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How backlogs in the justice system are harming the Canadian economy
Litigation
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Lexpert’s annual look at the most significant judicial rulings affecting the business community
Certification is becoming more difficult to clear for class actions as judges take a hard look at claims
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Aber, Mouna; IMK s.e.n.c.r.l./LLP Ahmed, Owais; Harper Grey LLP Awad, Dina; Dentons Canada LLP Baykara, Y. Jay; Keyser Mason Ball, LLP Bevan, Laura L.; Lawson Lundell LLP Buysen, Jonathan; Stikeman Elliott LLP Gaikis, Bentley; DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Gill, Preet K.; Bennett Jones LLP Goldenberg, Adam; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Hamson, Daniel; Sotos LLP Kreaden, Aaron; Stikeman Elliott LLP Lafleur, Marie-Julie; BCF Business Law Lane, William G.; McDougall Gauley LLP Lockhart, Julia K.; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Needham, Breanna; DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Nemers, Jeremy; Aird & Berlis LLP Quesnel, David; LCM Attorneys Inc. Picone, John M.; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Seddigh, Mohsen; Sotos LLP Sherriff, Kelsey; Miller Thomson LLP Siddiqui, Fahad; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP van Zandvoort, Mark; Aird & Berlis LLP Wihak, Lauren J.; McDougall Gauley LLP Worsfold, Natalie; Counter Tax Litigators
Lawyers to Watch
Warren, Kenneth J., KC; Gowling WLG Watt, D. Lynne; Gowling WLG White, J. Bradley; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Whitmore, Sarah E.; Torys LLP Wilcox, Peter R.; Belmore Neidrauer LLP Williams, Lance; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Wilson, Andrew P., KC; Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP Wisner, Robert; McMillan LLP Woodin, Cheryl M.; Bennett Jones LLP Woods, Sarah; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Worden, W. Grant; Torys LLP Wotherspoon, David; Wotherspoon Law Wright, Charles M.; Siskinds LLP Wright, J. Kevin; DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Wright, Janice L.; Wright Temelini LLP Yates, Jill; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Yorke-Slader, Blair C., KC; Bennett Jones LLP Yoshida, Douglas T.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Young, Joan M.; McMillan LLP Zalmanowitz, Barry, KC; Dentons Canada LLP Zayid, Caroline R.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Zych, Kevin J.; Bennett Jones LLP
Thacker, Lawrence E.; Lenczner Slaght Theall, Lawrence G.; Theall Group LLP Theroux, Michael P.; Bennett Jones LLP Thomson, Kent E.; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Thurlow, W. Harry; Cox & Palmer Tomasich, Lauren; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Tomchak, Teresa M.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Tomkins, Alyssa; Gowling WLG Tonkovich, Mark; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Torralbo, Robert J.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Tory, James C.; Torys LLP Trépanier, Christian; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Trudel, Philippe H.; Trudel Johnston & Lespérance Tucker, Gregory J.; Owen Bird Law Corporation Tunley, M. Philip; M. Philip Tunley, Barrister Tupper, David; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Underhill, Mark G.; Arvay Finlay LLP Upenieks, Edwin G.J.; Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP Vallières, Éric; McMillan LLP Van Barr, Christopher C.; Gowling WLG Varah, Dena; Lenczner Slaght Veel, Paul-Erik; Lenczner Slaght Vendette, Isabelle; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Veneziano, Mark; Lenczner Slaght Viau, François; Gowling WLG Visser, Linda; Siskinds LLP Vogeli, Grant, KC; Lawson Lundell LLP Vu, Danny Duy; Stikeman Elliott LLP Wagner, Wendy J.; Gowling WLG Wardle, Peter C.; Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Sinha, Awanish; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Sirivar, Junior; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Skodyn, Andrew; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Smockum, D. Keith; Smockum Zarnett LLP Smyth, Kara; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Smyth, Sean S., KC; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Snider, Chloe A.; Dentons Canada LLP Sokalski, Robert P.; Hill Sokalski Walsh LLP Sorensen, John; Gowling WLG Sotiriadis, Bob H.; Robic, LLP Spalding, Jade A.; Cox & Palmer Spence, Miranda; Aird & Berlis LLP St-Cyr, Yves; Dentons Canada LLP Staley, Robert W.; Bennett Jones LLP Steep, R. Paul; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Sterns, David L.; Sotos LLP Stieber, Steven; Stieber Law Stratton, Bruce W.; DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Strosberg, Harvey T., KC; Strosberg Sasso Sutts LLP Strosberg, Jay; Strosberg Sasso Sutts LLP Sutherland, David F., KC; David F. Sutherland & Associates Swan, Richard B.; Bennett Jones LLP Tait, David A.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Tardif, Anne M.; Gowling WLG Tarnowsky, Gordon, KC; Dentons Canada LLP Taylor, Roger E.; EY Law LLP Temelini, Gregory S.J.; Wright Temelini LLP Templer, Deborah; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Tenai, Steve J.; Aird & Berlis LLP Terry, John A.; Torys LLP
Rook, John F., KC; Bennett Jones LLP Rose, Alexander; Stikeman Elliott LLP Rosenberg, Michael; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Rosenthal, Julie; Goodmans LLP Rosner, David; Goodmans LLP Rost, Judy A.; Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP Roy, Christian B.; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Royal, Danielle; Stikeman Elliott LLP Rubin, Nancy G., KC; Stewart McKelvey Rubin, Peter L.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Rudakoff, Alan, KC; Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Ryan, William L. (Mick), KC; Stewart McKelvey Sachdeva, Bobby H.; Miller Thomson LLP Sammon, Matthew; Lenczner Slaght Sandler, Daniel; EY Law LLP Sanft, Jordana; Lenczner Slaght Santini, Pasquale; Kelly Santini LLP Sarabia, Luis G.; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Savard, Éric; Langlois Lawyers Sawatzky, Murray R., KC; McDougall Gauley LLP Schachter, Stephen R., KC; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Scopa, Jordan; Goodmans LLP Scott, William G.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Seers, Myriam M.; Agora International Law Sharpe, Jeffrey E.; Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP Shaughnessy, Andrew M.; Torys LLP Shaw, Byron; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Shaw, Geoffrey B.; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Ship, Adam; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Sinclair, Sean M.; Robertson Stromberg LLP
Poplaw, Mason; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Posno, Anne E.; Lenczner Slaght Poupart, Emmanuelle; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Préfontaine, Éric; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Prophet, Clifton P.; Gowling WLG Purdy, Robert M., KC; Patterson Law Quayle, Amanda M., KC; McDougall Gauley LLP Rabinovitch, Neil S.; Dentons Canada LLP Radomski, Harry B.; Goodmans LLP Ramamoorthy, Kavita, PhD; Fineberg Ramamoorthy LLP Reardon, Peter; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Reed, Darren; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Reinertson, Robin; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Renihan, James; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Reynaud, Joseph; Stikeman Elliott LLP Ricci, Derek D.; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Richard, André G., KC; Stewart McKelvey Richardson, Tony; McInnes Cooper Richemont, Sébastien; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Richter, Christopher; Torys Law Firm L.L.P. / Société d'avocats Torys S.E.N.C.R.L. Riendeau, Alain; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Ritchie, Lawrence E.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Robb, Michael G.; Siskinds LLP Rochette, Vincent; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Rochon, Joel P.; Rochon Genova LLP Rodrigo, Nick; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Rodrigue, Sylvie; Torys LLP Rogers, Peter M.; McInnes Cooper Rogers, Roderick H., KC; Stewart McKelvey Ronde, Derek; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Naymark, Daniel; Naymark Law Nicholl, John I.S., AdE; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Nitikman, Joel A.; Dentons Canada LLP Nixon, Margaret; Stikeman Elliott LLP O'Neil, Thomas G., KC; Pink Larkin O'Neill, Brendan; Goodmans LLP O'Neill, Jane; McInnes Cooper O'Neill, Louis-Martin; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Oliver, Jeffrey; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Opolsky, Jeremy; Torys LLP Oral, Élif; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Osaka, Kelly; Dentons Canada LLP Osborne, W. Michael G.; Cozen O'Connor Outerbridge, David; Torys LLP Papazian, Barry B., KC; Papazian, Heisey, Myers Pape, Paul J.; Pape Chaudhury LLP Paré, François-David; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Paré, Frédéric; Stikeman Elliott LLP Parley, Andrew A.; Lenczner Slaght Parliament, Lisa; McMillan LLP Parthev, Shaunt, KC; MLT Aikins LLP Pasparakis, Orestes; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Peebles, Dana M.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Peerless, Michael J.; McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP Pereira, Jennifer, KC; Robertson Stromberg LLP Picco, Dennis L., KC, FCIArb; Dentons Canada LLP Piercey, Colin D.; Stewart McKelvey Pinsonnault, Guy; McMillan LLP Pliszka, Peter J.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Plumpton, Linda M.; Torys LLP
McKee, Gordon; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP McLaughlin, Frank; McCarthy Tétrault LLP McNamara, William W.; Torys LLP McNary, Carman R., KC, CD, ICDD; Dentons Canada LLP Meehan, Eugene, KC; Supreme Advocacy LLP Meghji, Al; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Melchers, Sophie; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Meredith, Heather; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Mestinsek, Michael E., KC; Stikeman Elliott LLP Mihailovich, Pooja; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Milani, Michael W., KC; McDougall Gauley LLP Milne-Smith, Matthew; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Mitchell, Douglas C.; IMK s.e.n.c.r.l./LLP Mogerman, Reidar, KC; Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP Mogil, Eli; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Mohamed, Munaf, KC; Bennett Jones LLP Mongeau, Éric; Stikeman Elliott LLP Morin, Luc; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Morin, Marc-André; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Morrison, Brendan F.; Lenczner Slaght Morse, Jerome R.; Morse Shannon LLP Moubayed, Léon; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Murdoch, Daniel S.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Musgrove, James B.; McMillan LLP Mysak, Michael D.; Bennett Jones LLP Nasr, Maxime; Belleau Lapointe, s.e.n.c.r.l. Nasseri, Justin; Ross Nasseri LLP Nathanson, Andrew I.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Nathanson, Irwin G., KC; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Naudie, Christopher P.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Littlejohn, Maureen; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Lockwood, Craig; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Loranger, Julie-Martine; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Lorimer, Lindsay; McMillan LLP Lortie, Jean; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Lubetsky, Michael; McMillan LLP MacDonald, Martha; Torys LLP MacInnis, James, KC; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Madill, Christopher W.; Stewart McKelvey Madill, Havelock (Hav) B., KC; Brownlee LLP Maidment, Scott; McMillan LLP Malo, Caroline; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Mark, Alan H.; Goodmans LLP Markwell, Jason C.; Markwell Clarizio LLP Marseille, Claude M., AdE; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Marshall, John J., KC; John J. Marshall, K.C. Professional Corporation Martel, Guy P.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Martin, Paul J.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Martineau, Yves; Stikeman Elliott LLP Mason, Steven G.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Massam, Laurent; Gowling WLG Matheson, Andrew B.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP McArthur, Joseph C.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP McCarthy, Todd J.; Flaherty McCarthy LLP McConchie, Roger D.; McConchie Law Corporation McCullogh, Kenneth B., KC; Stewart McKelvey McDowell, William C.; Lenczner Slaght McElman, Frederick C., CM, KC; Stewart McKelvey McElman, Josh J.B., KC; Cox & Palmer McFee, Robin N., KC; Sugden, McFee & Roos LLP
Kroft, Edwin G., KC; Bennett Jones LLP Kugler, Robert; Kugler Kandestin, L.L.P. Kugler, Scott M.; Gowling WLG Kuski, Deron A., KC; MLT Aikins LLP Kuski, Gordon J., KC; McDougall Gauley LLP Kwinter, Robert E.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Lachance, Christian; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Lahey, Catherine A., KC; Stewart McKelvey Laing, Andrea; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Laing, Heather J., KC; McDougall Gauley LLP Landry, Marc-André; LCM Attorneys Inc. Lapierre, Stéphanie; Stikeman Elliott LLP Lawrie, Jill; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Lawton, Dean P.J.; Carfra & Lawton Le Saunier, Pierre-Louis; Stikeman Elliott LLP Leblanc, Christian; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Lederman, David; Goodmans LLP Lederman, Eli S.; Lenczner Slaght Lee, Jeffrey M., KC; MLT Aikins LLP Lefebvre, Eric C.; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Leitl, Steven H., KC; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Lemaire, Valérie; Langlois Lawyers Leon, Jeffrey S., LSM; Bennett Jones LLP Lerner, Matthew B.; Lenczner Slaght Lespérance, André; Trudel Johnston & Lespérance Lew, Ellery C.; Witten LLP Lilles, Jaan E.; Lenczner Slaght Lindsay, Matthew; Rose LLP Lindsay, Patrick L.; PwC Law LLP Lipkus, Nathaniel; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Jensen, Carsten, KC, FCIArb; Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP Jilesen, Monique; Lenczner Slaght Johnston, Bruce W.; Trudel Johnston & Lespérance Joizil, Karine; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Jones, Rebecca; Lenczner Slaght Judge, John A.M.; Arbitration Place\Arbitra International Kain, Brandon; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Kalamut, Andrew; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Kalogiros, Kosta; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Kandestin, Gerald F.; Kugler Kandestin, L.L.P. Kapusianyk, Brian G., KC; Gowling WLG Karayannides, George J.; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Kauffman, Aubrey E.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Kay, Katherine L.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Kelly, Ian F., KC; Curtis, Dawe Kelly, Michelle M., KC; Cox & Palmer Kenny, William J., KC; Kenny Law Kent, David W.; McMillan LLP Kiley, Kevin J.; McInnes Cooper Killoran, Maureen E., KC; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Kim, Selena; Gowling WLG Kingston, Stephen J.; McInnes Cooper Klein, David A.; Klein Lawyers Kolenda, Brian; Lenczner Slaght Kolers, Eliot N.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Kolla, Peter; Goodmans LLP Konyukhova, Maria; Stikeman Elliott LLP Koshal, Anu; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Krajewska, Ewa; Henein Hutchison LLP Krane, Joshua; McMillan LLP
Gilliland, Ryder; DMG Advocates LLP Girard, Julie; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Girard, Patrick; Stikeman Elliott LLP Giroux, François M.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Glendinning, Deborah A.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Gloor, Alex; Gowling WLG Gold, Ian H.; Thomas Gold Pettingill LLP Gordon, Carolena; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Gorman, Howard A., KC; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Gosselin, Ian; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Graff, Steven L.; Aird & Berlis LLP Graham, Moya; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Grant, Robert G., KC; Stewart McKelvey Gray, Andrew D.; Torys LLP Gray, Heather; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Grenon, Gerald A.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Griffin, Peter, KC; Lenczner Slaght Griffin, Sean; Langlois Lawyers Groia, Joseph; Groia & Company Professional Corporation Groleau, Jean-Philippe; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Gruber, David E.; Bennett Jones LLP Gurofsky, Robyn; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Hackett, Ben; Goodmans LLP Hall, Geoff R.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Halladay, Casey W.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Halwani, Sana; Lenczner Slaght Hanuka, Ben V.; Law Works P.C./L.C. Hausman, David A.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Hawkes, Robert J., KC; Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP Hayes, Matthew T.; McInnes Cooper
Emblem, Robert D.G.; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Esaw, Kathryn A.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Fabello, John; Torys LLP Fabien, Marc-André G., AdE; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Facey, Brian A.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Fairhurst, Sean E. D.; Dentons Canada LLP Feder, Michael A.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Ferland, Denis; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Fien, Cy M.; Fillmore Riley LLP Fischer, Iris; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Fleming, Matthew; Dentons Canada LLP Fontaine, François, AdE; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Fontaine, Jean; Stikeman Elliott LLP Forbes, Sandra A.; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Foreman, Jonathan; Foreman & Company Fortier, L. Yves, KC, CC; Cabinet Yves Fortier Frankel, Steven; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Fric, Laura K.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Fruman, Adelle; Adelle Fruman, Independent Arbitrator and Mediator Fuerst, Linda L.; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Gage, James D.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Gagné, Michel; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Galway, Jeff W.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Gardner, Alan P.; Bennett Jones LLP Gelowitz, Mark A.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Gentile, Angelo; Aird & Berlis LLP Ghikas, Gerald W.J., KC; Vancouver Arbitration Chambers Gilbert, Frédéric Patrice; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Giles, C. Gavin, KC; McInnes Cooper Gill, L.A. Kelly; Gowling WLG
Dear, Donald W., KC; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Dearden, Richard G.; Gowling WLG Demers, Jo-Anne; Clyde & Co Canada LLP DesBrisay, Hugh M.; DMG Advocates LLP Desrosiers, Julie; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Devereux, Jeremy J.; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Di Domenico, Antonio; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Dick, Allan D.J.; Sotos LLP Dietrich, Jane; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Dimock, Ronald E.; Gowling WLG Dingle, Gillian B.; Torys LLP Dolman, Jennifer; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Dompierre, Marie-France; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Donnelly, Thomas J.; Thomas Gold Pettingill LLP Downard, Peter A.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Du Pont, Guy, AdE; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Dufort, Teresa M.; McMillan LLP Dufour, Eric J.; Miller Thomson LLP Duguid, Bryan, KC, FCIArb; Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP Dunbar, Ian; McInnes Cooper Durant, Erin; Durant Barristers Eaton, J. David B., KC; McInnes Cooper Eberts, Mary; Law Office of Mary Eberts Eddy, R. Bruce, KC; Eddy & Downs Ehmann, James S., KC; Kanuka Thuringer LLP Ehrhardt, Edwin G., KC; Bingham Law Eizenga, Michael A., LSM; Bennett Jones LLP Elbaz, Sidney; McMillan LLP Ellam, Timothy St. J., KC; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Elliott, David R.; Dentons Canada LLP
Cohen, Tracey M., KC; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Coles, David G., KC; BOYNECLARKE LLP Collins, Sean F.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Conklin, David D.; Goodmans LLP Conlon, Sheree L., KC; Nijhawan McMillan & Conlon Barristers Constant, Louis-Philippe; Clyde & Co Canada LLP Conway, Thomas G.; Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l. Cooper, George L., KC; Cox & Palmer Cooper, Laura F.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Corrigan, David, KC; HMC Lawyers LLP Coulombe, Marc-André; Stikeman Elliott LLP Couture, Monique M.; Gowling WLG Cowper, Geoffrey, KC; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Crichton, Michael; Gowling WLG Crolla, Domenic A.; Gowling WLG Cruz, Darryl A.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Cseh, Chantelle; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Cundari, Laura; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Curry, Tom; Lenczner Slaght Cusano, John R.; Dentons Canada LLP D'Silva, Alan L.W.; Stikeman Elliott LLP D'Souza, Shane C.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Dacks, Jeremy; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Dalphond, Pierre J.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Daunais, Pierre-Paul; Stikeman Elliott LLP Davis, Emrys C.; Bennett Jones LLP Davis, Mark Edward; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP de Grandpré, Vincent M.; Bennett Jones LLP de l'Étoile, Vincent; Langlois Lawyers De Vita, Bruno, KC; Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
Boyle, Sean K.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Brabander, Kristian; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Brasil, Luciana P.; Branch MacMaster LLP Breedon, Ryan S.; Breedon Litigation Brixi, Myriam; Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. Brock, William, AdE; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Brodkin, Andrew; Goodmans LLP Brotman, Stuart; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Brown, Cassandra; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Buckingham, Philip J.; Goodland Buckingham Bundaru, Horia; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Burke, Todd J.; Gowling WLG Burnett, Daniel W.; Owen Bird Law Corporation Byers, David R.; Stikeman Elliott LLP Campbell, A. Neil; McMillan LLP Caron, Sébastien C.; LCM Attorneys Inc. Caron, Stéphane E.; Gowling WLG Casavant, Jean-Pierre; Casavant Bédard Cavalluzzo, Paul J.J., CM, OO, LSM; Cavalluzzo LLP Chad, Joshua; McMillan LLP Chadwick, Robert J.; Goodmans LLP Chaudhury, Shantona; Pape Chaudhury LLP Chen, Jonathan; Lenczner Slaght Chisholm, Adam; McMillan LLP Chochla, Morris A.; Forbes Chochla Leon LLP Chrétien, Joséane; McMillan LLP Chriqui, Joanne; Robic, LLP Cicchetti, Tina; Vancouver Arbitration Chambers Clemens, Murray A., KC; Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP Cloutier, Nicolas; McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Bell, Derek J.; DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Belley, Dominic C.; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Benoît, Fabrice; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Berezowskyj, Stephen J.; Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP Berg, Bradley E.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Berman, Wendy; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Bernstein, Andrew E.; Torys LLP Bertrand, Jean G., AdE; Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Best, Erin; Stewart McKelvey Bienenstock, Yael; Torys LLP Bienvenu, Pierre, AdE; IMK s.e.n.c.r.l./LLP Binnie, Ian, CC, KC; Lenczner Slaght Biron, Caroline; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Bisaillon, Ariane; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Bishop, David C.; Gowling WLG Bjorkquist, Sonia L.; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Block, Eric; Ross Nasseri LLP Block, Sheila R.; Torys LLP Blom, Chris T.J.; Miller Thomson LLP Boctor, Audrey; IMK s.e.n.c.r.l./LLP Bombier, Nina; Lenczner Slaght Bomhof, Scott A.; Torys LLP Book, Hilary; Book Law Borrell, Andrew D.; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Boudreau, Adrienne; Sotos LLP Boudreau, Noah; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Boudreau-Simard, Guillaume; Stikeman Elliott LLP Bourbonnais, Miguel; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Boutin, Marc-André; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Bowley, Bernice R.; Fillmore Riley LLP
Abitan, Sandra; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Abramson, Steve; Harper Grey LLP Akman, Davit D.; Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Altshuller, David; Teplitsky LLP Alvarez, Henri C., KC; Alvarez Arbitration Amyot, Bernard, AdE; LCM Attorneys Inc. Anand, Raj, LSM; WeirFoulds LLP Anderson, H. Rod; Harper Grey LLP Armstrong, Sarah; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Armstrong Gates, Jacqueline A.; Gowling WLG Awad, Michelle C., KC; McInnes Cooper Azran, Éric; Stikeman Elliott LLP Babos-Marchand, Hugo; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Bach, Daniel; Siskinds LLP Baer, Matthew; McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP Bain, Belinda A.; Gowling WLG Baird, Melanie K.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Barnett, Steven R., KC; Foster & Company Baron, Erica J.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Barrack, Michael E.; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Barsalou, Pierre; Barsalou Lawson Rheault Barton, Sandra L.; Gowling WLG Bass, Neil E.; Aird & Berlis LLP Bastarache, Michel, KC; Michel Bastarache Professional Corporation Batner, Sarit E.; McCarthy Tétrault LLP Baxter, Colin S.; Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l. Beagan Flood, Catherine; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Beaulieu, Hélène L., KC; Cox & Palmer Bédard, Michèle; Casavant Bédard Béliveau, Luc; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
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Dennis James Aitken LLP
John Mather
DMG Advocates LLP
Brian J.E. Brock Paul Tushinski Philippa G. Samworth
Dutton Brock LLP
Gillian T. Hnatiw
Gillian Hnatiw & Co.
