The Hon. Susan Greer

This interview with Justice Susan Greer traces her distinguished career from practicing estate law at McCarthy Tétrault to serving on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Born in Fort William, Ontario, Greer graduated from Queen’s University and Osgoode Hall before articling at Lash Johnston Sheard & Pringle, where she worked with notable practitioners like Rodney Hull and Terrence Sheard. She developed expertise in estate litigation at McCarthys, becoming head of the estates department and a partner in 1979.

Greer made significant contributions to legal education, pioneering educational programs for young lawyers through the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society of Ontario. Her practice encompassed estate administration, will drafting, trust planning, domestic contracts, and estate litigation. Notable cases include Re: Davis (removal of executors), Re: Heintzman (removal of trust companies), and the groundbreaking Granovsky decision that established the validity of multiple wills to minimize probate fees. She also handled complex matters involving the Substitute Decisions Act and contested estates.

Appointed to the bench in 1991, Greer served as Chair of the Estates Practice Committee in Toronto from 1995, succeeding Justice Donna Haley. She developed judicial education programs and contributed to court efficiency through specialized estate lists. The interview covers her perspectives on evolving estate law, including changes in terminology, mediation in estate disputes, cost awards in contested cases, and the challenges of self-represented litigants.

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