The last time I stood in front of a judge was in Malibu, California. The honorable surf king let me off with a fine and a warning never to appear in front of him again. We won’t get into what the charge was, but I can say this, never cruise the PCH in a ’62 candy-apple red Caddy doing 30mph blowing smoke out the window. Ahh to be young and rebellious.

Three thousand miles from the sands of glitter, and a few years later, I find myself handing a check the size of Wisconsin to a man that I would soon come to know and be honored to call a friend. Retired Supreme Court of Canada judge, Frank Iacobucci, has an unintimidating nature about him, yet my instincts tell me that throughout his illustrious career he was a stallion of the law. His humble demeanor is a reflection of a man that regards the truth as the pillar of society, a man who would never compromise his ideals.

As we spoke about everything under the sun, my attention was peaked by his knowledge and his modest expectations of life. Justice Iacobucci is proud of his Italian heritage. During his acceptance speech when receiving the Common Spirit Award, he recognized the support his family and his wife, Nancy, and their significant contributions to his accomplishments. I suppose when we talk about commitment to principles and social justice, the Judge represents the monumental steps of the proverbial ladder of the law.