Duncan W. Glaholt
Glaholt ADR Inc.
David B. Williams Steven J. Atkinson Timothy C. Hogan
Harrison Pensa LLP
Celeste Poltak James Sayce Jonathan Ptak Kirk M. Baert
Justin Kutyan
Crawford G. Smith Jonathan C. Lisus M. Paul Michell Matthew Law Matthew P. Gottlieb Nadia Campion Paul Fruitman Rahool Agarwal Shaun Laubman
C. Kirk Boggs Cynthia B. Kuehl Earl A. Cherniak Emily Y. Fan Kevin L. Ross Lisa C. Munro Peter W. Kryworuk Robert B. Bell Yola S. Ventresca
Lerners LLP
Emily Kirkpatrick J. Kenneth McEwan Robert (Bob) W. Cooper
Ashley Christie Christopher Buchanan James L. Lebo Jennifer J. Biernaskie
McLennan Ross LLP
Brent B. Olthuis
Olthuis Van Ert
Andrew K. Lokan Chris G. Paliare Gordon D. Capern Kris Borg-Olivier Linda R. Rothstein Megan Shortreed Ren Bucholz
Edward W. Halt Perry R. Mack Peter T. Linder
Peacock Linder Halt & Mack LLP
Frederick S. Kozak Matthew A. Woodley
Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP
Andrew Faith
Polley Faith LLP
David F. O'Connor
Roy O'Connor LLP
Alfred Kwinter
R. Bruce Reynolds
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
François Guay Mark Evans Nancy Pei Sheldon Hamilton Steven Garland Yoon Kang
Marcus B. Snowden
Snowden Law Professional Corporation
Brendan Van Niejenhuis Brian J. Gover Gerald Chan Luisa Ritacca Nader R. Hasan Paul H. Le Vay
D. J. Miller Deborah E. Palter Grant B. Moffat John L. Finnigan Robert I. Thornton
E. Rebecca Potter Matthew G. Williams Robert Carvalho
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Geoffrey D.E. Adair
gadair@agbllp.com (416) 941-5863 Geoff Adair is one of Canada’s most experienced trial and appellate lawyers, having tried over 250 jury and non-jury cases to verdict and argued in excess of 100 appeals in the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He is the author of critically acclaimed advocacy text On Trial (Butterworths, second edition, 2004) and a contributing editor to Ontario Courtroom Procedure, as well as a frequent lecturer to the profession. Geoff is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and has been named as one of Canada’s 500 leading lawyers in The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Geoff’s practice areas include commercial litigation, commercial insurance litigation, directors’ and officers’ liability and major tort cases, including products liability and professional negligence matters.
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Procido LLP
Lexpert-ranked leading litigation lawyers
sbieber@agbllp.com (416) 351-2781 Simon’s practice in both the US and Canada has focused on commercial/corporate litigation, class actions, directors’ and officers’ liability, securities litigation, and professional negligence. Simon has represented a broad range of clients, including various professionals (such as lawyers and accountants), directors and officers, and other public and private companies.
Simon Bieber
jgoldblatt@agbllp.com (416) 920-9777 Jordan Goldblatt is a founding partner of Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP, and is the firm’s managing partner. Jordan has been named as a Rising Star by Lexpert magazine as well as a Litigator to Watch. He is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, and has also been recognized by Best Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation. Jordan has acted for licensed professionals, professional associations, insurance companies, and corporations (private and public) in all manner of proceedings, including trials, arbitrations, class proceedings, public inquests, and administrative hearings. Jordan’s practice encompasses matters of contract, tort, corporate law/governance, insolvency, employment, and defamation law. Jordan is preferred counsel for LawPRO, defending solicitor’s negligence claims. He is on the Canadian Civil Liberties Association roster of counsel who act on defamation litigation cases. Jordan regularly acts in sports-related disputes, acting for national sports organizations and high-performance athletes. Jordan has presented to his peers at conferences put on by the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association. Prior to co-founding Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP, Jordan practised at Lenczner Slaght LLP and Goldblatt Partners LLP.
Jordan Goldblatt
jadair@agbllp.com (416) 941-5858 John’s practice is focused on commercial litigation with an emphasis on partnership, contractual, and estate disputes. John also regularly represents clients in directors’ and officers’ liability claims, enforcement of foreign judgments, and professional liability Matters. John is a former Co-Chair of The Advocates’ Society’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group. John has writtenand spoken on numerous occasions on advocacy-related topics, and has won awards for his written articles. John has also taught trial advocacy at both the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. John was selected for the 2014 Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.
John Adair
Marie Audren, AdE
maudren@audrenrolland.com (514) 709-3146 Marie Audren is a founding partner of Audren Rolland LLP, a boutique law firm specializing in the defense of class actions. Marie has defended clients in consumer law, banking law, product liability, and securities. She has authored several publications on class actions and has often been cited by the courts. Marie founded the class action section of the CBA – Québec Division and is a CBA National Class Actions Task Force member. She is also a member of the Québec Bar Advisory Committee on Class Actions and has chaired subcommittees on rules of practice and notices to class members. For more than 10 years, she was on the Osgoode Hall National Symposium on Class Actions organizing committee and a member of the Law Commission of Ontario – Class Actions Project. Her work defending class actions has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada and The Definitive Guide to Canada's Leading Litigation Law Firms & Attorneys (Benchmark Canada). She has also argued on the plaintiff side before the Supreme Court of Canada in a class action seeking the reimbursement of municipal taxes. In 2014, she was awarded the Lexpert Zenith Award for her work in Class Actions and the Advocatus Emeritus distinction by the Quebec Bar. She was called to the Bar in 1992.
Edward J. Babin
ebabin@babinbessnerspry.com (416) 637-3294 Edward Babin has practised complex litigation in Canada for over 30 years. He was for many years a senior partner in the highly ranked litigation departments of both Torys LLP and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. He has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, as well as before the Superior Courts and Courts of Appeal of several Canadian provinces, and the Yukon, as well as the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also appeared before a wide variety of administrative tribunals and at numerous arbitrations. Over the course of his career, Ed has gained significant experience in many areas, both in individual and class action proceedings. He has been involved in a very broad range of complex legal areas, and has acted for numerous clients in contract, securities, corporate governance, oppression, competition, investment advisor, executive employment, insolvency, consumer, franchise, conspiracy and fraud-related matters. His work also has a public interest dimension. Ed has extensive and varied pro bono experience, including in connection with a number of sports-related matters and public inquiries.
cspry@babinbessnerspry.com (416) 637-3297 Cynthia Spry practises commercial litigation, including in the areas of class actions, shareholder disputes, competition law, and contractual and securities litigation. She is often recommended as conflicts counsel by Seven Sister firms, and has been qualified as an expert on Canadian law (shareholder disputes) in foreign proceedings. She is a member of the Board of Directors of The Advocates’ Society, former Chair of its Commercial Practice Group, and a regular panelist at its skills training and continuing legal education programs. She also volunteers as Duty Counsel at Law Society Discipline Committee Hearings, and is a former member of the Ontario Securities Commission Litigation Assistance Project.
Cynthia Spry
christina.doria@bakermckenzie.com (416) 865-2348 Christina Doria assists corporations, public entities and states with litigation and arbitration and internal investigations. Christina co-chairs Baker McKenzie’s North American International Arbitration Group. In addition to Lexpert, she is ranked by WWL as a national leader in Canada and by WWL Arbitration as a Future Leader since 2020, who has “extraordinarily strong counsel skills and an excellent command of international arbitration practice.” She has also been recognized by The Legal 500 as a rising star. Christina’s practice focuses on energy, mining and infrastructure cases, including the transportation industry, though she works broadly across industry sectors. With over 10 years of experience, she has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, the courts of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. She has also appeared before domestic and international arbitral tribunals and has acted on arbitrations under most commercial and investor-state rules. Christina has sat as an arbitrator under the ICC Rules and the ICDR Rules. She frequently writes and speaks on cross-border litigation and arbitration matters. Committed to improving gender diversity in law, Christina was on the founding committee of Baker McKenzie’s global Women in Arbitration group.
Dominic T. Clarke
dclarke@blaney.com (416) 593-3968 Dominic practises principally in the area of insurance litigation encompassing both coverage and defence matters. A “go-to” counsel for insurers both nationally and internationally, Dominic’s expertise is sought out on large and complex coverage claims. He specializes in advising and representing insurers with respect to commercial general liability, directors’ and officers’ liability, and commercial property policies. He has significant experience in the defence of products liability and sexual abuse litigation. A force in the courtroom, he has appeared in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. A leading expert in insurance coverage and reinsurance matters, Dominic is a frequent lecturer and is hailed as “very experienced, very agreeable and highly competent” by Who’s Who Legal, with respondents drawing praise for his litigation practice, especially in coverage disputes. He has published numerous thought leadership pieces in his over three decades of practice.
Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP
rwinsor@blaney.com (416) 593-3971 Practice restricted to commercial, class action, and insurance litigation concentrating on complex and multijurisdictional litigation. Cases related to aviation, the environment, government, technology, product liability, liability claims against various professionals, and conspiracy claims, including exceptionally wide variety of class actions. Author of Good Faith (Canada Law Book) and co-author of The Insurance Act of Ontario Annotated (Butterworths). Frequent writer on topics such as Crown Duty of Care & Regulatory Negligence; Reducing Damages & Defense Costs in Environmental Claims; Class Actions: The Good News; Punitive Damages for Breach of Contract; Causation & the SCC, The Doctrine of Reasonable Expectations; Tripartite Relationships in Insurance; Misrepresentations & Non Disclosure on Applications; Coverage Denials & Bad Faith Claims; Defense of Multi-Jurisdictional Product Liability Claims; Recovery by Insured of Uninsured Portion of Claim; Excess & Other Partially Insured Claims; Understanding the Insurance Contract, and Commercial Insurance Law. Martindale’s highest AV rating. Expert Guides’ Guide to the World's Leading Insurance & Reinsurance Lawyers. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 for Class Actions and Insurance Law. LLB, Osgoode Hall Law School.
Roderick S. W. Winsor
jmangano@blaney.com (416) 596-2896 Jason Mangano specializes in complex litigation with a focus on contractual disputes in the areas of insurance coverage and construction. His representative work spans a broad range of areas of law including insurance coverage, class action work, construction defect claims, condominium law, as well as various commercial disputes. Jason has been successful as lead counsel in several complex matters before Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. Clients appreciate Jason’s ability to quickly get to the heart of their matter and provide a pragmatic, effective solution. Jason's insurance coverage practice encompasses courtroom application and opinion work in respect to all types of first-party and third-party liability policies. He also has extensive experience with P3 wrap-up, directors and officers, commercial general liability, business interruption, errors and omissions and cyber insurance policies.
Jason Mangano
cempke@blaney.com (416) 593-2988 Colin Empke’s primary practice area relates to insurance coverage opinions, coverage litigation, and appellate litigation services in relation to liability policies of every description, including commercial general liability, automobile, homeowner, and D&O policies. Colin also acts as an arbitrator in insurance coverage disputes. His secondary practice area involves insurance-related defence work and subrogation claims, representing insured persons in all manner of personal injury and property damage cases. Colin appears regularly before the Ontario Courts and Court of Appeal. Colin has many reported cases on issues of interest to the insurance industry. Colin is widely published on insurance coverage issues and speaks regularly on insurance-related topics. He has authored papers for or presented lectures at the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Institute, Canadian Defence Lawyers, Defense Research Institute, Osgoode Hall Professional Development, University of Western Ontario, Ontario Risk and Insurance Managers Society, and the Insurance Institute of Ontario. LLB, University of New Brunswick; called to the Bar of Ontario, 1997.
W. Colin Empke
Subrata Bhattacharjee
sbhattacharjee@blg.com (416) 367-6371 Subrata Bhattacharjee is a partner at BLG, national chair of the Competition and Foreign Investment Review Group, and national business leader of the Corporate Commercial Group. He practises competition/antitrust law and foreign investment law and also provides strategic Canadian regulatory advice to major global clients, particularly in the technology and media sectors. Subrata has served as an officer of the ABA Section of Antitrust Law and as a member of Council and has held other leadership positions in the ABA, CBA, and other entities. Appointed non-governmental advisor of the International Competition Network by the Competition Bureau. Routinely ranked by major domestic and international directories as one of Canada’s leading competition lawyers. He obtained his LLB from Dalhousie University and was a Fox Scholar at Middle Temple, UK.
Justine Blanchet
jblanchet@blg.com (403) 232-9799 Justine Blanchet is a partner in BLG’s Calgary office. Justine’s practice focuses on complex personal injury defence including healthcare matters, professional negligence, product liability, automobile accidents, fires, floods, directors and officers liability, commercial host liability, commercial construction and coverage. Justine has a particular interest in health law and sports and recreation. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada and as a Benchmark Canada “Future Star.”
Keegan Boyd
keeganboyd@blg.com (416) 367-6444 Keegan Boyd is a partner in BLG’s Toronto office. Keegan defends hospitals, healthcare organizations and professionals against allegations of professional misconduct and negligence in both civil and regulatory contexts. He also represents corporate and individual clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contract disputes, product liability claims, mass torts and class actions. Keegan regularly advises clients on matters related to medical devices and technology, regulatory compliance, incident reporting, adverse events, physician credentialing, privacy, disclosure and risk management. Keegan has acted as lead counsel at all levels of court in Ontario, and has represented clients before other courts, administrative bodies and tribunals, including the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Licence Appeal Tribunal and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Keegan was formerly an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University, teaching the Trial Advocacy course.
Rebecca L. Bush
rbush@blg.com (416) 367-6162 Partner and national business leader of BLG’s Insurance & Tort Liability Group. Practice focuses on public authority litigation and complex tort litigation for large institutional clients. Has specialized expertise defending employment torts including workplace-based psychological injury and mental distress damages claims in employment and human rights context. Frequently provides advice on sensitive matters that are the subject of public and media scrutiny. Defends the reputational interests of her clients in policy- and precedent-setting cases. Chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, American Bar Association. Education: BA (University of Toronto); LLB (University of Windsor). Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2002.
Karine Chênevert
kchenevert@blg.com (514) 954-3180 Partner Karine Chênevert brings her multi-jurisdictional expertise to a broad range of litigation areas including class actions, conflicts between shareholders, governance, competition, securities, privacy, consumer protection, and special remedies such as injunctions. She regularly acts for significant clients in class actions involving securities, allegations of conspiracy, and consumer protection claims. Her commercial litigation practice includes advising clients on highly complex commercial litigation and representing them before civil courts and administrative tribunals and in arbitration proceedings. Karine has extensive experience in governance and advises directors and officers regarding ethical and corporate governance practices. She acts as a trainer in the university certification program in corporate governance offered by the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés. She has participated, as a delegate of the YBAM, in parliamentary commission hearings of the Quebec National Assembly on the Act to Amend the Code of Civil Procedure to prevent improper use of the courts and promote freedom of expression and citizen participation in public debate. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Class Action Litigation.
Craig R. Chiasson
cchiasson@blg.com (604) 640-4221 Craig Chiasson is a partner in the International Arbitration Group of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Vancouver. He began his career as a student and then associate at BLG in its Disputes Group. In December 2005, he moved to Paris, France, where he practised at Freshfields in its International Arbitration Group until November 2011. Craig has extensive experience in international and domestic arbitration, including investor-state disputes, as counsel and arbitrator. His arbitration experience includes cases seated in and governed by substantive laws of many jurisdictions, and in a vast array of industries. Craig is recognized by Chambers Global and Canada, Who’s Who Legal, Lexpert and Benchmark Canada, among others, and is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated. Craig is an active member of numerous arbitral institutions and associations, including on Roster of Arbitrators, International Centre for Dispute Resolution, the London Court of International Arbitration, the ICC Canada Arbitration Committee, including as a listed arbitrator, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and an advisory member of the Institute of Transnational Arbitration. Craig is also a member of the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre as a rostered arbitrator and is on its Rules Committee.
