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2013 Oral History Interview

Julian Porter

Interview Details
Year: 2013
Pages: 186
Interviewer: Cynthia Smith
Status: Open

In this fourth interview, Julian Porter reflects on his extensive service as a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada, where he has served longer than any current member since his election in 1999. He discusses the debate over term limits for Benchers and his exemption from new restrictions alongside Judith Potter. Porter describes his work on posthumous recognition for Justice Edward Ducharme and his efforts to create reading lists for new lawyers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intellectual breadth beyond legal practice.

Porter shares details about his forthcoming art book “The 149 Paintings You Really Ought to See in Europe,” being published by Dundurn Press. He recounts the challenges of working with a publisher unfamiliar with art books and the significant personal investment required for reproduction rights. The interview also covers his various board positions and community roles, including his time as President of the CNE, Chairman of the TTC, and involvement with organizations like the Stratford Festival Foundation, Harbourfront, and Key Publishers.

Throughout the discussion, Porter demonstrates his continued engagement with both legal and cultural institutions, his passion for art and literature, and his commitment to mentoring young lawyers while maintaining a perspective on the evolution of legal practice and professional responsibilities.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.

References

The following are a selection of topics discussed in this oral history.

Courts
  • Court of Appeal
  • Supreme Court of Canada
Educational Institutions
  • University of Western Ontario
Government Bodies
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Ontario Cancer Foundation
  • Toronto Transit Commission
Historical Events
  • Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • Gay Pride Celebrations
Jurisdictions
  • British Columbia
  • Europe
  • Ontario
  • Quebec
Law Firms
  • Gowlings
People Mentioned
  • Allan Lawrence
  • Anna Porter
  • Bernie Taylor
  • Beth Bruder
  • Bob Rae
  • Clarence Campbell
  • Cliff Lax
  • D'Arcy McKeough
  • David Crombie
  • David Williams
  • Doug Cannell
  • Edward Ducharme
  • Emlyn Davies
  • Frank Marrocco
  • Frank Selke
  • Franz Donker
  • Gary Doer
  • Gregory Peck
  • Harold Ballard
  • Ian Roland
  • Jack Batten
  • Jean Michel Roux
  • Jeanne Sauve
  • Jerry Sheff
  • Joey Slinger
  • John Collins
  • John Hirsh
  • John Neville
  • John Sewell
  • John Tory
  • Judith Potter
  • Julian Porter
  • Katherine Corrick
  • Kathleen Wynne
  • Leonard Brockington
  • Lesley Dan
  • Linda Rothstein
  • Margaret Atwood
  • Marion Boyd
  • Marion Davies
  • Martha Henry
  • Mary Collins
  • Michael Enright
  • Murray Frum
  • Nicholas Cluge
  • Oliver Gaffney
  • Paul Godfrey
  • Paul Schabas
  • Peter Godsoe
  • Robert Sharpe
  • Robin Phillips
  • Sandra Forbes
  • Sid Robins
  • Syl Apps
  • Trent Frayne
  • Wallace McCutcheon
  • Warren Winkler
Professional Organizations
  • Exhibition Stadium Corporation
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • The Advocates' Society
Time Periods
  • 1970s
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • 2000s
  • 2010s
Topics
  • Bencher Governance
  • Copyright Law
  • Legal Education
  • Libel Law
  • Professional Regulation

Some of these references were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.

For information about this oral history, please contact the Osgoode Society.