Mr. Brian Bucknall

Brian Bucknall was interviewed by the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History about his extensive career spanning practice, academia, and professional service. Born in 1942 on a farm in Vineland, Ontario, Bucknall pursued undergraduate studies at McMaster University before completing law school at Osgoode Hall. After earning an LL.M. from Columbia University focusing on land development and urban planning, he began articles at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt but left to clerk for Justice Wishart Spence at the Supreme Court of Canada from 1970-1971.

Bucknall then became an assistant professor at Osgoode Hall Law School from 1971-1977, teaching property law, planning, and legal history. During this period, he authored the first comprehensive history of legal education in Ontario and was actively involved with the Parkdale Community Legal Clinic. He was called to the bar in 1973 through a special admission to argue the landmark case Pajelle v. Herbold before the Supreme Court of Canada. Returning to Osler, Hoskin in 1977, he developed a specialized practice as an expert witness in real property matters, serving as a consultant to other lawyers and appearing in courts across Ontario.

Throughout his career, Bucknall maintained extensive involvement in professional organizations, particularly the Canadian Bar Association of Ontario where he served in various leadership roles including programme coordinator and secretary. He was also deeply committed to legal education and legal history, serving as a director of the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History for 25 years and teaching part-time at various law schools. The interview provides valuable insights into the evolution of large law firms, changes in legal education, and the development of specialized legal practice areas in late 20th century Canada.

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