Cynthia (Cindy) D. Clarke
cclarke@blg.com (416) 367-6203 As one of BLG’s most senior leaders who sits on the National Management Committee, Cindy acts as a liaison and relationship manager for major clients and leads client and sector strategy as the National Group Head, Clients, Sectors & New Services. Cindy manages several client accounts, including those for two of the firm’s largest and most significant clients. Cindy’s legal practice is focused on the defence of health organizations, primarily medical malpractice matters, as well as product liability and class actions involving pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of health-related products. Cindy is the co-author of the text Law for Canadian Health Care Administrators, 3rd Ed., published in January 2021. Cindy has been recognized by a number of publications, including as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a Rising Star by Lexpert, one of Benchmark’s Top 100 Women in Litigation, and consistently ranked in Chambers Canada.
Lawrence A. Elliot
lelliot@blg.com (613) 237-5160 BLG Ottawa’s regional managing partner and a member of the National Management Committee, Larry is a civil litigator who practises in many areas of civil litigation, with an emphasis on insurance/personal injury law, product recalls and regulatory matters, product liability, stockbroker negligence, access to information, commercial litigation, and administrative law. He has made appearances as counsel in all courts in the province of Ontario and the Federal Court of Canada. National leader of BLG’s Insurance and Tort Law Group (2010–2020), as well as regional coordinator of BLG’s Product Liability Professional Group and Securities Litigation Focus Group. Former member of BLG’s Partnership Board and former leader of BLG’s Ottawa Litigation Department (2005–2010). Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2010) of The Best Lawyers in Canada (Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation). Also recognized as the Insurance Litigator of the Year by the 2018 Benchmark Canada awards. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1996.
Nadia Effendi
neffendi@blg.com (416) 367-6728 Nadia is a regional group manager in Toronto and Ottawa. She represents clients in complex and often high-profile proceedings. She regularly appears before all levels of federal and provincial courts, administrative tribunals, and commissions of inquiry and has represented several clients before the Supreme Court, including the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and York University. She was Lead Counsel for the Honourable Louise Arbour appointed to carry out a review into the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence, in response to reports of harassment and sexual misconduct. She is also Counsel for the Honourable Thomas Cromwell appointed to carry out a governance review of Hockey Canada. Nadia was Litigator of the Year at the 2022 Canadian Law Awards and one of Benchmark’s Top 100 Women in Litigation. Nadia was also recognized in 2023 edition of Chambers Canada, Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business. She regularly publishes and speaks on topics in administrative law and appellate advocacy. Her memberships include the CBA Federal Courts Bench, The Advocates’ Society Appellate Advocacy Practice Group and the board of the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario.
Brad W. Dixon
bdixon@blg.com (604) 640-4111 Brad is recognized nationally as a leading counsel in class action defence and complex commercial litigation matters. He co-chairs the firm’s Class Actions Group, providing strategic direction and coordination. He has successfully defended class actions against leading Canadian corporations and financial institutions, as well as multinational corporations, achieving precedent-setting results. His primary practice is before British Columbia courts, but he has also defended class proceedings in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Brad has obtained dismissal of class actions before certification, obtained dismissal of certification applications, and taken class actions to common issues trials. His practice includes considerable appellate experience. He has dealt with consumer and statutory claims, product liability, and competition law claims. His experience includes litigation of commercial and constitutional or other public law issues. Brad is a frequent speaker at conferences on class action defence or litigation, generally. He has been recognized many times by peers as leading counsel in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Chambers Canada, and Benchmark Canada.
Marc Duchesne
mduchesne@blg.com (514) 954-3102 Marc is a senior counsel in the BLG Montreal office. He acts as solicitor and litigator in banking, bankruptcy and insolvency matters, and corporate restructurings. Marc advises financial institutions, creditors, venture capital funds, receivers, monitors, and trustees, and represents their interests before the courts. He assists debtors and stakeholders in restructurings and insolvencies. Marc also acts in commercial litigation matters, construction matters, and commercial disputes. His experience includes national and cross-border insolvencies, complex liquidation, and securities-related insolvency situations. Marc is a frequent conference speaker on the subjects of security, bankruptcy, and insolvency. He is a member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada, CBA, INSOL International, ABI, and Canadian Turnaround Management Association. Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2008) of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Called to the Quebec Bar in 1981.
David Di Paolo
ddipaolo@blg.com (416) 367-6108 David is the National Group Head of BLG’s Disputes Group and a leading commercial litigator who specializes in securities litigation, class actions and shareholder disputes. David regularly acts for market participants in defending securities class actions as well as securities regulatory investigations and proceedings. His class action practice is broad and includes securities, commercial, and employment class actions defence work. David has appeared before all levels of court including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. David has also appeared before securities regulatory tribunals such as the Ontario Securities Commission, Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada, and other securities industry regulatory bodies across Canada. David also acts in all manner of commercial litigation including shareholder disputes, oppression remedy proceedings, and general corporate and commercial litigation. He has been recognized since 2019 in Chambers Canada, as well as in Benchmark Canada and The Best Lawyers in Canada. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1998.
Sarah McEachern
smceachern@blg.com (604) 632-3471 Sarah McEachern is a partner in the BLG Vancouver office. She helps clients find solutions to complex disputes through both litigation and arbitration. Sarah practises all aspects of commercial arbitration, from the initial stage of drafting the arbitration clause in a contract, to obtaining interim court orders, to arbitration preparation, through to the final stages of appearing before the arbitration tribunal as counsel and applying to have arbitral awards enforced in court. Her experience includes disputes in a broad range of fields including commercial, health, construction, energy, and aviation. Sarah is recognized in Chambers Canada (Dispute Resolution: Arbitration), Lexpert Special Edition — Litigation, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Commercial Arbitration), Benchmark’s 40 & Under Hotlist, and Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys as a Litigation Star and a Future Star. She is also recognized as a Future Leader in GAR’s Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, a Lexpert Rising Star, and as a Rising Star in Commercial Arbitration in Expert Guides.
Ian C. Matthews
imatthews@blg.com (416) 367-6723 Ian is a business litigator focused on complex commercial and appellate disputes. He has extensive experience acting in class action proceedings, including on diverse claims ranging from unpaid overtime to foreign currency exchange issues in Canada and the United States. Ian has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada. He is also a member of the executive of the Class Action Section of the Ontario Bar Association. A former Supreme Court of Canada law clerk, Ian was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008, admitted to practise in New York in 2011, and holds law degrees from the University of Windsor and Harvard Law School.
Michelle Maniago
mmaniago@blg.com (604) 687-5744 Michelle is a partner in BLG's Vancouver office. She has significant experience with highly complex commercial, banking and corporate litigation and arbitration across a range of industries and legal subject matters. Her practice includes defence of high-profile provincial, national and multi-jurisdictional class actions involving credit card insurance products, foreign exchange transaction costs, Ponzi schemes, mutual fund related management fees, alleged defective products, environmental claims, consumer protection claims, privacy breaches, and price-fixing claims. Michelle also has specialized knowledge in a variety of areas, including competition law, advertising, price-fixing, bid-rigging, consumer protection, banking, corporate governance, plans of arrangement and privacy law. Recognized in the 2022 edition of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 100 Women in Canada. Recognized in 2023 by Benchmark Litigation as one of the Top 100 Women in Canada and for six consecutive years in the Benchmark Litigation’s 40 and Under Hotlist. Recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Called to the British Columbia Bar in 2008.
Robert L. Love
rlove@blg.com (416) 367-6132 Senior partner within BLG’s Disputes Practice, Bob Love leads the national Product Liability, Autonomous Vehicles, and Automotive Industry Groups in addition to effectively defending clients against claims and resolving disputes. His expertise includes product liability, aviation, subrogation, insurance defence, and municipal and professional liability. Bob has represented a wide array of clients—from insurers to small and global entities—and has appeared as lead counsel at all levels of the trial and appellate courts of Ontario. He is known for his abilities to simplify complex, technical matters and render them more easily understood, critically and accurately assess damages, and finding pragmatic, innovative approaches to resolution. In addition to advocacy, Bob has also been instrumental in advising clients on risk mitigation. Called to the Bar in 1994, Bob is active within the legal industry and within the community. He is the former Vice Chair of the Product Liability Committee for the International Association of Defense Attorneys and previously held the role of Chair for the Product Liability Committee, Canadian Defence Lawyers’ Association. Bob regularly speaks at conferences and has authored many articles and publications, most recently on CAVs, including MaaS.
Markus F. Kremer
mkremer@blg.com (416) 367-6658 Partner and head of BLG’s Class Actions Group in Toronto. Specializes in defending the country’s largest financial and public institutions and corporations in actions involving breaches of contract, privacy breaches, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, competition and mass tort issues arising in the financial services, pension, healthcare and retail industries. Also practises commercial litigation (contractual and corporate disputes, as well as cross-border litigation) and public law (pension matters). He is regularly retained by employers and administrators of single- and multi-employer pension plans with respect to plan administration issues and litigates pension disputes before tribunals and courts. In the education sector, he has particular expertise with respect to difficult religious rights issues. Markus has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, the Federal Court, and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as the Financial Services Tribunal and other administrative tribunals. Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Employee Benefits Law; Class Action Litigation; Corporate Commercial Litigation). Education: LLB (York University). Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1999.
Gilbert Hourani
ghourani@blg.com (514) 954-3101 Partner in Insurance & Tort Liability Group of BLG’s Montreal office. Provides litigation defence services to Canadian and foreign insurers carrying on business in Canada and in the US. Practice focuses on professional liability of general and specialized contractors and engineering firms. Represents public and private entities of all sizes and brings specialized knowledge with respect to insurance defence and risk management for professional and financial indemnity and general line programs underwritten in Canada. Often called upon to speak at conferences and actively engages within industry, particularly as a member of the Barreau du Québec. Academic Associate, Insurance Law course, McGill University Faculty of Law. Winner at Client Choice Awards and recognized for exceptional service and prowess in Insurance category in Quebec. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Insurance Law). Education: LLB (Université de Montréal). Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1994.
Patrick Heinsen
pheinsen@blg.com (403) 232-9794 Patrick is a partner and regional group manager of Specialized Litigation in BLG’s Calgary office. Patrick has extensive experience in professional negligence defence and has particular expertise handling claims against architects, engineers, project consultants and locating/surveying professionals. Patrick has also successfully defended insurers, insurance brokers, MGAs, real estate agents, healthcare professionals, medical product manufacturers, and commercial hosts. He has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta and has successfully conducted matters in courts of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Federal Court of Canada. Patrick is a member of the CBA’s Construction, Insurance and Alternative Dispute Resolution subsections. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Law), (Insurance Law), and (Construction Law). Also recognized in Lexpert Special Edition — Litigation, and in Benchmark Canada (Litigation Star). Called to the Alberta Bar in 2001.
David Elman
delman@blg.com (416) 367-6031 David Elman is a partner in BLG’s Toronto office. David focuses on class actions and the defence of complex torts and commercial litigation. He specializes in cases alleging breach of consumer protection legislation, product liability, negligence, breach of contract and public authority liability. He regularly appears on motions and appeals before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. David provides counsel on sensitive and high-profile issues to manage reputational risks and concerns. He also represents clients in mediation and arbitration. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Product Liability Law). Awarded the Blake Cassels Graydon LLP prize in Business Organizations. Awarded the Catherine Helen McLean Prize in Labour Law. Osgoode Society Prize for Canadian Legal History. Education: LLB, University of Ottawa, 2006. Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2007.
Dennis R. O'Connor, KC
doconnor@blg.com (416) 367-6750 Senior counsel in the Toronto office of BLG. Member of Arbitration Place, Toronto. Sat on the Court of Appeal for Ontario from 1998 to 2012. Served as the Associate Chief Justice of Ontario from 2001 until he retired at the end of 2012. While on the bench, Mr. O’Connor wrote numerous judgments dealing with a wide variety of issues including public, criminal, commercial, securities, and insurance law. Also conducted two successful public inquiries: the Walkerton Inquiry (2000–2002) and the Maher Arar Inquiry (2004–2006). Prior to his appointment at the Court of Appeal, Mr. O’Connor was senior counsel at Borden & Elliot (a predecessor firm of BLG) for 18 years. His practice focused on commercial and public law litigation. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and is appointed to the Order of Ontario. Chair of Pro Bono Canada. Member of the Board of Directors of the Innocence Canada Foundation. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Obtained LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1964 and called to the Ontario Bar in 1966. Appointed King’s Counsel in 1980. He is the recipient of several honorary doctorates and awards.
Beverley Moore
bmoore@blg.com (613) 369-4784 Beverley leads Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s IP Litigation Group and practises in all areas of IP litigation. She specializes in complex litigation in the Federal Court and in actions under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. She also advises clients on IP regulatory issues such as listing patents on the Patent Register, reporting patents to the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB), Certificates of Supplementary Protection, and the Register of Innovative Drugs as it relates to data protection. In addition, Beverley advises on other patent portfolio management, patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate issues. Beverley is also active in the IP community including as a past Director of the IPIC/McGill Understanding Patents Course, Chair of the CBA IP Section’s Court Practice Committee, Co-Vice Chair of IPO’s Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Issues Committee, and as an editor of Carswell’s Consolidated Intellectual Property Statutes and Regulations. Beverley also mentors associates and students in her firm and IP practitioners in other firms through IPO’s mentoring programs. Beverley speaks and writes regularly on issues relating to her practice. Beverley has been an advocate before the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the PMPRB.
Anne Merminod
amerminod@blg.com (514) 954-2529 Partner in BLG’s Montreal office. Anne Merminod is an experienced and skilled litigator who devotes her practice to defending class actions. She currently defends clients, both at authorization, on the merits, or involved in settlements before judicial courts in first instance and at the appellate level, across a broad variety of industries in the fields of consumer protection, product liability, privacy law, health law, competition law, and environmental law. Anne is a sought-after speaker and author; she regularly speaks and writes on the subject of class actions. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Class Actions Section of the Canadian Bar Association (Quebec Division) and sits on the committee of the National Conference of the Barreau du Québec on Class Actions, Recent Developments in Quebec, Canada, and the United States, the largest continuing professional training activity in the field in Canada. She is consistently recognized by Acritas Star, Benchmark Canada as a Litigation Star and on the 40 & Under Hotlist, Chambers Canada (Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) - Nationwide - Canada), and by The Best Lawyers in Canada (Class Action Litigation).
Hugh A. Meighen
HMeighen@blg.com (416) 367-6614 Partner in Commercial Litigation Group and Construction Group of BLG’s Toronto office, specializing in international disputes, including international commercial, investment, and construction arbitration and international litigation in a range of industry sectors. With over 10 years of dedicated arbitration counsel work, Hugh has advised a range of Canadian and international companies in disputes governed by the arbitration rules of the ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, ICDR, BCICAC, and DIAC. Co-authored Guide to the PCA Arbitration Rules (Oxford University Press, 2014). Adjunct Professor of international commercial arbitration at Osgoode Hall Law School. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Who’s Who Legal recognized Hugh as a Global Leader in Arbitration, as a Future Leader in Arbitration, and named him one of 10 Most Highly Regarded Partners Under 45 in the Americas. Education: AB cum laude (Princeton University); BCL/LLB (McGill University). Admitted to Ontario Bar in 2010 and New York Bar in 2011.
Kevin A. McGivney
kmcgivney@blg.com (416) 367-6118 Toronto regional leader of BLG’s Insurance and Tort Liability Group. Elected member of BLG Partnership Board. Kevin practises civil litigation with a focus on municipal and police liability. Has appeared as lead counsel before the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Represents municipalities, police services, and their insurers with respect to all types of liability claims including defamation and class actions. Also represents municipalities and police services at coroner's inquests and before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. Advises insurers and defends insureds regarding property and casualty claims, the drafting of insurance policies, and coverage issues. Frequent writer and speaker on issues related to municipal and government liability, police liability, occupiers’ liability, and advocacy issues. Received LLB from Western University, Faculty of Law. Bachelor of Arts (History), King’s University College of Western University. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1991.
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mpmessier@blg.com (514)954-3136 Mathieu is the national business leader of Commercial Litigation. He has significant experience in both civil and commercial litigation, particularly in the areas of extraordinary remedies (injunction and freezing orders), commercial fraud, high technology, industrial espionage, identity theft, competition law, defamation law, entertainment law, intellectual property rights, aviation law, and international arbitration. Mathieu was a member of the parliamentary committees of the National Assembly responsible for reform of the Quebec Code of Civil Procedure. Recognized in Chambers Canada (Litigation: General Commercial - Quebec). Recognized by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada and in Benchmark Canada as a Litigation Star and a Top 50 Trial Lawyer in Canada. He was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) in 2018, and as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America in 2021. Mathieu received the Advocatus Emeritus distinction for 2022 by the Barreau du Québec, to which he was called in 1998. He has acted for plaintiffs in preparing and enforcing seizures before judgment, injunctions, and Anton Piller, Mareva, and Norwich injunctions and orders. He has also acted as an independent supervisor solicitor for several Canadian law firms.
Mathieu Piché-Messier
csaunders@blg.com (613) 369-4783 Chantal is a lawyer and Registered Patent Agent in BLG’s Ottawa office. She specializes in intellectual property litigation, with an emphasis on complex patent litigation including pharmaceutical litigation under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Her practice also involves copyright and trademark litigation. She has appeared before the Federal Courts on patent, trademark, and copyright matters. Chantal also advises clients with respect to data protection, Certificates of Supplementary Protection, and issues arising in respect of the Patent Register and the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. In addition, Chantal advises on patentability, validity and freedom-to-operate issues.
Chantal Saunders
jsaintonge@blg.com (514) 954-2551 A highly accomplished class actions lawyer with extensive experience as defence counsel representing private and public sector clients, including multinational companies, particularly in multi-jurisdictional and cross-border class actions. Expertise extends across a number of fields of law, including competition, product liability and environmental law. Has acted and successfully argued several precedent-setting cases and is known for his ability to find practical and sustainable solutions in cases that are frequently complex involving multiple defendants. Quebec Bar (1981) Advocatus Emeritus (AdE); Prix de la justice du Québec Award (2007). Chair of the Barreau du Québec Group of experts on class actions (since 2006). Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) and of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL).
Jean Saint-Onge
csainsbury@blg.com (416) 367-6438 Cait is an experienced litigator with a broad litigation and dispute resolution practice. She frequently represents clients in complex commercial disputes and in competition/antitrust and securities class actions. With extensive securities litigation experience, Cait regularly acts for dealers and individuals in civil and regulatory proceedings, as well as investigations conducted by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada, and the Ontario Securities Commission. Her expertise also extends to representing companies in contested mergers & acquisition transactions and in providing advice in connection with corporate governance issues. Cait is a member of BLG’s Partnership Board, the firm’s national governing body.
Caitlin Sainsbury
sricher@blg.com (514) 954-3199 Partner in Commercial Litigation Group of BLG’s Montreal office. Specializes in real estate litigation and extraordinary remedies such as injunctions, seizures before judgment, and Anton Piller orders. Has expertise in litigation relating to breach of confidentiality obligations, data protection, cybersecurity, and fraud. Regularly pleads before all levels of the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and before several administrative tribunals. Education: BA (Université Laval); LLB (Université du Québec à Montréal). Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2002.
Stéphane Richer
brebane@blg.com (604) 640-4130 Blair Rebane is a partner in the BLG Vancouver office. He has experience advising franchisors in all types of franchise matters. Blair’s practice also focuses on the area of contract law, with an emphasis on landlord/tenant matters, construction disputes, and creditors’ remedies. His clients include Canada’s largest franchisors, manufacturers, landlords, and those involved at all levels of the construction industry. Blair has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court of Canada on franchise, construction, and landlord/tenant matters. In addition, Blair has taught, published, and presented extensively on franchise law. He is recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada for Franchise Law (since 2008) and Corporate and Commercial Litigation (since 2013), the editions of Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Franchising – Nationwide) since 2017. Blair was also named Vancouver Franchise Law Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in Canada (2021, 2019, 2017, and 2013).
