Superior Court Welcomes Associate Justices Jeffrey Kriwetz, Blair Nitchke
In a significant move to bolster the judiciary in Ontario, Attorney General Doug Downey announced the appointment of two new associate justices to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Effective August 13, 2025, Jeffrey A.L. Kriwetz and Blair Nitchke will join the bench, bringing with them a wealth of legal expertise and experience.
Jeffrey Kriwetz has been assigned to the Hamilton division, while Blair Nitchke will serve in Brampton. Their appointments were officially made by Chief Justice Geoffrey B. Morawetz, underscoring the court’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to handle complex legal matters across the province.
Jeffrey Kriwetz: A Career Marked by Commercial and Construction Law Expertise
A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, Kriwetz was called to the Ontario bar in 1991. Over his distinguished career, he has specialized in commercial disputes, construction liens, bankruptcy, and employment litigation at Garfinkle Biderman LLP. His deep understanding of these areas will be a valuable asset to the Superior Court.
Blair Nitchke: A Litigation Veteran with Diverse Expertise
Blair Nitchke, who holds a law degree from the University of Western Ontario, began her legal career in 2003. She has built a reputation as a skilled litigator, having served as a partner at Thompson, Tooze, McLean & Elkin and later at Black Sutherland LLP. In 2023, she joined Aviva Trial Lawyers as senior counsel. Her expertise spans general civil litigation, motor vehicle accident claims, occupiers’ liability, and insurance coverage.
Nitchke’s extensive experience includes successfully arguing cases before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Divisional Court. She has also defended criminal matters in the Superior Court of Justice, showcasing her versatility and legal acumen.
A Broader Wave of Judicial Appointments
Kriwetz and Nitchke’s appointments are part of a larger effort to enhance the judiciary in Ontario. In addition to their roles, seven new judges have been added to the Ontario Court of Justice, with assignments managed by Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas. These appointments reflect a concerted effort to ensure the courts are equipped to handle the diverse and complex legal challenges faced by Ontarians.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence with these new appointments. Both Kriwetz and Nitchke bring a depth of knowledge and experience that will undoubtedly strengthen the court’s ability to address a wide range of legal issues, from commercial disputes to criminal law matters.
For more details on these appointments and the broader judicial recruitment initiatives in Ontario, visit Law Times News.
Depth of Expertise: Strengthening the Judiciary
Jeffrey Kriwetz’s extensive career at Garfinkle Biderman LLP has equipped him with a deep understanding of complex legal matters. His specialization in commercial disputes, construction liens, bankruptcy, and employment litigation will undoubtedly enhance the Superior Court’s ability to address these intricate cases in the Hamilton region.
Blair Nitchke’s diverse legal career, including her role as senior counsel at Aviva Trial Lawyers since 2023, further underscores her ability to navigate a wide range of legal challenges. Her experience in general civil litigation, motor vehicle accident claims, occupiers’ liability, and insurance coverage will be invaluable to the Brampton division.
Nitchke’s criminal law expertise is particularly noteworthy. She has successfully defended criminal matters before the Superior Court of Justice, showcasing her ability to handle high-stakes cases with precision and acumen. Her track record of arguing cases before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Divisional Court highlights her appellate advocacy skills.
Both appointments take effect on August 13, 2025, as part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance judicial capacity. These additions to the bench reflect a commitment to ensuring the Superior Court of Justice remains well-equipped to address the complex legal needs of Ontarians, from commercial disputes to criminal law matters.
Conclusion
The appointments of Jeffrey Kriwetz and Blair Nitchke to the Superior Court of Justice represent a strategic enhancement of Ontario’s judiciary. Their deep expertise in commercial disputes, criminal law, and other specialized areas will significantly benefit the regions of Hamilton and Brampton. These appointments, effective August 13, 2025, underscore Ontario’s commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and ensuring the court system is equipped to handle complex legal matters effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the new judges appointed to the Superior Court of Justice?
- Jeffrey Kriwetz and Blair Nitchke are the newly appointed judges to the Superior Court of Justice.
- What are their areas of expertise?
- Jeffrey Kriwetz specializes in commercial disputes, construction liens, bankruptcy, and employment litigation. Blair Nitchke is experienced in general civil litigation, motor vehicle accident claims, occupiers’ liability, insurance coverage, and criminal law.
- Where are they assigned?
- Jeffrey Kriwetz is assigned to the Hamilton region, and Blair Nitchke is assigned to the Brampton division.
- When do their appointments take effect?
- Their appointments take effect on August 13, 2025.
- Why were these appointments made?
- These appointments are part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance judicial capacity and ensure the Superior Court of Justice can effectively address the complex legal needs of Ontarians.
