A former civil litigation lawyer in Sault Ste. Marie quietly stepped down from his role as judge with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice earlier this year.
The resignation of Brian DeLorenzi was effective March 31 — less than one year after he was appointed to the bench in July 2024. Reasons behind his departure remain unclear.
A spokesperson for the Ontario Superior Court declined to answer additional questions surrounding DeLorenzi’s resignation when asked by SooToday earlier this month.
“Former Justice DeLorenzi resigned and is thus no longer a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice,” said Trevor Guy, chief communications officer for the Office of the Chief Justice, in an email.
“Therefore, we are not in a position to assist with your further inquiries.”
SooToday has learned DeLorenzi is working in a new role in the corporate legal department at McDougall Energy.
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, DeLorenzi graduated from law school at the University of Windsor and was admitted to the bar in 2002, according to a news release from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada at the time of his appointment.
He began his law career as an associate at O’Neill DeLorenzi Cresswell Ostroski — now O’Neill DeLorenzi Nanne — where he has been a partner since 2007. DeLorenzi has worked in all areas of civil litigation, including estate, commercial and employment disputes, but primarily in insurance defence with a focus on personal injury.
The Sault native has also served as president of the Algoma District Law Association, treasurer of the local John Howard Society, and as counsellor and president of the G. Marconi Society.
The Law Society of Ontario told SooToday that DeLorenzi's licence to practise law was placed in abeyance July 19, 2024 after becoming a judge, in accordance with a subsection of the Law Society Act.
Upon ceasing to hold judicial office, a person whose licence was placed in abeyance can apply to the Law Society to have their licence restored.
SooToday has reached out to DeLorenzi for comment.