Blair A. Rebane
spitre@blg.com (514) 954-3147 Stéphane Pitre is Montreal’s regional leader in BLG’s Construction Group as well as the Insurance Tort Law Group. He is also a member of the Commercial Litigation Group and Class Actions Group. Stéphane's practice is focused on construction, engineering, sureties, and product liability, particularly in the areas of insurance, civil liability, commercial litigation, and class actions. Stéphane's expertise in the field of construction includes legal hypothecs, surety and bonds, calls for tenders and bids, and other aspects of claims by contractors. He is also experienced in issues relating to private international law. In that capacity, Stéphane has pleaded cases related to the jurisdiction of Quebec judicial authorities and before all courts, including the Supreme Court. He is recognized in Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canada's Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys as a Local Litigation Star: Quebec and a Litigation Star: Class Action, Commercial, Construction, Product Liability, and Recall. He was also selected by peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition (and since 2014) of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Called to the Quebec Bar in 1999.
Stéphane Pitre
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dsmith@blg.com (416) 367-6015 Partner in the Disputes Group of BLG’s Toronto office. Civil litigation practice includes governmental and police liability, banking insurance litigation, product liability, administrative and regulatory law, and health law. Commercial litigation practice covers contract disputes, commercial insolvency, priority disputes, and general bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Has acted as counsel at more than 25 trials before the Superior Court of Justice and Federal Court of Canada on issues such as police liability, products liability, and Crown liability. Also has extensive experience before appellate courts, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Divisional Court, and Federal Court of Appeal. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Insurance Law; Personal Injury Law). Education: BSc (McMaster University); LLB (Queen’s University). Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1995.
Douglas O. Smith
dsherriff-scott@blg.com (613) 787-3527 Partner in the Commercial Litigation Group at BLG. Has extensive experience before the Ontario Court of Justice, Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Federal Court’s Trial and Appeal Divisions, Canadian International Trade Tribunal, License Appeal Tribunal, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, Ontario Municipal Board, and a wide variety of other tribunals, boards, and commissions. Regularly advises and appears as litigation counsel in large multi-party construction cases, procurement and tendering disputes, professional liability matters, and commercial disputes. Leading lawyer in the field of defamation and media law. Practice also involves a significant administrative law litigation component. Has wide experience in judicial review before both the Ontario and Federal Courts. Acts as defence counsel in professional discipline cases and holds the Osgoode Law School Certificate in Professional Regulation & Discipline in the Ontario Health Care Sector. Obtained LLB from the University of Ottawa in 1989. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1991.
David Sherriff-Scott
aross@blg.com (416) 367-6130 Alan is the regional managing partner of BLG’s Calgary office and Chair of the firm’s US practice. Alan practises administrative and regulatory law, representing energy clients in national and provincial regulatory proceedings. He has expertise in the areas of pipeline transmission, oil and natural gas, renewables (solar and wind), energy transition technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and electricity. Alan has significant experience with regulators in the UK, EU, and the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He has represented clients before the Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Utilities Commission, British Columbia Utilities Commission, Ontario Energy Board, and the Canada Energy Regulator. Beyond the energy sector, Alan advises clients on regulatory matters in transportation, technology, and international trade. Alan received a Queen’s Counsel designation in 2020. He is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and is a current and past board member of, among others, the Canadian-American Business Council, the Western Canada General Counsel Awards, and the Calgary International Film Festival. He is also highly ranked in Chambers and recognized since 2012 in The Best Lawyers in Canada.
Alan L. Ross
dsanders@blg.com (613) 369-4783 Passionate about being an integral team member on infrastructure and other construction projects, including public-private partnerships. Led and advised on legal teams for many projects in health (Fort St. John, Surrey Outpatient, Royal Jubilee), transportation (Champlain, Golden Ears, Grimstad, Kicking Horse, Henday, Calgary), education (Alberta and New Brunswick schools), water/wastewater (McLoughlin Point, Britannia, Sooke), and corrections (Okanagan, Nanaimo, Allouette, Surrey Pre-trial) in Canada, the US, Europe, and Asia for public authorities, developers, and design-builders. Frequent author, lecturer, and co-author of Practical Law of Architecture, Engineering and Geoscience (4th ed., Pearson, 2022) and A Practical Guide to Ethics and Professional Practice for Engineers and Geoscientists (Pearson, 2021). Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada in the fields of Construction Law, Project Finance Law, and Public Procurement Law; and recognized in Chambers Canada and Chambers Global. Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. Professional Engineer licensed in Saskatchewan and BC. Called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1990, the BC Bar in 1999, and the Yukon Bar in 2015.
Douglas R. Sanders, PEng
gzakaib@blg.com (416) 367-6664 Glenn Zakaib practises in the area of commercial litigation with a focus on product liability and class proceedings. Glenn is the national co-chair of the Class Actions Group, providing strategic direction and coordination of the group across Canada. He is highly active with the Defence Research Institute (DRI) where he has held numerous positions and most recently has been a member of the DRI Law Institute, which oversees all educational seminars for the organization. Glenn is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel and a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. He is recognized as a leading lawyer in Chambers Canada, Best Lawyers, and Who’s Who Legal. Glenn was called to the Ontario Bar in 1983. He believes strongly in his client-oriented approach to law.
Glenn M. Zakaib
rtraves@blg.com (416) 367-6272 Robert (Bob) is a partner in BLG’s Toronto office. Bob practises civil litigation in the areas of major tort and property damage litigation, commercial insurance litigation, professional negligence claims, insurance coverage disputes and municipal liability. His insurance defence practice includes the defence of diverse casualty and property claims, as well as advancing subrogated claims on behalf of insurers. He is an accredited mediator through the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. He also practises major tort and property damage litigation, commercial insurance litigation, professional negligence claims, and personal injury with an emphasis on insurance defence. Bob also has extensive municipal liability expertise. Recognized in the 2023 edition of Lexpert Special Edition — Litigation. He was elected by peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada (Alternative Dispute Resolution, Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation). He is a frequent speaker, demonstrator and Chair on insurance and personal injury-related topics through Osgoode Professional Development and Insight programs. LLB, University of Ottawa. Ontario Bar, 1985.
Robert W. Traves
gpratte@blg.com (416) 700-6265 Guy focuses his practice on complex litigation including commercial law, class actions, administrative law, and constitutional law. Fully bilingual and called to the Bars of Ontario and Quebec, Guy has appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada in approximately 25 cases and is likely if not the only counsel in Canada that regularly argues cases involving civil law and common law matters. Guy pleads regularly in the Superior and Appeal Courts of Ontario and Quebec, as well as the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, former president of The Advocates' Society, and a director of the Supreme Court of Canada Advocacy Institute. He taught courses focused on the Supreme Court of Canada at the University of Toronto as an Adjunct Professor. He is a recipient of the Law Society of Ontario medal and of the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Civil Litigation. He is also highly recognized in various industry directories, including Chambers Global (Dispute Resolution), The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Who’s Who Legal. Guy was named Advocatus Emeritus by the Quebec Bar for “outstanding contributions to the legal profession.” Guy has held several management positions at BLG and is currently Chair Emeritus of BLG.
Guy J. Pratte
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Matthew J. Epp
MEpp@blg.com (403) 232-9712 Matthew has practised in the areas of civil litigation and white-collar crime for more than 25 years. Clients regularly request his advice in complex commercial litigation including class actions, fraud, the corruption of foreign officials, and shareholder disputes. He acts as lead counsel for large corporations at all levels of court and in front of industry tribunals, including the Law Society of Alberta, Mutual Fund Dealers Association, Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), Alberta Securities Commission, and Real Estate Council of Alberta. Matthew's legal experience involves significant arbitral proceedings, including those in the electricity and real estate development industries, as well as general corporate/commercial matters ranging from employment matters to contractual disputes. He has been recognized in Chambers Canada, as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Canada and is regularly included in The Best Lawyers in Canada. Called to the Alberta Bar in 1996.
rdeane@blg.com (604) 640-4250 Rob is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading counsel in commercial litigation, international and domestic commercial arbitration, privacy, and intellectual property litigation, among other areas. As litigation counsel, Rob has litigated complex cases throughout Canada and at all levels of court, in diverse areas such as contractual disputes, arbitration-related litigation including appeals, mining disputes, life sciences and other intellectual property disputes, consumer class actions, sponsorship and advertising disputes, shareholder disputes, securities regulation, information and privacy law, and administrative law. Rob has also appeared in significant arbitration proceedings in North America, Asia, and Europe, under almost all major institutional sets of rules, in a wide array of industry sectors. After graduating from the University of Victoria as the Law Society of British Columbia Gold Medalist in 1998, Rob served as a law clerk to the Honorable Madam Justice Beverley McLachlin of the Supreme Court of Canada. Rob has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada, Chambers and Benchmark Canada, including as Arbitration Lawyer of the Year.
Robert J.C. Deane
kcrawford@blg.com (416) 367-6729 Kate is the National Business Leader of BLG’s Health Law Group. Her practice includes civil litigation with a focus on complex medical malpractice actions, administrative law with a special focus on physician credentialling issues, and class action defence. Kate also acts as general counsel to hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and retirement homes, providing strategic day-to-day advice on risk management and policy issues, and representing them in her capacity as an advocate before tribunals, public inquiries, inquests, and other types of proceedings. Kate is recognized in Chambers Canada, Benchmark Canada and The Best Lawyers in Canada.
Kate A. Crawford
kcrain@blg.com (613) 787-3741 Kirsten is an experienced trial lawyer. She has conducted trials and hearings across the country. Kirsten’s broad litigation practice includes complex commercial litigation (including class actions and multi-jurisdictional proceedings), intellectual property litigation and professional negligence and administrative law matters. She appears as counsel in the Federal Court of Canada and before the Superior Courts of Ontario and Quebec. She has also represented clients in a vast range of administrative law proceedings before national and provincial tribunals and boards, as well as Coroner’s courts. In addition to courtroom advocacy, Kirsten is a trusted advisor to boards and senior leaders. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyer and director of The Advocates’ Society and the BLG Partnership Board.
Kirsten T. Crain
BWoodhead@blg.com (403) 232-9765 Bill Woodhead is a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP working in its Calgary and Vancouver offices. He practises corporate commercial, construction, and energy law, with an emphasis on procurement and construction law. He acts for clients involved in public-private partnership, commercial, residential, and mixed-use development and industrial EPC projects. Bill often speaks at industry and legal conferences on all aspects of construction and procurement law. Bill is the founder of the Infrastructure Professionals Association in Calgary.
Bill Woodhead
mswilson@blg.com (403) 232-9505 M. Scott Wilson is a partner in the Calgary office of BLG. Scott practises in securities, corporate financial, and commercial transactions with a special focus on corporate and securities law matters relating to public companies, pooled funds, and investment bankers. These range from venture capital enterprises to senior issuers inter-listed on stock exchanges in Canada and the United States. Over the years, Scott’s practice has evolved to include representation of business organizations in a variety of commercial transactions. Scott is recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada and The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
M. Scott Wilson
rwilliams@blg.com (604) 640-4074 Rick Williams is a partner in the BLG Vancouver office, national leader of BLG’s Environmental Law Group, and regional leader of the Regulatory and Oil and Gas Groups. Rick represents and advises clients on commercial and regulatory aspects of project development, permitting, and operations in the energy and natural resource sectors, including land, environmental, and Indigenous issues. Rick also represents and advises clients on dispute resolution including regulatory proceedings, corporate/commercial litigation, and arbitration, with a focus on energy, transportation, forestry, and mining. He is recognized in Chambers Canada and The Best Lawyers in Canada, including being named Vancouver Lawyer of the Year in the 2020 (Oil and Gas Law), 2022 (Environmental Law), and 2024 (Natural Resources Law, Aboriginal Law/Indigenous Practice, Energy Regulatory, Oil and Gas) editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada.
Rick L. Williams
jvellone@blg.com (403) 232-9787 John is a partner at BLG’s Toronto office and is national leader of the firm’s ESG Initiative. He has an energy and technology law practice encompassing corporate, commercial, and regulatory issues with a focus on Canadian electricity markets and infrastructure revitalization. His clients include provincial and territorial governments, system operators, regulated utilities, developers, investors, and lenders. He provides counsel on corporate, commercial, and regulatory aspects of the electricity and natural gas industries and power project development for a variety of technologies, with a particular expertise in renewables. John represents clients in proceedings before provincial regulatory agencies, primarily the Ontario Energy Board. Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2019) of Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Energy - Provincial Regulatory (Nationwide)). Called to the Ontario Bar in 2008.
John A.D. Vellone
jvallis@blg.com (403) 232-9787 Partner and member of BLG’s Construction Group, International Trade and Arbitration Group, and International Construction Projects Group. Jeffrey’s practice is focused on dispute resolution in the construction, engineering, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. He has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and the Supreme Court of Canada. Acts as an arbitrator, primarily in construction matters. Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, the American College of Construction Lawyers, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Member of the Western Canada Commercial Arbitration Society. Former instructor, University of Calgary Law School Trial Advocacy Program. Recognized in Chambers Global for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and in Chambers Canada for Construction and Dispute Resolution: Arbitration. Recognized in The Legal 500 Canada for Dispute Resolution. Recognized in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 Canada Hall of Fame (Construction). Canada and Alberta winner of Lexology Client Choice Award (Construction). Recognized as 2023 Construction Lawyer of the Year for Calgary by The Best Lawyers in Canada. Called to the Bar: Alberta (1982), Manitoba (2015), and Saskatchewan (2016). Appointed King’s Counsel in 2004.
Jeffrey D. Vallis, KC, FCIArb
Randall W. Block, KC
rblock@blg.com (403) 232-9572 Specializes in all forms of dispute resolution in the energy and oil & gas industries, including regulatory proceedings, commercial litigation and arbitration. Has appeared before the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, Alberta Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Canada, Alberta Utilities Commission, Alberta Energy Regulator, Canadian Energy Regulator and various arbitral panels. Has also sat as an arbitrator. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Has written and lectured on various issues in oil & gas law, and major energy and oil sands project development. Emphasis on regulatory proceedings, corporate/commercial litigation, and arbitration related to energy and corporate/commercial disputes. Recognized in Chambers Canada for Litigation: General Commercial (Alberta) and Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory). Recognized as Energy/Resources Litigator of the Year 2013 by Benchmark Canada. Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada and was named as Calgary Lawyer of the Year for Administrative and Public Law (2021), Corporate and Commercial Litigation (2019), Energy Regulatory Law (2018), Oil and Gas Law (2017), and Bet-the-Company Litigation (2013). Appointed KC in 2005. Called to the Alberta Bar in 1985.
adezordo@blg.com (514) 954-3191 Alex De Zordo handles complex litigation, injunctions, investigations, arbitrations and class actions for a wide variety of clients. He regularly acts for financial institutions, securities dealers and brokers, corporate victims of fraud, high-tech companies, as well as domestic and international corporations of every size in the context of complex (high-octane) litigation, class actions, securities litigation, injunctions, investigations, enforcement, trials, and arbitrations. Alex has expertise in all aspects of fraud and corruption in the banking, securities, corporate, and public sectors, including detection, investigation, prevention, and recovery. He has particular experience defending banking, securities, and consumer class actions. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and was admitted to Quebec bar in 1993.
Alexander L. De Zordo
George Benchetrit
george@chaitons.com (416) 218-1141 A partner and Executive Committee member at Chaitons LLP, George brings over 30 years of experience in the areas of corporate restructurings, bankruptcy and insolvency, and commercial litigation. George represents and advises a broad range of stakeholders and court-appointed officers in court proceedings and out-of-court corporate restructurings and/or disputes. He also represents shareholders of private companies in commercial disputes, both in court proceedings and in alternative dispute processes. His commercial litigation practice extends to various areas and industries including fraud investigations, real estate-related disputes, shareholder remedies and debtor-creditor enforcement. He regularly appears as counsel before the Commercial Court in Toronto and has represented clients in proceedings before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a former Chair of the Insolvency Section of the Ontario Bar Association and currently a member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada, an organization comprised of experienced practitioners in the insolvency field in Canada.
Harvey G. Chaiton
harvey@chaitons.com (416) 218-1129 Harvey is a partner in the Toronto law firm of Chaitons LLP. He practises in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency with particular emphasis on receiverships and corporate restructurings including insolvency litigation. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Supreme Court of Canada to argue cases on diverse issues in insolvency matters. He has extensive experience advising Canadian and international financial institutions, indenture trustees, private equity firms, asset-based lenders, equipment lessors, unsecured trade creditors, debtors, receivers, monitors, liquidators, and trustees in bankruptcy in Canadian and cross-border corporate restructuring, receivership, bankruptcy, liquidation, and enforcement proceedings. He is a director of the Insolvency Institute of Canada and member of INSOL International and the American Bar Association. Harvey has been listed by Chambers & Partners, the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Who’s Who Legal: Canada as a leading Insolvency and Financial Restructuring lawyer, and was the recipient of the 2021 Best Lawyers Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyer of the Year award in Toronto.
David Chernos
dchernos@cfscounsel.com (416) 855-0402 David’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial litigation, with an emphasis on matters involving shareholders’ disputes (including those involving family and other closely held companies), insolvency and corporate restructuring, income tax, directors’, officers’ and professional liability, and insurance coverage disputes. David has broad experience in complex estates litigation matters, having acted for numerous trustees and beneficiaries, as well as Ontario’s Office of The Children’s Lawyer. He has appeared as lead counsel before the Ontario trial courts, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada, and the Tax Court of Canada. Since 2012, David has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading Corporate Commercial Litigation lawyers by The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada and in the Lexpert Special Edition – Litigation. Member, The Advocates’ Society. Ontario Bar, 1993; JD, 1991, Queen's University; BA (Honours), 1988, University of Toronto.
Patrick Flaherty
pflaherty@cfscounsel.com (416) 855-0403 Pat Flaherty is a partner of Chernos Flaherty Svonkin LLP with a practice devoted to complex commercial litigation. He has tried matters in court and in private arbitrations in a wide variety of significant disputes involving securities law, oppression, class actions, directors’ and officers’ liability, civil fraud, public authority liability, intellectual property, information technology, defamation and privacy. Pat represents many clients in the financial services, manufacturing, consumer products, real estate, and mining industries. He has been repeatedly recognized as a leading litigator in Lexpert, Chambers, The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Benchmark Canada. Pat taught for over two decades in Osgoode Hall’s graduate LLM Program and is a frequent speaker and teacher on advocacy. In addition, he has acted as an arbitrator in commercial and other disputes. Ontario Bar, 1993; JD, 1991, Queen’s University; BA, 1988, University of Toronto.
Robert J. Brush
rbrush@cmblaw.ca (416) 217-0822 Robert is recognized as one of Canada's leading securities and corporate commercial litigation lawyers. In addition to being ranked by Lexpert as one of the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, Robert is listed by Lexpert as a Leading Litigation Lawyer. In 2020, he was named Securities Litigation Lawyer of the Year by Benchmark Litigation Canada. He has also been recognized as a leader in the field of securities litigation by Chambers Canada and as a leading securities and corporate commercial litigator by The Best Lawyers in Canada. Robert regularly represents public companies, investment dealers, officers, directors, shareholders, investment advisors, and investors in the myriad disputes that can arise in the capital markets. His litigation practice includes disputes arising out of mergers & acquisitions, class actions, proceedings before securities regulators, director and officer liability claims, shareholder and corporate governance disputes, oppression remedy matters, takeover bid litigation, negligence claims against investment advisors and dealers, cyber-fraud investigations and claims in the financial sector, breach of contract suits, business tort claims, professional negligence suits, and wrongful dismissal claims involving the financial sector.
