The Hon. Bruce Durno (JD 1974) honoured by Criminal Lawyers’ Association

The Hon. Bruce Durno (JD 1974), an alumnus of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, has been honoured by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) with the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal.

The Medal, established in 1989 and awarded by the body representing more than 1,800 defence lawyers in Canada, recognizes outstanding, lifetime contributions to criminal justice. Durno is the 36^th Medal recipient, among a total of four faculty alumni who have received the honour, including Martin L. Friedland (LLB 1958) in 1994; Mark Sandler (LLB 1978) in 2015; and R. Philip Campbell (LLB 1982) in 2020.

For 24 years Durno served as defence counsel for trails and appeals at all levels of court, often working on behalf of legal aid clients. He was appointed to bench of the Ontario Court of Ontario Court of Justice (General Division) in 1998 and later the Superior Court of Justice until 2023. Durno is also a past president of the CLA (1992-1996).

"In his 50-year legal career, Bruce Durno has been a leader and an inspiration to many," said CLA president Boris Bytensky. "The G. Arthur Martin award is reserved for those who have made the highest contribution to the legal profession, and we are thrilled that someone so obviously deserving and so universally respected, has accepted this year’s award."

Durno will be recognized at a special awards luncheon on November 16, 2024.

Criminal Lawyers’ Association announcement