Morris Nichols Mourns the Loss of Retired Justice Randy J. Holland

Morris Nichols is saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Randy J. Holland on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

A former Morris Nichols partner, Justice Holland left the firm in 1986 when he was appointed to the Delaware Supreme Court.  He was the youngest person appointed to the First State’s highest court and went on to become the longest-serving Justice when he retired in March 2017. 

“Justice Holland loved Delaware and the Delaware Bench and Bar, and was dedicated to making Delaware and the world a better place for all,” said William M. Lafferty, chair of Morris Nichols’ Executive Committee.  “He was a scholar and expert on many topics, including state constitutional law, an avid Delaware historian, and an advocate for equal justice.  But most importantly, he was a friend and mentor to many.  He leaves a remarkable legacy.”

Justice Holland authored and co-authored ten books, including two histories of the Delaware Supreme Court.  In 2018, the Combined Campaign for Justice established the Randy J. Holland Family Law Endowment in his honor, advancing the CCJ’s mission to fund civil legal aid organizations in Delaware.

“I had the good fortune to start my legal career clerking for Justice Holland,” reflected corporate counseling partner Patricia O. Vella.  “During the course of the year and the years that followed, Justice Holland was the best mentor and role model a new lawyer could hope to have.  In addition to Justice Holland’s contributions to Delaware’s jurisprudence, I will remember him most for his tireless work ethic, kindness and love for his family.  He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Morris Nichols litigator John P. DiTomo traveled with Justice Holland to Taiwan in 2014 and 2015 as part of Justice Holland’s decade-long work helping that country modernize its business court system.  Together with the Taiwan Corporate Governance Association, Justice Holland and John developed an international corporate law database to serve as a resource for judges assigned to Taiwan’s business court.  “I am grateful to have had the chance to work so closely with Justice Holland and am deeply saddened by his passing,” John said.  “Delaware has lost not only a great jurist but one of its greatest ambassadors.”

Morris Nichols sends our deepest condolences to Justice Holland’s family.