Alistair Crawley
acrawley@cmblaw.ca (416) 217-0806 Alistair is considered one of Canada’s leading securities and corporate commercial litigation lawyers. In addition to being ranked one of the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada by Lexpert, Alistair is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada for securities litigation, and as a leading securities and corporate commercial litigator by Benchmark Litigation. In 2024, Best Lawyers named him Lawyer of the Year for Securities Law in Toronto. His practice includes all aspects of litigation and advice involving the capital markets and securities industry, including investigations and enforcement hearings, contested corporate transactions and investment loss claims. Alistair has argued some of Canada’s most significant securities law cases, including the leading case on timely disclosure in the context of merger and acquisition transactions. He has extensive experience as defence counsel in regulatory and quasi-criminal investigations concerning public disclosure, registration, insider trading, fraud, and other forms of alleged market malfeasance. His corporate litigation practice includes stakeholder disputes in both public and private corporations, contested corporate transactions and shareholder meetings, corporate governance, and directors’ and officers’ liability.
mmackewn@cmblaw.ca (416) 217-0840 Melissa has been widely recognized within the profession as one of Canada’s leading litigators. In addition to being ranked one of the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada by Lexpert, Benchmark Litigation has named her one of the Top Women in Litigation since 2017. Best Lawyers has twice named her Lawyer of the Year for Securities Law in Toronto and, based on peer review, ranks her as part of a small and prestigious group of “bet the company” litigation counsel. She is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada for Securities Litigation. Melissa has one of the deepest and most robust securities litigation practices in the country. She advises investors, registrants, issuers, officers, directors, underwriters, and corporations on a variety of securities matters. She has extensive experience with securities class actions, corporate and shareholder disputes, oppression remedy matters, proxy battles, takeover bid litigation, corporate governance matters and investment loss claims. Melissa is also regularly retained by public and private companies and their audit and special committees to conduct confidential internal investigations in respect of whistleblower complaints, disclosure, controls and reporting issues, trading and compliance issues, and matters engaging conflicts of interest.
Melissa J. MacKewn
olfournier@deloittelegal.ca (514) 393-8362 Olivier Fournier is Deloitte Legal Canada LLP’s National Leader and is based in Montreal and Toronto. He practises tax law with a focus on tax litigation and tax controversy, from the audit and objection stages to tax appeals before the courts. He regularly assists clients in resolving tax disputes, both in and out of Court, and engages in managing complex tax audits, rectifying non-compliance issues and ensuring that the tax authorities operate within lawful parameters regarding requests for information and documents. He also has had significant exposure to various tax issues arising in domestic and international mergers & acquisitions. He has acted in matters before the Tax Court of Canada, the Court of Quebec, the Superior Court of Quebec, the Court of Appeal of Quebec, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal. He is a Lexpert-ranked lawyer in Litigation – Corporate Tax. He is an active speaker, writer and presenter at various conferences and seminars and is a governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation (CTF). Olivier was called to the Bar of Quebec in 2006, after receiving an MBA from the University of Ottawa (2005), an LLL (2005) magna cum laude and a BSc (Biology; 2002) from the University of Ottawa. He was also admitted to the Law Society of Ontario in 2021.
Craig P. Dennis, KC
cdennis@djacounsel.com (604) 671-0461 Craig is a partner in Dennis James Aitken in Vancouver. A former law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada for the Right Hon. Beverley McLachlin (then puisne justice), Craig brings over 30 years of experience in significant litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels. Craig’s practice has a business focus with an emphasis on effective resolution of complex commercial disputes. Craig regularly appears before the Superior Courts in British Columbia, and he also has appeared before courts in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as in Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. Industry publications including Lexpert and Chambers consistently recognize Craig as leading counsel in the area of Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution, with additional recognition in the areas of Class Actions and Product Liability. The Best Lawyers in Canada has recognized Craig as Lawyer of the Year in Administrative and Public Law, Vancouver (2015 and 2018), Product Liability Law (2022) and Class Action Litigation (2023). Craig is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Litigation Counsel of America. Craig is a frequent speaker and contributor to legal education.
jmather@dmgadvocates.com (416) 238-2265 John Mather is a partner at DMG Advocates, a leading litigation boutique in Toronto. His focus is commercial and public litigation. John is adept on his feet in any setting. He regularly appears before the Ontario Superior Court and Court of Appeal. He has acted in numerous domestic and international arbitrations, including in New York and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. John also appears before administrative tribunals and regulatory bodies. He currently serves as a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Administrative Law Section Executive. John is an experienced public inquiry and commission lawyer. From 2019 to 2020, John served as Associate Commission Counsel to Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco at the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry, an extensive public inquiry that examined two major transactions undertaken by the Town of Collingwood. In 2021, John served as Duty Counsel to Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission, assisting individuals who appeared before the Commission. John’s areas of expertise include product liability, class action defence, franchise law (including dealer relations), public inquires, professional regulation, arbitration, media and defamation, cryptocurrency and blockchain and cross-border litigation.
Brian J.E. Brock, KC
bbrock@duttonbrock.com (416) 593-4411 Brian J.E. Brock, KC, is certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation (LSO), was a Professor (Adjunct) at York University for 12 years, and is a Fellow of the ACTL. He has taught trial practice at the Bar Admission Course and Medicine and the Law (Osgoode Hall). He was an original and long-time member of the Senior Regional Judges Bench & Bar Committee, past director of The Advocates’ Society, and past president of County of York Law Association and Medico-Legal Society of Toronto. He is noted by Lexpert and The Best Lawyers in Canada as a leading practitioner in Commercial Insurance, Professional Liability, Products Liability, and Personal Injury. He is listed in The Legal Media Group Guide to the World’s Leading Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers and the Guide to the World’s Leading Product Liability Lawyers. He was the first recipient of the Medico-Legal Society’s Award for Distinguished Service. Admitted to the Bar after receiving his BA from the University of Western Ontario and his LLB from Osgoode Hall. He was appointed as KC in 1981. He is a founder and Senior Partner at Dutton Brock LLP, one of Canada’s Leading Insurance Law Firms. He has argued at the Supreme Court of Canada on products liability, complex insurance issues, property damage, and conflict of law cases.
Philippa G. Samworth
psamworth@duttonbrock.com (416) 593-4411 Philippa G. Samworth is a partner at Dutton Brock and her area of practice is in insurance defence (Accident Benefits), as well as providing Mediation and Arbitration services. Miss Samworth has a number of achievements and was retained by the Ministry of Finance of Ontario as a consultant to provide analysis and technical advice to the Ministry on its preparation and drafting of the new automobile insurance legislation, Bill 59, and its regulations. In May 1997, Philippa was appointed to the Minister’s Committee for Designated Assessment Centres and chaired that Committee in 1998, 2000 and 2001–2004. In March 2004, Miss Samworth was again retained by the Minister of Finance to conduct stakeholder consultations and provide advice and recommendation on proposals to replace the DAC system. Philippa is the recipient of numerous awards, including first recipient of the Lee Samis Award for Excellence (Canadian Defence Lawyers), first recipient of the Ontario Bar Association Award for Excellence in Insurance Law, the Medical-Legal Society Award, and The Advocates’ Society Medal. In October 2007, Philippa was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers and, in 2020, she was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (www.mediators.ca).
ptushinski@duttonbrock.com (416) 593-4411 Paul Tushinski was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1985 and graduated from the University of Windsor, Dean’s Honour List. Paul is a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation as conferred by the Law Society of Ontario. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Lexpert as a Most Frequently Recommended practitioner in both Litigation – Commercial Insurance and Personal Injury. He was named Lawyer of the Year 2020 by The Best Lawyers in Canada. His practice is in the area of defence with emphasis on products liability, class proceedings, environmental claims, construction, complex insurance matters including coverage and property disputes, as well as general liability. He is the 2016 recipient of the Lee Samis award by CDL and the 2016 OTLA Award. He is past president of the Toronto Lawyers Association, a founding member and past president of the Canadian Defence Lawyers Association, and a past director of The Advocates’ Society. He is a member of the Toronto Lawyers Association, Canadian Bar Association, Medico-Legal Society, The Advocates’ Society, Canadian Defence Lawyers Association, and University Club of Toronto.
Paul Tushinski
Robert S. Anderson, KC
randerson@farris.com (604) 661-9372 Robert Anderson KC practises as a general counsel with a practice representing clients both in court and alternative forums such as arbitration and mediation. He regularly appears on matters spanning a variety of areas of law, including securities, corporate, commercial, class actions, media, administrative, environmental, constitutional, public and white-collar criminal matters. Mr. Anderson has appeared at all levels of court in BC, as well as the Federal Court and Court of Appeal, the Tax Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has served as an adjunct professor and instructor at UBC’s Allard School of Law; editor of Introducing Evidence at Trial: A British Columbia Handbook (Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia); and has presented on a variety of topics at numerous legal conferences. Mr. Anderson has received multiple recognitions throughout his career, and has been repeatedly listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2011–2023 (including twice as Lawyer of the Year for Defamation and Media Law), The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2014–2023 (including as a Leading Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer), and as a Benchmark Canada Litigation Star 2012–2023. He is also ranked by both Chambers Canada and Martindale-Hubbell (Distinguished).
Scott A. Dawson
sdawson@farris.com (604) 661-9354 Scott Dawson is a partner in the litigation group experienced in the resolution of a broad range of commercial disputes. He regularly appears before British Columbia courts as part of his business-focused civil litigation practice. His cases cover a wide variety of commercial litigation issues, including those related to supply contracts, insurance/reinsurance disputes, directors’ duties, international and domestic agency agreements, shareholder agreements and real estate transactions. Scott also has considerable experience with crisis management and with media disputes ranging from court openness to intellectual property issues to defamation claims. He is recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a Litigation Star (commercial litigation) and by Lexpert as a leading litigation lawyer (defamation & media law), a leading cross-border lawyer (litigation – defamation & media law) and a Repeatedly Recommended lawyer (litigation – defamation & media law). Scott is also recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with a peer review rating of BV distinguished, and by The Best Lawyers in Canada directory, which named him Lawyer of the Year (defamation & media law) in the 2015, 2018 and 2023 editions.
lherbst@farris.com (604) 661-1722 Partner Ludmila Herbst, KC is a leading litigator in corporate, commercial, regulatory and constitutional cases. She has represented clients before all levels of court in BC, the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as arbitral and administrative tribunals including the BC Utilities Commission. She co-authored Commercial Arbitration in Canada: A Guide to Domestic and International Arbitrations, which is a leading text cited by trial and appellate courts across Canada. She has written many articles, has presented at and chaired numerous conferences, and is the long-time assistant editor of The Advocate, which is distributed six times per year to BC lawyers and subscribers beyond. She also chairs The Advocates’ Society Regional Advisory Committee, sits on the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre’s board, and participates on varied subcommittees. She has been a member of advisory groups including on reform to the provincial Limitation Act and Arbitration Act. She is ranked highly in Best Lawyers (including as one of its 2024 Lawyers of the Year), Benchmark Canada 2023 (including as one of its top women in litigation nationwide), and Chambers Canada 2023. Admitted to the British Columbia Bar (1999). Appointed King’s Counsel (2015).
Ludmila B. Herbst
yli-reilly@farris.com (604) 661-9353 Yun is a partner in Farris LLP’s litigation and family departments, whose practice includes corporate, commercial, civil, family, estate, strata and tenancy disputes. Yun has acted for individuals, corporations, and institutional clients before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada, and various tribunals and professional disciplinary bodies. Yun has law degrees from Harvard Law School and the University of British Columbia, as well as a background in psychology and neuroscience. Yun has served as judicial law clerk to Justices Newbury and Lowry of the BC Court of Appeal and has worked as the Court of Appeal’s consultant to its Rule Reform Project. Yun co-authors the British Columbia Annual Practice, a procedural text used broadly by the judiciary and lawyers, with Justice Janice Dillon. Yun has been a sessional lecturer at Simon Fraser University, and a member of various boards including the UBC Women’s and Children’s Research Ethics Board, the UBC Law Alumni Board. She is a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and the Federation of Asian Lawyers. Born in China and raised in New Zealand, Yun is an avid runner who has competed in the Vancouver and Boston Marathons. Yun lives in Vancouver with her husband, toddler and four pets.
Yun Li-Reilly
novembeR 2023 Special Edition
gillian@gillianandco.ca (416) 838-9605 Gillian Hnatiw is the founder and principal of Gillian Hnatiw & Co., a feminist litigation firm in Toronto. Her broad civil litigation practice focuses on administrative and public law, health, employment, professional liability and, in particular, claims for sexual abuse, harassment, assault, and discrimination. Gillian is renowned for her empathy and frequently navigates sensitive, complex matters for both individuals and organizations. From 2021‒2023, she acted as senior Commission Counsel to Nova Scotia’s Mass Casualty Commission, where she lent her expertise to the gender-based violence aspect of the mandate. She has appeared before all levels of court, including multiple appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada. In 2020, she was awarded the TLA’s Honsberger Award and hailed as a “formidable champion of women’s civil rights.” In 2023, Canadian Lawyer named her one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers. She is a former Lexpert Rising Star, a recurring Benchmark Litigation Star, a perennial Best Lawyers lawyer and currently recognized as one of Benchmark’s Top 100 Women Lawyers. Gillian is past-Chair of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF).
duncanglaholt@glaholtadr.com (416) 368-8280 Duncan W. Glaholt, CArb, is the founder and principal of Glaholt ADR Inc., a provider of independent mediation and arbitration services to the construction industry in Canada. Duncan is counsel to the leading and nationally recognized construction law firm that he founded, Glaholt Bowles LLP. He has practised construction law since his call to the Bar of Ontario in 1979, representing clients in a wide range of disputes in the energy, infrastructure and resource industries. Duncan was active in the introduction of statutory adjudication in Ontario. Since 2019, Duncan has devoted his full time to the mediation, arbitration, and resolution of construction disputes, including mid-project mediations and resets. He has chaired a number of arbitration, dispute review, dispute adjudication, and combined dispute boards and has served as a court-appointed claims officer in a number of cases. Duncan is the author, co-author, and editor of several standard reference books on construction law and alternative dispute resolution. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto and recipient of the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Construction Law as well as a Toronto Construction Association lifetime achievement award.
november 2023 Special Edition
dwilliams@harrisonpensa.com (519) 661-6782 Considered by many to be one of Ontario's most respected civil litigators, David Williams practices in the areas of class action litigation, complex commercial litigation and personal injury. Dave also has a special record of achievement in medical malpractice cases where he has successfully represented plaintiffs. He has also been active in representing Ontario lawyers in litigation supported by LAWPRO. As a veteran litigator, Dave’s 40-year legal career has brought him before the Trial Division, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has been involved in many high-profile cases, including being a member of the plaintiffs’ class action group for the Walkerton contaminated water claim as well as a landmark Aboriginal rights dispute. Most recently, Dave was co-counsel in one of the most significant class action judgments in Canada. In 2009, Dave was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Moreover, Dave was named Lawyer of the Year in London/Windsor by Best Lawyers between 2011 and 2021 for Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation, and Personal Injury Malpractice Law. Dave was also the managing partner at Harrison Pensa from 1999 until he stepped down in 2014.
David B. Williams
thogan@harrisonpensa.com (519) 661-6743 Tim Hogan is a partner within the Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy group at Harrison Pensa. Tim represents creditors and court-appointed officers in insolvency, restructuring, and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as major financial institutions in restructuring and insolvency situations. Tim appears at all levels of court dealing with insolvency matters. He also practices commercial litigation and has acted in matters ranging from contract disputes, to inter-creditor disputes, both at trial and appeal levels. Tim is a lecturer and instructor to numerous credit industry groups. He is also the author of various continuing legal education papers on insolvency issues. Tim is a Lexpert-ranked lawyer recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Insolvency and Financial Restructuring and in Lexpert Special Edition: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers. He has been recognized by peers and named in The Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of Insolvency and Financial Restructuring since 2014.
Timothy C. Hogan
satkinson@harrisonpensa.com (519) 661-6763 Steven J. Atkinson is a Partner with the Harrison Pensa Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and Insurance Defence and Insurance Subrogation team. Steve has a diverse litigation practice with 30 years of experience working with individuals, insurance companies and corporations. Steve’s insurance clients do business across Canada covering a wide range of exposures including home, auto, commercial general liability, course of construction/builders’ risk, marine, officers and directors “E&O” and professional negligence. In addition to his work defending third-party liability claims, he is often called upon to provide coverage opinions and provide clients with proactive advice. Steve also pursues recovery of subrogated claims in a wide variety of situations. Steve also serves individual clients who have sustained personal injuries or the loss of a loved one. He has recovered millions of dollars for clients to compensate them for their losses. As an inaugural member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, Steve spends a considerable portion of his time now acting as a Mediator. Steve was named 2024 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Insurance Law in London/Windsor and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada for Insurance Law since 2018.
Steven J. Atkinson
Kirk M. Baert
kmbaert@kmlaw.ca (416) 595-2092 Kirk is a partner at Koskie Minsky. His practice focuses on class actions. He has been recognized by Lexpert as a leading Canadian practitioner in Class Actions. He has appeared in courts across the country, including the Supreme Court of Canada, on matters dealing with class action litigation.
Celeste Poltak
cpoltak@kmlaw.ca (416) 595-2701 Partner, former head of the Class Actions Department, and former member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Celeste regularly appears before a variety of provincial courts, including the Court of Appeal, and has acted as counsel on numerous applications for leave to the SCC. She has worked on some of the most notable Canadian cases: Pearson v. Inco, Cloud v. Canada, Dolmage v. Ontario, Millwrights v. Celestica Inc., and Bayens v. Kinross. Her practice has also involved negotiations with the Federal Government regarding the Indian Residential Schools litigation, including the court approvals of that pan-Canadian settlement agreement, the Sixties Scoop, the “Purge” of LGBTQ persons from the military, in addition to acting as counsel at common issues trials such as Anderson v. Canada, Ruffolo v. Sun Life Assurance, and Smith v. Inco. Celeste has been published in the U of T Faculty of Law Review, Canadian Class Actions Review, and Lawyers Weekly. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has lectured on class proceedings at Osgoode Hall Law School and the U of T Faculty of Law. She recently authored a chapter for the textbook Class Actions in Canada. Celeste was also a member of the LCO’s Expert Advisory Panel respecting amendments to the Class Proceedings Act.
jsayce@kmlaw.ca (416) 542-6298 Partner. James’s practice focuses on Plaintiffs’ class proceedings. James focuses on matters against government defendants under section 24(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. James is lead counsel in Brazeau v. Canada, where he obtained a $20,000,000 aggregate damages award for a class of mentally ill prisoners pursuant to section 24(1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. James is also lead counsel in the Francis v. Ontario matter where the Court of Appeal for Ontario read down provincial immunity legislation in awarding the class $30,000,000 in aggregate damages for systemic negligence. He is lead counsel in Nasogaluak v. Canada, the first police racism class action to be certified in Canada. He is lead counsel in Carcillo v. CHL et al, which concerns allegations of systemic abuse and toxic culture in Canadian major junior hockey. James also litigates products liability claims such as Quenneville v. Volkswagen, in which a multibillion-dollar settlement was reached and Kalra v. Mercedes, which was settled for well over $250 million. He practised class action litigation for Defendants at an international law firm before joining Koskie Minsky in 2014.
