Joseph Rory Rock Cornale

Rory J. Cornale was the founding partner of Cornale & Associates. One of the most well known and respected lawyers in Hamilton, Rory practiced criminal law for over 40 years.

A graduate of Harvard University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics (cum laude), he subsequently attended the University of Windsor Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1983. He then joined leading criminal defence lawyer and Ontario’s first ombudsman, Mr. Arthur Maloney Q.C. as an associate, before beginning his own practice in Hamilton.

Rory successfully argued hundreds of cases across Ontario, from Ottawa to Windsor and the Province of British Columbia, and at all levels of court, as well as a wide range of administrative tribunals. He was a tireless advocate for his clients, defending them against allegations that ranged from theft and mischief to robbery and murder.

He was a member of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers Association and the Hamilton Criminal Lawyers Association and served as counsel to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club. He is remembered for his strong sense of community, where he participated in and contributed to many local organizations, as well as serving on the Tiger Town Council and acting as a guest speaker at the Children’s Aid Society and various civic outreach programs.

His unyielding commitment to his clients and to protecting the rights of an accused individual are fundamental values at Cornale & Associates. These are principles that we champion each and every day as we carry Rory's legacy forward.