Mr. Rodney Hull

This oral history chronicles the distinguished career of Rodney Hull, a leading Canadian estate litigation lawyer whose practice spanned from the 1950s through the early 2000s. Hull provides detailed insights into the evolution of estate law practice in Ontario, from his articling days with criminal lawyer Malcolm Robb through his partnership with renowned wills expert Terence Sheard at Lash, Johnston, and his eventual establishment of the boutique firm Hull & Hull.

Hull’s account illuminates significant changes in Canadian estate practice, including the transition from common law-based practice to legislative frameworks like the Succession Law Reform Act (1977) and Family Law Act. He discusses the professionalization of estate litigation, the rise of specialized courts, and the introduction of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. His detailed case analyses, including landmark decisions like Vout v. Hay and Re: Gillespie, provide valuable insights into the development of testamentary capacity law, will interpretation, and fiduciary duties.

The interview also captures broader changes in legal practice, from the collegial bar of the 1960s-70s to modern corporate law firms, the evolution of continuing legal education, and the impact of professional liability insurance on solicitor-client relationships. Hull’s perspective as both practitioner and co-author of leading texts like “Probate Practice” offers unique insights into the scholarly development of Canadian estate law during a transformative period in legal history.

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