James Sayce
jptak@kmlaw.ca (416) 595-2149 Partner. Jonathan’s practice focuses on class proceedings and commercial litigation. He is counsel in class actions in a wide variety of areas, including Crown liability, product liability, securities misrepresentation, employment law, public health, pension litigation and other matters. Jonathan has been involved in many landmark cases and some of the largest class action settlements in Canada. For example, he is co-lead counsel in Heyder v. Canada involving alleged sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. It settled for $900 million, which is one of the largest class action settlements in Canadian history. He was lead counsel in Rosen v. BMO, the first overtime case to be certified on behalf of investment advisors which has since settled. He is lead counsel in Keeping v. HMQ regarding institutional abuse in youth Training Schools. He has been appointed to sit on the Ontario Class Action Bench-Bar Liaison Committee and speaks and publishes regularly on issues related to class actions and commercial litigation. He received his LLB in 2001 from the University of Toronto and his BA Hons in 1996 from McGill University.
Jonathan Ptak
jkutyan@kpmglaw.ca (416) 777-3266 Justin Kutyan is Senior Partner and National Leader with KPMG Law LLP, bringing over 15 years of experience successfully litigating tax cases to the role as the head of the firm. Justin has extensive experience in trial advocacy and is well-versed in strategic and tactical courtroom skills, which give him an exceptional ability to win trials and deliver excellent outcomes for his clients. Prior to joining KPMG, Justin served as Crown Counsel in the Tax Law Services section of the Department of Justice and at a leading national Canadian law firm. At KPMG Law LLP, Justin has successfully resolved disputes involving a wide range of income tax, GST/HST, and customs issues. He has appeared before the Tax Court of Canada, Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Federal Court, and Federal Court of Appeal, and has familiarity navigating the audit and appeals process with the Canada Revenue Agency. He has also assisted on cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. A passionate litigator, Justin has been recognized for his ability to fashion creative arguments and his determination to push the boundaries of conventional thinking.
Rahool Agarwal
ragarwal@lolg.ca (416) 645-1787 Rahool’s practice focuses on complex commercial and civil litigation, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. His experience includes class actions, contractual disputes, franchise litigation, shareholder disputes, proxy fights, director and officer liability and complex fraud cases. He is frequently called upon to handle time-sensitive matters and has extensive experience bringing and defending urgent court proceedings. Rahool has acted in a broad range of constitutional and public law matters, including cases involving the constitutionality of a safe injection site, the application of state immunity to claims of torture, and the discretion of physicians to unilaterally withdraw life support. He has appeared in trial and appellate courts in Ontario, BC, Saskatchewan and Quebec, and in six cases in the Supreme Court of Canada. He is an active member of the South Asian Bar Association and The Advocates’ Society. He is a regular speaker at professional development programs on topics related to substantive law, legal ethics and practice, and equity, diversity and inclusion. He was previously a member of The Advocates’ Society’s 10+ Committee, the coach of the Lakehead University Wilson Moot team, and a member of the board of directors of the South Asian Legal Clinic (Ontario).
Nadia Campion
ncampion@lolg.ca (416) 642-3134 Nadia’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation including shareholder oppression applications, D&O liability, estates matters, class actions and professional liability. Nadia also has an active land development and real estate litigation practice. She has extensive trial experience and appears regularly before the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal, and various regulatory and administration tribunals. She has expertise in Toronto Commercial List proceedings and in arbitration and mediation processes. With both US and Canadian law degrees, and being fluent and practising in French, Nadia is capable of dealing with any case that comes across her desk. Nadia has been recognized by Best Lawyers, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Chambers Canada for Commercial Litigation. She has been recognized by Benchmark Litigation as one of their Litigation Stars, as one of Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation, and on the 40 and Under Hot List. Nadia is an active author and speaker and regularly presents at the Law Society of Ontario, the OBA, The Advocates’ Society, the Canadian Defence Lawyers Association, the CBA, the Business Women’s Network of York Region, the International Association of Defense Counsel and l’Association des juristes d’expression française.
pfruitman@lolg.ca (416) 596-2870 Paul’s litigation practice focuses on contract disputes, infrastructure and construction disputes, health law, employment law, shareholder disputes and product liability matters. He has extensive expertise acting for healthcare institutions and professionals in civil and regulatory proceedings, and acts as counsel to corporate directors and officers, in shareholder disputes and oppression claims. Paul has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, and in administrative and arbitral tribunals. He regularly appears before the Toronto Commercial List. Paul has acted as counsel in many major proceedings, including the $1-billion class action against SNC Lavalin and alleged nomination fraud involving the Ontario PC Party. Recent clients include the University Health Network and Meta, among others. Paul frequently presents on litigation topics and trial advocacy, and is a frequent instructor at Osgoode's Annual Intensive Trial Advocacy program. He is a member of the OBA’s Alternative Business Structures Task Force and the CBA’s working group for Solicitor-Client Privilege Claims. His writing has appeared in the Annual Review of Civil Litigation and The Advocates’ Quarterly and he is a regular contributor to The Advocates’ Journal.
Paul Fruitman
csmith@lolg.ca (416) 598-8648 Crawford’s litigation practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial matters, competition and insurance litigation, and administrative law, with substantial class action expertise. Crawford has appeared as counsel in all levels of court in Ontario, in the Supreme Court of Canada, in the Federal Court, in commercial arbitrations, and before a variety of administrative tribunals including the Ontario Energy Board, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Competition Tribunal, and the Environmental Review Tribunal. Crawford’s energy practice involves economic issues in multi-party litigation and frequent appearances as counsel before the Energy Board at hearings regarding rate regulation, infrastructure development, and demand-side management. His securities practice includes acting as counsel for investment dealers, mutual fund dealers, registered representatives, and other securities industry participants. He also handles regulatory proceedings and investigations by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Ontario Securities Commission.
Crawford G. Smith
pmichell@lolg.ca (416) 644-5359 Paul is a trial and appellate lawyer. His focus is commercial litigation and arbitration, judicial review and public law. He has particular expertise in complex cases with a regulatory or cross-border dimension. Over 25 years of practice, he has built experience in a broad range of industries. Paul excels at resolving difficult issues through innovative litigation strategies. Clients rely on him for insight and a creative approach to simplify and resolve their most challenging disputes. Paul has extensive trial and appellate experience at all levels in the Ontario and Federal Courts, and has been counsel in 11 appeals in the Supreme Court of Canada. He has prosecuted cases before a wide range of administrative and arbitral tribunals. He acts as an arbitrator, as a presiding officer under the Competition Act, and a tribunal chair, and has been an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto for two decades.
M. Paul Michell
jlisus@lolg.ca (416) 598-7873 Jonathan’s practice focuses on commercial and public law trial and appellate litigation. He has deep experience with infrastructure and P3-related litigation, class actions for plaintiffs and defendants, product liability, oppression remedies, Aboriginal land claims and securities litigation. He appears as counsel in courts and arbitral tribunals across the country and the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the Chief Justice of Ontario's Advisory Committee on Professionalism and a member of the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute. He is a Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and regularly acts as Special Counsel on constitutional challenges to government actions. Jonathan has been lead counsel in many landmark decisions in the area of class actions, professional liability, public and constitutional law, and commercial litigation. He has tried over 90 cases to judgment and argued over 55 appeals in provincial appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Jonathan C. Lisus
jlisus@lolg.ca (416) 598-7873 Jonathan’s practice focuses on commercial and public law trial and appellate litigation. He has deep experience with infrastructure and P3-related litigation, class actions for plaintiffs and defendants, product liability, oppression remedies, Aboriginal land claims and securities litigation. He appears as counsel in courts and arbitral tribunals across the country and the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the Chief Justice of Ontario’s Advisory Committee on Professionalism and a member of the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute. He is a Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and regularly acts as Special Counsel on constitutional challenges to government actions. Jonathan has been lead counsel in many landmark decisions in the area of class actions, professional liability, public and constitutional law, and commercial litigation. He has tried over 90 cases to judgment and argued over 55 appeals in provincial appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.
mlaw@lolg.ca (416) 849-9050 Matt’s practice focuses on corporate/commercial litigation, policyholder insurance coverage disputes, and general civil litigation. He often takes a leading role on files that involve injunctions, arbitrations, and trials. Matt has argued numerous matters before courts and administrative tribunals, including multi-day hearings, summary judgment motions and injunctions. He has also represented clients in lengthy private arbitrations involving complex legal issues and expert evidence, and has developed extensive experience supervising forensic investigations. Matt has written for several legal journals on topics related to the law of fraudulent preferences and recent appellate jurisprudence. He also acts for pro bono clients in large and small matters, and has volunteered with the Law Help Ontario Duty Counsel project and Divisional Court Amicus program. In 2019, Matt received a Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 award.
Matthew Law
mgottlieb@lolg.ca (416) 644-5353 Matthew practises business litigation including corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency and restructuring and fraud and securities litigation. Matt’s extensive track record of success in complex, high-stakes disputes explains why he is recognized as one of Canada’s top litigation lawyers. He has significant expertise in trials and applications, in tribunal and arbitration hearings, and regularly appears at all levels of court in Ontario and other provinces, the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. Matt has acted as counsel in many major proceedings, including those regarding Aon, Clublink, the Stronach Family, Dymon Corporation, York Region, Sears Canada, Mattamy Homes and a number of material parties in complex insolvency proceedings. Matt is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is a frequent instructor at many litigation-related seminars held by the Law Society of Ontario, The Advocates’ Society and other organizations.
Matthew P. Gottlieb
November 2023 Special Edition
Emily Y. Fan
efan@lerners.ca (416) 601-2390 Emily Fan is the Deputy Head of the Dispute Resolution & Advocacy Group. She maintains a diverse litigation practice, focused on complex business and shareholders disputes, creditors’ remedies, and pre-litigation advisory work. She represents clients in a broad array of industries including emerging technologies, telecommunications, professional services, banking, and SaaS companies. She has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, Federal Court, and regulatory bodies. Her select experience includes defending one of North America’s largest vehicle transshipment and processing facilities against a $175M contractual and tort claim; acting for the receiver of various real estate holding companies related to the owners of Bondfield Construction Company Limited; defending a class action for over $500M brought against various defendants, in connection with a charity program tax structure; defending high-stakes fraud claims; and risk advisory work, including for an e-commerce platform and consumer product manufacturer. Emily serves on the Commercial List Users’ Committee, and is on the board of the Making Way Project. She previously served on the board of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
echerniak@lerners.ca (416) 601-2350 Earl A. Cherniak, LLB, LLD, KC, FCIArb is a partner with over 60 years of litigation and dispute resolution experience. His practice focuses on arbitrations and mediations, and trial and appellate work in a broad spectrum of complex commercial, insurance, public litigation and arbitration. He is a roster member at 3 Verulam Buildings chambers in London (UK); the Canadian roster of arbitrators of the International Chamber of Commerce and ADR Institute of Canada; and an honourary North American member of the (UK) Commercial Bar Association. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; a member of the international and Canadian panels of arbitrators for the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR); the Past Chair of the Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society (TCAS); an Elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Litigation Counsel of America; and Past President of The Advocates’ Society (Ontario). He was a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario (1999–2007) and a Chair of the Proceedings Authorization Committee. He was a commissioner of the Ontario Law Reform Commission (1986–1992).
Earl A. Cherniak, KC
kboggs@lerners.ca (416) 601-2367 Kirk is a senior partner with 40 years of civil litigation experience. He regularly represents insurers/insureds regarding sophisticated, leading-edge coverage issues, including cyber risk, commercial property and general liability, D&O and E&O liability, builders risk and other specialty policies. He also represents insurers/insureds in complex tort and contractual litigation involving public entity defence, Charter claims, professional negligence, products liability, motor vehicle accidents, property damage, E&O, D&O, and occupiers’ liability. Kirk has extensive trial and appellate experience, appearing before all levels of the courts in Ontario, as well as the SCC. He has significant experience in the defence of complex multi-party class actions, commercial insurance arbitrations and mediation. In 2023 he successfully represented a major Canadian insurer in the national class action with respect to COVID-related business interruption losses. Kirk is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by the LSO. He is consistently recognized as a leading practitioner in insurance litigation by notable peer- and client-rated directories. In 2018 he was the recipient of the OBA Award for Excellence in Insurance Law.
C. Kirk Boggs
rbell@lerners.ca (416) 601-2374 Robert B. Bell is a senior partner at Lerners LLP. He has appeared in trial and appellate courts in different provinces across Canada, and before the Supreme Court of Canada. His specialty areas include major commercial disputes; specialty insurance coverage opinions and litigation; class proceedings; product liability, including design and manufacturing issues in the automotive, aerospace and consumer products industries. Rob has created and led numerous advocacy training programs for The Advocates’ Society, the Law Society of Ontario, and Osgoode Professional Development, and he is frequently invited to participate at legal conferences as keynote speaker and moderator. He is consistently recognized for his experience and expertise as evidenced by his continued inclusion in several notable peer and client rated legal directories and rankings. Rob is an Accredited Mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), a leading UK provider of dispute resolution services. He is a past Executive Board Member of The Advocates’ Society; a member of the Law Society of Ontario; a member of the Canadian, American, and International Bar Associations; and a past Member of the Executive Committee of the Harbourfront Corporation.
Robert B. Bell
pkryworuk@lerners.ca (519) 640-6317 Peter Kryworuk is a Senior Partner and Leader of the Health Law Practice Group. He has extensive trial and appellate experience in complex litigation, maintaining a diverse practice that includes medical negligence and health law, product liability commercial litigation, class actions, and personal injury litigation. Peter is certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Ontario and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and Litigation Counsel of America. He has been recognized as a leading litigator in notable peer and client-rated directories and publications. Peter is a frequent author, lecturer and presenter on various legal topics including health law, trial advocacy, law of damages, tort law, civil procedure, personal injury and insurance law, construction law and occupational health and safety. Peter is an active member of the legal community, volunteering his time with The Advocates’ Society, where he has served as Past President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. He is also a member of the Middlesex Law Association, the Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association, and The Holland Access to Justice in Medical Malpractice Group (The Holland Group).
Peter W. Kryworuk
yventresca@lerners.ca (519) 640-6378 Yola is a partner in the Health Law, Workplace Investigations, Professional Regulation, Commercial Litigation, and Education Law groups. She is also the Managing Partner of the London office at Lerners. She has more than 17 years of litigation experience with an emphasis on education, labour, employment and human rights, professional liability/negligence, and health law. She is often sought out for her creative and strategic approach to resolving matters successfully and efficiently. Yola is an accomplished litigator, certified workplace investigator, and founder and lead of our Workplace Investigations practice, with a track record of successful strategic leadership and service to her clients, the legal profession, and to the wider community. She is well-versed in managing high-stakes, complex and emotionally charged disputes and situations. She understands the need for a delicate, yet also deft touch and uses her keen judgment and empathy to cut through personal and subjective obstacles to complete investigations and reach objective conclusions. She uses her specialized expertise to advise clients on a wide variety of employment and workplace matters. Yola is consistently retained on high crisis and high visibility files, often where media involvement is likely.
Yola S. Ventresca
kross@lerners.ca (519) 640-6315 Kevin is a senior partner, with a wide-ranging civil litigation practice that encompasses health law, class actions, professional regulation, commercial litigation, plaintiff personal injury, and insurance litigation. He represents individuals as well as institutional clients of all sizes. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer who truly empathizes with his clients and advocates on their behalf with tremendous skill and compassion. Kevin has distinguished himself as a leader across all areas of his litigation practice, where he is known for developing innovative settlement techniques and employing effective trial advocacy if and when a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be achieved. He has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario. He also has extensive experience appearing before various administrative and adjudicative tribunals. Kevin has been certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation, and a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 2023, he was elected by his peers to serve a four-year term as a Law Society Bencher. Kevin is frequently invited to present, lead, and create legal and advocacy training programs for law schools and legal education organizations.
Kevin L. Ross
lmunro@lerners.ca (416) 601-2360 Lisa is a partner at Lerners LLP and a roster arbitrator with Arbitration Place. She acts as an arbitrator in domestic and international commercial arbitrations (both ad hoc and under institutional rules), to which she brings more than 25 years of experience as counsel in commercial/business litigation and both international and domestic commercial arbitration. She has particular expertise in business and contractual disputes, share-holder disputes, including oppression remedy claims, and directors’ and officers’ liability. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and has obtained the ADRIC’s QArb designation. She is a member of the board of directors of ADRIC and CIArb. She is also on the rosters of the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Canada and International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR). Lisa is the editor of and a writer for Arbitration Matters which features summaries of key decisions on commercial arbitration issues as they are released by courts across the country. The website features over 700 of these case summaries. A bi-weekly newsletter featuring the most recent case summaries is sent to hundreds of Canada’s leading arbitration professionals, who subscribe (for free).
Lisa C. Munro
ckuehl@lerners.ca (416) 601-2363 Cynthia is a partner with more than 23 years of civil litigation experience. She brings her litigation skill set, honed from decades of on-her-feet experience, and her common sense approach to problem-solving to a wide range of areas, including commercial litigation and arbitration, appellate advocacy, public and administrative law, professional regulation, and health law. She has appeared as lead counsel at trials, applications and appeals, and litigated before every level of court including the Supreme Court of Canada. Cynthia is retained for her judgment and commitment to advancing her client’s interests. She recognizes that litigation may not always be the best path forward but, when it is, she is a formidable advocate, and holds herself to the highest standards of professionalism in her dealings with clients, counsel, court and the community. Cynthia is certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Ontario, and has her Qualified Arbitrator designation from ADRIO. In addition to her practice, Cynthia currently serves as Chair of the firm, where she is responsible for setting its strategic direction. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Advocates’ Society and a regular contributor to educational programming in the profession.
Cynthia B. Kuehl
Robert (Bob) W. Cooper, KC
rcooper@mcewanpartners.com (604) 283-7677 Bob Cooper is a trial lawyer practising with a focus on corporate, commercial, class action and securities litigation. Beginning his practice as criminal defense counsel, Bob has helped clients navigate their most difficult circumstances for more than 30 years. His work encompasses a broad range of legal issues and a diverse base of Canadian and international clients. In addition to representing clients at every level of court, he appears as counsel before regulatory tribunals and in domestic and international commercial arbitrations. He advises clients in proxy contents, shareholder disputes and has conducted confidential investigations for major corporations. Bob is recognized as leading counsel and is listed with Chambers Global, Best Lawyers, Lexpert, Marindale-Hubbell (AV) and Benchmark. Bob teaches Trial Advocacy for the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law, the Continuing Legal Education Society and The Advocates’ Society. His recent pro bono activity includes working with the Pivot Legal Society on constitutional litigation relating to homelessness and harm reduction. Fellow of the International Society of Barristers and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of The Advocates’ Society.
Resilient LLP
kmcewan@mcewanpartners.com (604) 283-7988 Ken McEwan is the managing partner of McEwan Partners, founded in 2017. Ken practises as general counsel focusing on complex corporate-commercial litigation, class action litigation, commercial arbitration and administrative law at the trial and appellate levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Since 2017 Ken has been recognized as one of the top 50 trial lawyers in Canada. For many years Ken has been named in Lexpert US/Canada Cross-Border Guide — Litigation, as well as in The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. He is rated by Lexpert as Most Frequently Recommended in corporate commercial litigation, and is recognized in product liability, director and officer liability, and securities litigation. Twice recognized by Benchmark as Canadian Boutique of the Year, and three times as British Columbia Litigation Firm of the Year, Benchmark Canada also recognized Ken as 2022 Canadian Trial Lawyer of the Year, having recognized him in seven of eight preceding years as British Columbia Litigator of the Year. Ken is the author of the fourth edition of Sopinka on the Trial of an Action, a leading text on trial practice, including jury trials, published in 2020. Ken also acts as both arbitrator and mediator of commercial disputes.
