician with an unerring
good judgment
that kept him cerebrally above the fray while at the same time allowing him to participate with
relish in the
forensic battle on the hearing room floor.
A formidable verbal gladiator to his adversaries, he is as well remembered for his unfailing
courtesy to court
and counsel alike.
He never took unfair advantage of an opponent and outside the courtroom he was revered for his
kindness and
generosity to younger counsel whom he treated, unpretentiously, as equals.
John J. Robinette, Peerless Mentor, is an intimate memoir by George Finlayson, a man who had
unique
access to Robinette.
From early 1951, Finlayson was Robinette's student, junior and partner in that order until
Finlayson's elevation
to the Ontario Court of Appeal in December of 1984.
Thereafter, he continued as his friend and confidant until Robinette's death in late 1996.
Over these years he was witness to Robinette's extraordinary career as a lawyer and is in a
privileged
position to report on his achievements, his successes, and his disappointments.
The result is an intensely personal and engrossing account of the professional life of a great
advocate told
against the changing background of his time.
Reviews
Finlayson's recollections of his mentor make fascinating reading, combining his personal knowledge
of the man with
the legal, social and political settings in which he performed.
The Finlayson reminiscences make fascinating reading for anyone interested in the law and one of
Canada's
greatest advocates. I highly recommend it. Bob Aaron, Toronto Star, November 29, 2003
It's a hybrid - part memoir, part biography. While that might sound a touch unwieldy, it turn out to be a marvellous approach. The reader benefits from seeing how two mighty lawyers approached their cases, firms and relationships. Both were a creation of a city and a profession changed beyond recognition. Firms were few, female partners non-existent, and the legal world revolved around the trial courts. Kirk Makin, Globe and Mail, January 12, 2004.
