THE HONOURABLEEmile R. Kruzickemail: ekruzick@amicuschambers.com |
Retired Judge, Superior Court of Justice – Ontario
Professional
Emile R. Kruzick is a mediator and arbitrator in Toronto. Following retirement in June, 2019 from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, he established an independent private practice at Amicus Chambers, with former judicial colleagues.
Appointed in 1996, Mr. Kruzick was a justice in Toronto Region. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto (1967) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) (1970). Prior to his judicial appointment Mr. Kruzick practiced family law in Toronto, as a partner with MacDonald & Ferrier, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt and in association with Ireland & Nicoll. He appeared at all levels of court including as an expert witness on Ontario Family Law.
A recognized specialist in family law by the Law Society of Upper Canada, [Law Society of Ontario] Emile Kruzick served on the Law Society Specialist Examination Board. He was an Instructor and Author/Contributor in the Ontario Bar Admission Course. Mr. Kruzick chaired the Family Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and the Ontario Bar Association (OBA). He edited the text, Canadian Divorce Law & Practice. He chaired CBA National Sections Council and served on the CBA Executive. He was a proud member of the CBA Equality Committee. Actively involved with the American Bar Association (ABA), he co-chaired the Education Committee of the (ABA) Family Law Section. Mr. Kruzick has organized and chaired several CBA and ABA Annual and Regional meetings.
As a lawyer, Emile Kruzick chaired and served on the Toronto Child Abuse Committee – Hospital for Sick Children. He was a member of the Board of Central Toronto Youth Services and was counsel to the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. A founding member of Ontario Family Mediation (OFM) he also served on the board. Mr. Kruzick was legal advisor to the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In private practice, he served on the Toronto United Way’s Lawyers’ Fund. For some fifteen years he chaired and was a member of the Toronto Legal Aid Area Committee.
Emile Kruzick was a member of the Parent Council, Holy Rosary Church where he also taught Sunday school and served as service lector.
As a judge, Mr. Kruzick served on the Executive and then Co-chaired the Canadian Judges Forum. He served on the Board of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and as member and chair of the AFCC’s Awards, Finance, Long Range Planning and Annual/Regional Meeting Committees. He was President of AFCC (International). He is a founding member of the AFCC – Ontario Chapter.
As a judge of the Central West Region of the Ontario Court, Mr. Kruzick served as the Administrative Judge for Brampton and Orangeville Courts. He presided over all matters of civil litigation, criminal and family law.
In Toronto, he presided on the Family Law Team and the Divisional Court, hearing matters in both official languages.
Emile Kruzick has authored law related articles including several on the topic of Family Law. A frequent speaker and presenter he has delivered papers in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.
Awards & Recognitions
Distinguished Service – Ontario Bar Association
Distinguished Service (Jefferson Cup) – American Bar Association
Distinguished Service – American Bar Association – Family Law Section
Doug Miller Award (Service) – Canadian Bar Association
Special Service Award –College of Psychologists of Ontario
Queen’s Jubilee Medal Award
Ambassador Awards – AFCC
Distinguished Service (Hon. John Van Duzer) Award- AFCC
Award of Excellence in Family Law- Ontario Chapter AFCC
Personal
Married to Josie Kruzick, Emile Kruzick resides in Flesherton and Toronto, Ontario. He is an avid skier and paddle boarder, accomplished artist and seasoned traveler.
Mr. Kruzick is fluent in English, French (Niveau C) and Croatian.