J. Kenneth McEwan, KC
ekirkpatrick@mcewanpartners.com (604) 283-7981 Emily is a partner in McEwan Partners in Vancouver. She maintains a general civil litigation and administrative practice, with a particular focus on corporate, commercial and class action matters. Emily has experience working with clients on a wide range of issues including shareholder disputes, class action defense, contract disputes, product liability, employment issues, environmental matters, franchise agreements, leases, debt recovery, and municipal and other government relations. Emily has also advised and represented clients involved in various regulated industries including securities, pharmaceuticals, and energy. She has appeared as counsel at various levels of court in BC and Ontario, as well as before the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, and administrative and regulatory tribunals. Emily’s mediation and arbitration experience includes both domestic and international commercial matters on a range of issues including securities, real property disputes, and licensing agreements. She is Vice Chair of the British Columbia Regional Advisory Committee of The Advocates’ Society, and sits on the editorial board of the Commercial Litigation and Arbitration Review, and is a regular contributor to various CLE programs and publications.
Emily Kirkpatrick
James L. Lebo, KC, FCIArb
jim.lebo@mross.com (403) 303-9111 Jim Lebo finds legal solutions that protect businesses. He handles corporate commercial litigation, appeals, and arbitrations. He has substantial experience in appeals including complicated regulatory proceedings as well as an interest in constitutional litigation. Jim’s clients come to him for help with a range of issues including construction disputes, oil & gas, product liability, utility regulation, estates, commercial real estate, and shareholder disputes. He defends officers and directors of companies, and professionals—including lawyers and engineers—count on Jim when facing liability claims. He has worked with clients on a variety of matters, from disciplinary proceedings against individuals to multimillion-dollar actions against firms. In his commercial arbitration practice, Jim acts both as counsel and arbitrator. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has conducted arbitrations in several commercial disputes as both sole arbitrator and counsel as well as lead counsel with panels of arbitrators. Jim is on the Board of Directors of Lawyers Financial/Canadian Bar Insurance Association. He is also an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and has held a variety of senior positions in the CBA.
achristie@mross.com (403) 303-9108 Ashley is an experienced litigator with a practice focusing on insurance defence and commercial litigation. She represents clients in serious personal injury matters, SEF 44 claims, fatalities, property loss, fires, floods, dog bites, product liability and minors' property settlements. Confident when faced with complex claims, Ashley has experience defending large corporations and has frequently been involved in multi-party litigation. Ashley often acts as counsel for individuals facing professional liability actions. She carefully investigates the underlying issues giving rise to the claim, obtains expert evidence on the duty and standard of care applicable and resolves claims against professionals. Employers turn to Ashley to handle workplace investigations. She is skilled at tailoring each investigation to her client’s business structure, workplace culture, and unique needs. She conducts investigations that are thorough and impartial, yet efficient and discrete. Ashley is the Chair of the National Insurance Section of the Canadian Bar Association and was ranked as a Lexpert Rising Star in 2022.
Ashley Christie
christopher.buchanan@mross.com (867) 766-7688 Christopher is skilled at distilling complex legal concepts and relaying information in plain language. He represents employers and businesses on matters related to all legal aspects of employer-employee relations, human rights complaints, and collective bargaining. Raised in Yellowknife, he is proud to have earned the trust of a variety of clients throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, including individuals, small businesses, governments, Indigenous governments, insurers, and corporations. Christopher also litigates on behalf of clients in matters before the Supreme and Territorial Courts of the Northwest Territories, the Nunavut Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories, and the Federal Court of Canada. In his highly nuanced area of practice, the resolution to an issue can often be found in the details. As a results-focused advocate, Christopher puts his extensive experience to work examining all the details in order to confidently assess and advise his clients on next steps. Christopher is currently the Treasurer of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
Christopher Buchanan
jbiernaskie@mross.com (403) 303-0157 Jennifer Biernaskie is a litigation strategist who finds cost-effective solutions to her clients’ problems. Her strong track record for resolving claims is based on skill, creativity, and common sense in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance defence, and administrative law. With particular proficiency in high-complexity and large-loss commercial litigation matters, Jennifer has unique experience in litigation involving long-tail environmental losses, pipeline failures, professional negligence, construction matters, and class-action litigation. Her experience in insurance defence includes providing coverage opinions and defending claims involving wrongful death, professional liability, sexual abuse, condominium disputes, property loss and personal injury. In addition to a long history of sitting on Boards of Directors of various entities, Jennifer holds the ICD.D designation and uses her knowledge in this area to advise corporations and administrative bodies on various disputes and governance issues. Jennifer is known for her strong advocacy and ability to guide clients through the litigation process. The number of clients who have returned to McLennan Ross for Jennifer’s legal assistance is a testament to her success in helping her clients meet their goals.
Jennifer J. Biernaskie
Brent B. Olthuis, KC
bolthuis@ovcounsel.com (236) 330-2666 Brent Olthuis, KC is an experienced trial and appellate litigator, handling a broad range of corporate and commercial disputes. He acts in complex class actions involving alleged product liability, negligence and Competition Act breaches, and in several high-profile constitutional and public law cases. In 2012, Brent was a Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40. He has been recognized in numerous other publications, including Chambers, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal and Martindale-Hubbell (rated AV Preeminent). He is a Fellow of both the International Society of Barristers and Litigation Counsel of America, and serves on the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC’s board of directors. He was recently made King’s Counsel in British Columbia. Prior to his call to the Bar, Brent graduated from McGill University's Faculty of Law with Great Distinction, and served as law clerk to Chief Justice McMurtry and Justices Doherty and Sharpe of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and Justice Frank Iacobucci of the Supreme Court of Canada. He is editor of the professional conduct chapter in a leading text (Canadian Legal Practice) and has published peer-reviewed articles on substantive and procedural topics. His academic work has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Ren Bucholz
ren.bucholz@paliareroland.com (416) 646-6303 Ren Bucholz is a trial and appellate lawyer. He regularly acts in cross-border litigation involving public and private companies, and his broad advocacy experience includes dozens of trials, appeals, international and domestic arbitrations, and administrative hearings. Ren clerked at the Ontario Court of Appeal and has appeared as lead counsel at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Ren’s practice spans complex commercial disputes that often involve new technologies and intellectual property and has acted in patent, copyright, and trademark matters in the Federal Court, Superior Court, and in private arbitrations. Former Google Policy fellow, he spent several years representing a leading NGO at the World Intellectual Property Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, where he dealt with copyright, trademark, and patent policy. He also spent years working on technology standards involving broadcasting, digital copyright protection, open-source software, and voting machine security at entities like the IEEE and DVB. Ren has published articles and book chapters on the intersections of new technology and intellectual property. In addition to public-facing litigation, Ren often provides practical, discreet advice to organizations and individuals.
linda.rothstein@paliareroland.com (416) 646-4327 Linda Rothstein is recognized as one of Canada’s most accomplished litigators and advocates, with a practice spanning class actions and commercial litigation, professional regulation and administrative law, appeals, and more. In 2021, she was awarded the Advocates’ Society Medal — the highest expression of esteem which the Society can convey to one of its members. She often works with other law firms to resolve internal disputes, and has acted as counsel on countless high-profile cases and public inquiries, including the Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology. Linda is frequently engaged as a mediator and arbitrator in a range of disputes. Linda has earned several other accolades throughout her career, and has been awarded the Toronto Lawyers Association Award of Distinction, and the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Civil Litigation. She has served in board and leadership roles at such professional organizations as the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, The Law Society of Upper Canada, and The Advocates’ Society.
Linda R. Rothstein, LSM
chris.paliare@paliareroland.com (416) 646-4318 Chris Paliare is one of Canada’s most highly sought-after “Bet-the-Company” litigators. For nearly 50 years, Chris has acted in some of the most public, high-stakes litigation in Canada, spanning appeals, corporate and commercial litigation, class actions, high-stakes estate litigation, constitutional litigation, employment law, administrative law, white-collar crime, and more. He has dedicated his career to providing exceptional legal advice to all clients, including underserved individuals and communities. Chris’ clients speak highly of his skill and expertise in his strategic approach to all of his cases. “He is professional in the way he does business, he is responsive to our requests or any needs we have, and he is thoughtful in the work he does.” Chris, who was named one of Toronto’s most influential people by Toronto Life magazine, has earned vast range of accolades, including the Law Society Medal, the OBA Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was inducted as a member of the Order of Ontario in 2011, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers.
Chris G. Paliare, OO, LSM
kris.borg-olivier@paliareroland.com (416) 646-7490 Kris Borg-Olivier is a litigator with a keen analytical mind and calming presence. In a broad practice that focuses on commercial and civil litigation, he tackles complex legal problems with clarity and creativity. Kris previously spent five years practising in New York with a prominent international law firm and draws on this experience in cross-border litigation. He has extensive experience acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of complex commercial disputes, including oppression cases and regularly represents lawyers in civil actions and regulatory proceedings. Kris has substantial trial experience and has served as lead counsel in numerous domestic and international arbitrations. In one recent example, he acted for an American client in a hard-fought international arbitration governed by New York law, ultimately securing a significant judgment for his client following a lengthy hearing. Kris has been consistently recognized by Lexpert and Benchmark Litigation, where he has been named a Litigation Star.
Kris Borg-Olivier
andrew.lokan@paliareroland.com (416) 646-4324 Andrew Lokan is a distinguished advocate in the areas of constitutional law, administrative law, aboriginal law, labour and employment law, and complex commercial litigation. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in more than 25 cases that have defined the rights of Canadians and the limits of government powers and frequently appears before other appellate and trial courts. Andrew has published widely on public law and is a frequent speaker on the subject. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which he has frequently represented on a pro bono basis, and he teaches constitutional litigation at Osgoode Hall Law School. Andrew is regularly recommended by Lexpert, Benchmark Litigation, and Best Lawyers in Canada as a leader in public law.
Andrew K. Lokan
gordon.capern@paliareroland.com (416) 646-4311 Gordon Capern is a senior partner and a leader of the firm’s Corporate, Commercial and Infrastructure Litigation practices. Gordon acts for a range of significant stakeholders in complex matters and is valued by clients for his strategic approach in bringing them forward to resolution. Consistently recognized by Chambers, Lexpert, Benchmark Litigation, and Best Lawyers, Gordon has acted as counsel in numerous high-profile commercial and infrastructure disputes. He is a Director of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Governor of the International Society of Barristers. Gordon has been involved in a number of significant briefs including acting as counsel to Rideau Transit Group (a consortium of EllisDon, SNC Lavalin, ACS and Dragados) in ongoing complex proceedings involving the Ottawa Light Rail Transit system, Royal Gold and its subsidiary International Royalty Corporation adverse to Newmont Mining, numerous former senior executives of Canaccord Genuity Group in proceedings following Canaccord’s acquisition of Genuity Labrador Nickel, Royal LP in a major claim against Vale in respect of the Voisey’s Bay Mine, Barrick Gold in proceedings relating to the ownership of the El Morro mine in Chile, and Hollinger Inc. in claims against its auditors and its banking syndicate.
Gordon D. Capern
megan.shortreed@paliareroland.com (416) 646-4308 Megan Shortreed is senior counsel with deep experience in corporate, commercial, employment, civil and estates litigation, as well as professional regulation. She argues cases involving shareholder and partnership disputes, duties of directors and employees, trusts and estates, product liability and other complex commercial cases. She acts often on behalf of senior executives respecting their compensation, employment contracts or termination from employment, and on behalf of employers, employees and complainants in respect of sensitive workplace investigations. She also acts as an independent investigator and adjudicator. Megan has extensive hearings experience before professional disciplinary tribunals. In 2014, Megan became the inaugural recipient of Honsberger Award, the Toronto Lawyers Association award in recognition of ongoing contributions to the legal community and the community at large. In 2020, she was named to Benchmark’s Top 50 Women in Litigation in Canada and in 2021, she was named Health Law Litigator of the year by Benchmark Canada. Megan is a Bencher (director) of the Law Society of Ontario and was an adjudicator in the Hearing and Appeals Divisions of the Law Society Tribunal from 2019 to 2021.
Megan Shortreed
Edward W. Halt, KC
ehalt@plhlaw.ca (403) 296-2283 Mr. Halt is a founding partner of Peacock Linder Halt & Mack LLP. Mr. Halt graduated as the gold medal recipient from the University of Saskatchewan in 1986. He articled to the Saskatchewan Department of Justice and represented the Crown in a wide variety of civil, constitutional and criminal matters. In 1987 he practised civil litigation and criminal law in Regina, Saskatchewan, and in 1988–1989 he had the honour of serving as a law clerk to Madam Justice Bertha Wilson of the Supreme Court of Canada. Following his clerkship, Mr. Halt relocated to Calgary and has since practised civil litigation, with an emphasis on professional liability, corporate commercial litigation, securities litigation, franchise litigation, insolvency, construction and product liability litigation. He has appeared in all levels of court in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. He has extensive experience as counsel in Alternative Dispute Resolution through mediation and arbitration. He also acts as Mediator/Facilitator.
pmack@plhlaw.ca (403) 296-2275 Perry Mack has enjoyed a distinguished legal career in Calgary for 40 years. His practice has focused on civil litigation with emphasis on insurance, professional liability, personal injury, construction and administrative law. A well-known lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, Mr. Mack has appeared as counsel at all levels of court, as well as numerous administrative tribunals, regulatory boards, and professional disciplinary bodies. Throughout his career, Mr. Mack has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to the legal profession and to the public good. He was a board member (Bencher) of the Law Society of Alberta for seven years, serving as president in 2008. Mr. Mack has received numerous peer acknowledgments and distinctions and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Perry R. Mack, KC
plinder@plhlaw.ca (403) 296-2282 Peter Linder has over 30 years' experience in handling complex cases at all levels of the Canadian Court system and as both counsel and arbitrator in domestic and international arbitrations. He has extensive experience with administrative and regulatory proceedings. He clerked to the Alberta Court of Appeal, called to the Alberta Bar in 1986 and appointed King’s Counsel in 2004. Mr. Linder holds an MA in Jurisprudence, Christ Church, Oxford; and an LLB and BA (with Distinction and First-Class Honours), Dalhousie University. He has handled major cases in fields of oil & gas, securities litigation, complex corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency, construction, products liability, insurance law, environmental and employment law. He has achieved major successes in precedent-setting securities and shareholders’ rights lawsuits and was appointed by the United States District Court, Central District of California, as an expert in Alberta corporate law. Mr. Linder is known as a fierce but fair advocate who achieves extraordinary results for his clients.
Peter T. Linder, KC
afaith@polleyfaith.com (416) 365-1600 Andrew is regarded and ranked as one of Canada’s top litigation counsel. He is regularly chosen by nationally recognized corporations, institutions and individuals to assist in complex commercial, regulatory, insolvency and white-collar criminal litigation and appeals. Andrew has particular experience both prosecuting and defending allegations of commercial, regulatory and criminal wrongdoing. Andrew has been tapped to lead prosecutions for the OSC, FSRA, Law Society of Ontario, Chartered Professional Accountants, and Professional Engineers of Ontario. He has defended corporations and individuals in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations, federal regulatory investigations, Securities Act prosecutions, white-collar civil and criminal litigation, and internal investigations. Andrew began his career in the International Arbitration and Litigation Group of Shearman & Sterling in London, and later joined McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto. In 2006 he became an Assistant Crown Attorney, conducting hundreds of jury and non-jury trials and hearings, including white-collar, cyber-crime, firearms, and murder cases. Andrew is a former Director of the Advocates’ Society, a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Litigation Counsel of America.
Frederick S. Kozak, KC
fkozak@rmrf.com (780) 497-3358 Fred is a sought-after strategic legal advisor with over 40 years of experience. Fred carries on a civil litigation practice with an emphasis on constitutional law, media and defamation issues, and employment and administrative proceedings. He is admitted to the Bar in Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Fred represents several national news organizations, and provides pre-publication advice to print, broadcast and web-based media outlets, as well as book publishers. Fred has been counsel in several cases where the Charter has been used to strike down provincial or federal legislation, and has appeared in all levels of the courts of Alberta and in the Supreme Court of Canada. Fred’s major media clients include the Edmonton Journal, CBC, Globe and Mail, CTV, National Post, Canadian Press, Broadcast News, Lethbridge Herald, Medicine Hat News, Post Media, and Great West Newspaper Group. Fred has also taught at MacEwan University on law and the media as well as on employment law at the University of Alberta.
Matthew A. Woodley
mwoodley@rmrf.com (780) 497-3317 Matt focuses on human resource, free expression, constitutional, and administrative law. He provides advice to a wide range of organizations including employers, print and broadcast media organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and professional regulatory bodies. He is admitted to the Bar in Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Matt has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta on matters ranging from the constitutional right to equality, to free expression in the media and on post-secondary campuses, open courts, and privacy law. He has appeared as counsel before the Yukon Court of Appeal on a matter relating to media law, and before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal in a case involving defamation. Matt has also appeared as counsel before the Supreme Court of Canada in a matter involving a constitutional challenge to a publication ban. Matt teaches administrative law at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. He also taught communications law at MacEwan University for 10 years, and provides pro bono services to the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. He is a volunteer board member with the Alberta Law Reform Institute.
dfo@royoconnor.ca (416) 350-2474 David is a founding partner in Roy O’Connor LLP, a litigation boutique in Toronto. He was previously a partner in a large national law firm. His practice is focused on commercial and class action litigation (both defence and plaintiff side). David was named as one of the finalists for the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in 2015 and again in 2016, as nominated in Canadian Lawyer Magazine. He was recognized most recently as Plaintiff Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada (2023). He was previously recognized by Benchmark Canada as a finalist for Class Action Litigator or Plaintiff Counsel of the Year in 2015, 2017, and 2019 through 2022. He has been listed in the Lexpert Special Edition: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers, as well as the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada. He has been consistently recognized by Benchmark Canada as a Litigation Star in Class Actions and Commercial Litigation, with peer praise for his “prowess” in both areas. He is ranked in the Chambers Guide to Canada’s Leading Lawyers in Class Actions and ranked by The Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of Corporate and Commercial Litigation. In 2006, David was recognized by Lexpert as a finalist for the Top 40 Under 40.
akwinter@singerkwinter.com (416) 961-2882 Alf earned his JD from the U of T in 1970. He and Morris Singer founded the firm in 1974. He has appeared at all court levels including the Supreme Court of Canada, where he appeared on behalf of the successful plaintiff in the landmark decision of Oldfield v. Transamerica Insurance. Alf has achieved some of Canada’s largest jury awards for punitive damages against an insurer. He acted for the plaintiff in the milestone case of Kamin v. Kawartha Dairy, which reduced the onus on plaintiffs in establishing liability in slip and fall claims. He obtained the highest award in Canada for chronic pain in Degennaro v. Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. Alf is certified by the LSO as a Specialist in Civil Litigation, is a past director of The Advocates’ Society and Medico-Legal Society, and is a member of OTLA, TAS, the CBA, the ABA, and AAJ. Alf is an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall. He has twice been honoured by OTLA and is a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award by TAS. Alf received the 2015 OBA Award for Excellence in Insurance Law and was named the 2016 Best Lawyers personal injury litigation Lawyer of the Year in Toronto. Alf is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
breynolds@singleton.com (416) 585-8601 Bruce Reynolds is counsel, mediator, arbitrator, Co-Managing Partner, and named partner in the Construction and Infrastructure Group. He practises contentious and non-contentious construction law with over four decades of experience as counsel, mediator, arbitrator, and public policy expert. As counsel, he has been involved in major claims valued in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars, dealing with disputes that run the gamut of construction issues such as delay claims, design errors, undisclosed site conditions, utilities risk, financing disputes, termination, insurance, surety bonding, and everything in between. He is recognized nationally and internationally by clients and peers for his expertise across a range of areas, with dozens of accolades for his work in construction, infrastructure and arbitration. He is the author of number of leading textbooks on construction insurance, builders’ liens, and surety bonds, and has played a prominent role in the IBA’s International Construction Projects Committee, the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, the American College of Construction Lawyers, and the International Academy of Construction Lawyers. He has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.
