Justice Toscano Roccamo was a proud graduate of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1985. Prior to her judicial appointment, she enjoyed a successful career as a respected litigator and partner at the Ottawa law firm Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP, where she practiced primarily in insurance and personal injury litigation. She was also a proud member of Canada’s Italian community. In recognition of her professional achievements and community leadership, she received the Canadian-Italian Advocates Organization’s Award of Excellence in 2001.
Justice Toscano Roccamo served as President of the County of Carleton Law Association.
In 2003, she was appointed to the Bench of the Superior Court of Justice and served until 2019. In June 2018, she was a co-teacher at the Faculty of a course she designed on Jury Selection and Charter Values, during which time she authored a report to the Canadian Judicial Council on Jury Selection in Ontario.
Justice Toscano Roccamo was deeply committed to legal education and professional development. She was a regular speaker at conferences put on by the CCLA, OBA, and the Advocates’ Society. Justice Giovanna Toscano Roccamo leaves a lasting legacy as a jurist, mentor, and leader in the legal profession. The Faculty of Law extends its sincere condolences to her husband Eugene Meehan, family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to learn from and work alongside her.