Tribute to W.R. Poole, Q.C.

During his illustrious career, which spanned over 60 years, William “Bill” Poole was an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Law at Western and lectured students on the subject of criminal law from 1964 to 1972. He also provided legal representation in some of the most notorious criminal trials of the day.

Bill was considered one of the finest criminal lawyers ever produced in Canada. His abilities and his reputation for ethical behaviour resulted in his appointment to the Law Reform Commission of Ontario by Premier John Robarts, where he served from 1964 to 1985.

Former student, John Eberhard, LLB’69, recalls that Bill had a generous spirit and good sense of humour.

“Mr. Poole exhibited a love for the foibles of human character and was able to provide outstanding representation for the less fortunate and marginalized of society,” says John.

Bill practiced law into his nineties and died in 2014 at the age of 96.

In honour of her late husband, Nancy Geddes Poole, BA’55, LLD‘90, established The W.R. Poole, QC Criminal Law Moot Award with contributions from the Law Class of ’69.

About the W. R. Poole, QC Criminal Law Moot Award

The W.R. Poole, QC Criminal Law Moot Award is given out annually to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in any year of the Faculty of Law, who has displayed outstanding advocacy skills in an external criminal law moot competition.

Join alumni in support of the W.R. Poole, QC Criminal Law Moot Award.