Q&A with Brock Jones, OBA Award of Excellence in Criminal Justice Recipient

  • May 14, 2020

"Criminal law can be a fascinating area in which to practice ... It will expand your horizons in ways you could not imagine."

Brock Jones, Counsel, Chief Justice of Ontario (OCJ), is being honoured this year with the OBA Award of Excellence in Criminal Justice for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the advancement of criminal law. Gain a glimpse of what motivates him and how he is making a difference in his area of practice in this candid Q&A.

 

  1. Who or what inspires you most in your career?

My children. They are so creative, and so eager to learn. As adults, and professionals, we are often reluctant to embrace new ideas or challenge existing modes of thinking. But children thrive on exploring new ideas.   

  1. What does a ‘good day’, or success, look like for you in your work?

A day where I’ve been exposed to new people and new ideas. Criminal law can be a fascinating area in which to practice. You will meet many people from an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds. No two stories you will hear are ever exactly alike. It will expand your horizons in ways you could not imagine.

  1. What challenges or motivates you most about your particular area of practice?

Knowing that I have helped make a positive difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children and youth. I spend most of my time in youth criminal court. Many of the young people I interact with have faced personal experiences in their lives that are often difficult to hear about. They are struggling. And yes, they have often made mistakes. But I firmly believe we can help them succeed, if only we are willing to try.