Mark Evans
mkevans@smartbiggar.ca (416) 595-2777 Mark Evans, a Principal in Smart & Biggar’s Toronto office, is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading trademark lawyers and a highly respected litigator. He has significant experience in all aspects of trademark law including trademark and trade-dress litigation, brand selection and clearance, trademark prosecution, oppositions and cancellations and licensing and merchandising. Mark has been successful in numerous high-profile, precedent-setting cases and has twice been selected as Trademark Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada. Most recently, he was named Canada’s Outstanding Trademark Practitioner by Managing IP and Global Elite Thought Leader in Trademarks by Who’s Who Legal. Mark is listed annually in The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, Expert Guides, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Chambers Global, Who’s Who Legal: Canada, WTR 1000, The Legal 500 Canada and MIP’s IP Stars Handbook: Trademark & Copyright. Surveys, clients and colleagues describe him as "the best bar none” and “the ‘go-to’ lawyer” for trademark law. He has written extensively on IP law, is a frequent speaker and has taught at Osgoode Hall Law School. Fellow of IPIC. Member of INTA. BSc; LLB. Registered Patent and Trademark Agent. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1986.
Steven Garland
sbgarland@smartbiggar.ca (613) 232-2558 Steven Garland has over 30 years of trial and appellate experience in IP litigation. He has appeared as counsel before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, appellate and trial courts for the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, and the Patent Appeal Board and the Trademarks Opposition Board. He also acts on behalf of innovative pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in respect of patent-related matters, including patent infringement actions and proceedings under the PM(NOC) Regulations. In numerous surveys, clients and colleagues have noted him as “an exceptional litigator” and “among the best.” His victory for the Dow Chemical Company netted the largest reported award in a Canadian patent infringement case on infringing revenues of approximately 1 billion dollars. He was recently named Ottawa Lawyer of the Year for IP by Best Lawyers and IP Litigation Lawyer of the Year and Top 50 Trial Lawyer in Canada by Benchmark Litigation. Fellow and Past-President of IPIC. Member and Past-President of the Canadian Executive Council for AIPPI. Adjunct Professor at University of Ottawa Law School (Patent Law). BEng (Chemical-Biochemical); LLB. Registered Patent & Trademark Agent. PEng. Ontario Bar, 1992.
nppei@smartbiggar.ca (416) 595-2761 Nancy Pei is a Principal in Smart & Biggar’s Toronto office. With hands-on experience as a pharmacist and over 25 years of patent litigation expertise, Nancy has established a successful IP practice focused exclusively on the field of life sciences – including pharmaceuticals and biologics. As a patent litigator, Nancy advocates on behalf of innovative life sciences companies in cases relating to the PM(NOC) Regulations, in patent infringement/impeachment actions, s. 8 cases, related quantification reference proceedings and judicial review applications. She has represented clients before the Federal Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. She also provides advice on matters relating to patent listing, data protection, Certificates of Supplementary Protection, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and access to information requests. Nancy is named as a leading Life Sciences legal practitioner in numerous international and national publications and in 2023 was named Toronto Lawyer of the Year for Biotechnology by Best Lawyers and One of the Top 100 Women in Litigation by Benchmark Canada. BSc (Pharmacy); LLB. Pharmacist, Patent and Trademark Agent, and Lawyer. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1997.
Nancy Pei
ykang@smartbiggar.ca (416) 595-2756 Yoon is a Principal in Smart & Biggar’s Toronto office. For over 25 years, she has focused her practice on patent litigation and prosecution, counselling global pharmaceutical innovators and research institutions on all aspects of patent rights, including in small molecules and biologics inventions. She has significant experience as lead counsel, representing pharmaceutical clients before the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal in complex patent litigation, including under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. In 2021, Yoon was named Patent Lawyer of the Year by Euromoney LMG Women at the Americas Women in Business Law Awards, and in both 2020 and 2021 she was named a Top Female Legal Practitioner for Life Sciences by Euromoney LMG Expert Guide: Women in in Business Law. Yoon is listed as a top legal practitioner in Expert Guides: Women in Business Law, LMG Life Sciences, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Benchmark Canada, IAM Patent 1000, WIPR Leaders, Who’s Who Legal, and Lexpert. Fellow of IPIC, member and former Co-Chair of the Patents and Industrial Design Committee of the CBA. BSc (Microbiology and Genetics); MSc (Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics); LLB. Registered Patent & Trademark Agent. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1995.
Yoon Kang
shamilton@smartbiggar.ca (416) 595-2753 Sheldon Hamilton is a Principal in Smart & Biggar’s Toronto office. For more than 25 years, Sheldon has acted as counsel for many of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies in relation to commercially significant products. He has extensive trial experience focusing on issues of patent infringement and validity and damage quantification. Sheldon has appeared as trial and appellate counsel, including in proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Sheldon has been featured as a leading litigator in Benchmark Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Chambers Global, Chambers Canada, Euromoney LMG Expert Guides: Life Sciences and Patents, LMG Life Sciences, MIP IP Stars: Patents, WIPR Leaders, The Legal 500 Canada, Who’s Who Legal for Canada, IP, Patents, and Life Sciences, IAM Patent 1000, and Lexpert. In 2020, he was awarded the LMG Life Sciences Canadian Patent Litigator of the Year award. He is a member and former Director of The Advocates’ Society and former Vice Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. He is a Fellow of IPIC and member of AIPPI. BASc (Chemical Engineering); LLB (Toronto). Registered Patent and Trademark Agent.
Sheldon Hamilton
fguay@smartbiggar.ca (514) 954-3531 François Guay is a Principal in Smart & Biggar’s Montreal office. He is among the most experienced and successful IP litigators in Canada and a highly sought-after advisor to the largest, most innovative companies in the world. His clients entrust their most complex and contentious IP issues to him, in view of his proven track record of building effective litigation strategies and preparing highly persuasive arguments to be presented in court. Having practised exclusively in IP litigation for over three decades, François has argued many cases that have resulted in leading jurisprudence in the fields of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, unfair competition, trade secrets and computer-related technology. François also has a vast amount of experience with extraordinary recourses such as interim or interlocutory injunctions, seizures before judgment, and anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy matters. He has appeared before the Courts of Quebec and the Federal Court of Canada, and hundreds of the cases he has been involved in have been reported in Canada. He has been named IP Lawyer of the Year for Montreal by Best Lawyers and twice recognized as Trademark Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada. Registered Trademark Agent. LLL. Called to the Quebec Bar in 1982.
François Guay
marcus@snowdenlaw.ca (416) 363-3343 Bar Calls: 1990 (ON), 2006 (MB). Marcus and his firm opine on, give strategic advice for, and arbitrate or litigate to trial and appeal coverage and related issues under CGL, Umbrella/Excess, D&O and E&O liability, Commercial Property, statutory workers compensation coverage and related reinsurance programs. He and his team provide coverage and monitoring counsel services on underlying domestic and international cross-border class action and other litigation. Marcus and team members advise underwriters on new and revised wordings, assist broker and policyholder in-house and outside corporate/commercial on insurance-related risk management/transfer issues. He co-authors and his firm annually updates a leading Canadian insurance law text, Annotated Commercial General Liability Policy. Member: Canadian Defence Lawyers Association, Canadian Bar Association, American College of Coverage Counsel, Federation of Defense& Corporate Counsel, Professional Liability Underwriting Society, Defense Research Institute, Inc., American Bar Association. Currently serving 2-year term on Canadian Insurance Institute ethics sub-committee. BA (Hons.) King's/Dalhousie, 1984, MA Dalhousie, 1987, LLB Queen’s, 1988.
Gerald Chan
geraldc@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-1617 Practises criminal, constitutional, administrative, and select civil litigation. Conducts white collar criminal/regulatory cases during investigations (including special committeeinvestigations) and at trial. Litigates cases at the intersection of technology and criminal law. Represents lawyers facing negligence and conflict allegations. Argues judicial reviews and appeals, including over 20 cases in the Supreme Court of Canada (e.g., data privacy, securities, foreign corruption, cannabis). Named Top 25 Most Influential by Canadian Lawyer in 2019. Recognized in Lexpert, Chambers Canada, The Best Lawyers inCanada, and Benchmark Litigation. Co-author of Sentencing, 9th ed. (LexisNexis, 2017) and Digital Evidence: Practitioner’s Handbook, 2nd ed. (Emond, 2021). Co-editor of Digital Privacy: Criminal, Civil and Regulatory Litigation (LexisNexis, 2018) and Litigating Artificial Intelligence (Emond, 2021). Faculty member of the National Criminal Law Program and University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Regional Bencher (Toronto) of the Law Society of Ontario. Past President of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Ontario. Clerked for Abella J. and graduated co-gold medallist from Osgoode Hall.
Brian J. Gover
briang@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-2489 The diverse nature of Brian’s diverse litigation practice is reflected in his ranking in Lexpert in the areas of Litigation – Directors’ and Officers’ Liability, Indigenous Law, Litigation – Regulatory & Public Law, and Professional Liability. He is recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada in six categories, including Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, and Criminal Defence, and is rated AV preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. Brian has extensive experience in both federal and provincial commissions of inquiry and related processes. His clients include individuals, corporations, regulators, and government agencies. A former Executive Legal Officer to Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, Brian is regularly retained to act for judges facing disciplinary proceedings. Since 2013, he has assisted the judges tasked with administering the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, Canada’s largest and most complex class action settlement. His extensive teaching experience includes serving as an Adjunct Professor (Western and Osgoode Hall Law School). Brian is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow and Director of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and was President of The Advocates’ Society, 2018–2019.
brendanvn@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-2487 Practises litigation with a focus on regulatory/administrative law, intellectual property, commercial disputes, and class actions. He has often acted for public agencies, industry regulators, and discipline tribunals in difficult matters, as well as on behalf of First Nations interests. He is cross-appointed to the intellectual property boutique PCK IP as part of his intellectual property litigation work. Brendan routinely argues matters before the various Ontario and federal courts as well as a wide variety of administrative tribunals and in private arbitrations. He has been repeatedly recognized as a leading counsel by Chambers Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Benchmark Litigation and has been honoured with the Precedent-Setter Award and as a Lexpert Rising Star. He has taught administrative law as Adjunct Professor of Law at Osgoode Hall Law School since 2008. Prior to his litigation career, Brendan served as a law clerk to the Hon. Frank Iacobucci of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Brendan Van Niejenhuis
luisar@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-2492 Luisa’s practice encompasses a wide variety of areas, including administrative law and civil and commercial litigation. Luisa has been a partner since 2006 and a member of the Firm’s management committee since 2008. In 2018, Luisa became Managing Partner. In February 2016, Luisa received an Order-in-Council appointment as a part-time member of the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Luisa is counsel for the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports and has appeared on a number of anti-doping cases over the last several years. In addition, Luisa acts for students facing academic and non-academic related charges at secondary and post-secondary institutions throughout Ontario. Further, Luisa acts as independent legal counsel for a number of regulated health colleges and administrative tribunals throughout the province. In that role, Luisa provides substantive and procedural advice during hearings as well as ongoing training for adjudicators. In 2013, Luisa was appointed by former Chief Justice Warren Winkler to act as court monitor in the administration of two pan-Canadian settlements involving the tainted blood scandal, as well as the settlement involving water contamination in Walkerton, Ontario.
Luisa Ritacca
paullv@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-2493 Practice includes corporate commercial litigation, securities litigation, class actions, professional liability, claims against directors and officers, employment litigation, and professional regulation. Conducts internal investigations and advises corporations and their boards on them. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. International member of The Commercial Bar Association (UK). Bilingual, argues cases in English and French before all levels of court, as well as tribunals, including the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). Former Trustee of the Law Foundation of Ontario. Past President of l’Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario. Past director of The Advocates’ Society. Frequent speaker and author in his areas of practice. Ranked by Chambers Global and listed in TheBest Lawyers in Canada and Benchmark Canada in his principal areas of practice.
Paul H. Le Vay
naderh@stockwoods.ca (416) 593-1668 Nader practises criminal, regulatory, and constitutional law at the trial and appellate levels. He defends clients accused of all forms of criminal misconduct, including white-collar crime, drug offences, homicide, sexual offences, and professional misconduct. He has expertise in digital privacy law and search and seizure issues, and has appeared in many of the leading cases in these areas. He has appeared in more than 20 cases at the Supreme Court of Canada. Nader is a veteran Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, where he lectures on criminal and constitutional law. He is a co-author of Search & Seizure (Emond Publishing, 2021), Sentencing, 9th edition (LexisNexis, 2017), and Digital Privacy: Criminal, Civil and Regulatory Litigation (LexisNexis, 2018). Nader is a graduate of Harvard University (BA), the University of Cambridge (MPhil) and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law (JD), and a former law clerk to the Honourable Marshall Rothstein of the Supreme Court of Canada. He is called to the Bar in Ontario and New York.
Nader R. Hasan
John L. Finnigan
jfinnigan@tgf.ca (416) 304-0558 John has a broad practice in complex commercial litigation which includes significant experience in insolvency and restructuring litigation. As one of the founders of Thornton Grout Finnigan (TGF), John is called upon for the firm’s most pressing litigation matters, leveraging his depth of knowledge with clients throughout Canada’s diverse corporate marketplace. John has been lauded as “a spectacular lawyer in huge insolvency proceedings” and “a very credible, no-nonsense litigator who is extremely effective in court” in Chambers Global. In addition to being a skilled litigator, John is known for his strong rapport with clients, and being attentive and good-natured in a range of challenging legal and business situations. Outside of his legal practice, John was a founder of the Canadian chapter of Worldwide Orphans Foundation of Canada, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of orphans throughout the world.
D. J. Miller
djmiller@tgf.ca (416) 304-0559 D.J. is a leading Canadian restructuring lawyer in national and cross-border / multi-jurisdictional matters who has been recognized nationally and internationally within the insolvency profession. She is known for her deep knowledge of the domestic and international insolvency frameworks and has a well-deserved reputation for applying strategic skills to achieve precedent-setting outcomes for her clients. D.J. is retained by clients seeking creative advice in addressing insolvency issues outside of, and within, formal insolvency proceedings. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of Court in Canada and regularly works with lenders, companies experiencing financial distress, all types of stakeholders in a wide variety of industries and court-appointed monitors and receivers. She is often retained by lawyers, financial advisors and stakeholders in other jurisdictions who require practical advice in connection with Canadian insolvency and cross-border matters. D.J. has held leadership roles in multiple professional organizations throughout her career, serving on boards and in executive positions including currently as a director and member of the Executive Committee of the International Insolvency Institute.
rthornton@tgf.ca (416) 304-0560 Robert is a widely recognized and highly sought-after lawyer, noted as one of the foremost insolvency practitioners in Canada. Bob is a founding partner of Thornton Grout Finnigan and works on some of the firm’s most high-priority and complex insolvency matters. His breadth and depth of experience is unparalleled in the industry, and has resulted in Bob enjoying a well-earned reputation as a pillar in the legal profession. Known for his creativity, energy and collaborative approach, Bob is frequently noted for his articulate client service and legal advice. He brings an intelligent, well-rounded and affable presence to each mandate, ensuring clients are supported throughout what are often the country’s largest and most pressing legal situations. A natural leader and mentor, Bob is active within the insolvency law industry and is committed to the development of the practice of law. Bob is the only lawyer in full-time practice to hold fellowships with both the Insolvency Institute of Canada and the American College of Bankruptcy. Bob is the Past President of the Insolvency Institute of Canada, and he invests his time in mentoring the next generation of insolvency leaders, both within TGF as part of its student and associate development programs and more broadly in the industry.
Robert I. Thornton
dpalter@tgf.ca (416) 304-0148 Deborah is recognized as a leading advocate with a broad commercial and civil litigation practice. She regularly acts for individuals, companies and financial institutions providing creative advice and strategies for litigating and resolving complicated business disputes. Her significant mandates include cases involving complex commercial agreements, director and officer liability, banking litigation, commercial real estate disputes, fraud claims, shareholder and partnership disputes, insolvency proceedings and securities-related matters over a wide cross-section of industries. She is a skilled trial and appellate lawyer, appearing regularly in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and in the negotiation, mediation and private arbitration of commercial disputes. Deborah is a past President of The Advocates’ Society, the pre-eminent association of litigation counsel in Canada. She is recognized as a leading litigator in several major legal publications and is known for her commitment and contribution to excellence in the profession. She is a sought-after speaker, moderator and advocacy skills trainer.
Deborah E. Palter
gmoffat@tgf.ca (416) 304-0599 Grant is a leading practitioner in insolvency, restructuring and banking law, with a particular emphasis on the exercise of creditors’ rights. He frequently acts for lending syndicates and hedge providers across a broad range of industries including energy and infrastructure projects, and has extensive experience acting as independent counsel to court officers, such as receivers, bankruptcy trustees and monitors in CCAA proceedings. Grant is known for his calm, steady demeanor in guiding clients through their most challenging business situations, bringing strategic insight and trusted judgment to his mandates. He is dedicated and highly efficient, leaning on his years of experience and breadth of knowledge in large insolvency matters, and is known for his expertise in both debt restructuring and as litigation counsel in loan recovery and security enforcement proceedings. Outside of his practice, Grant has served as a speaker and writer for various professional associations in matters relating to insolvency law and is a contributor to the Lexis Practice Advisor (Asset Purchase Agreements). Within the firm, Grant is an active member of TGF’s leadership team, and is focused on building a cohesive, inclusive and dynamic firm culture.
Grant B. Moffat
Robert Carvalho
rcarvalho@thor.ca (604) 602-4295 Robert specializes in representing taxpayers involved in complex audits involving the anti-avoidance provisions of the Act, including the general anti-avoidance rule and transfer pricing provisions. Having worked for the Department of Justice for over 25 years, Robert has gathered unparalleled experience at all court levels on such files. Robert has been involved in numerous files at the Tax Court of Canada and Federal Court of Appeal involving the general anti-avoidance rule, including the first such appeal to go to the Federal Court of Appeal. In addition, Robert’s experience has given him insight into the CRA audit process and has resulted in him being involved in many of the precedential cases involving the use of the CRA’s audit powers.
E. Rebecca Potter
erpotter@thor.ca (416) 864-0855 Known for her strategic approach, honed advocacy skills, and breadth of tax knowledge, E. Rebecca Potter is a tax litigation partner at Thorsteinssons LLP. Becky has successfully represented clients at every level of court both provincially and federally, including obtaining a landmark win at the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition to her in-court experience, she has significant out-of-court experience negotiating favourable settlements for her clients. Becky also devotes time to assisting charities and not-for-profits with their interactions with the Canada Revenue Agency. Becky is an active member of the tax law community: she has served several terms as a Tax Litigation Practice Group Leader for The Advocates’ Society, she speaks regularly at continuing legal education programs, she contributes frequently to written publications, and she participates in several formal and informal mentoring programs. For all of her success and contributions, Becky has been repeatedly recognized by several peer-review publications, including Lexpert and Best Lawyers.
mgwilliams@thor.ca (416) 864-9104 Matthew’s practice focuses on all aspects of taxpayer representation. He has appeared before the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada on a wide range of issues. Matthew has been recognized by Lexpert as a Most Frequently Recommended Corporate Tax Litigator and was included in the 2021 Lexpert Special Edition: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers. Matthew has been recognized as a leading tax dispute resolution lawyer in the International Tax Review, named among The Best Lawyers in Canada by Best Lawyers International (including being named Lawyer of the Year 2022 for Tax Law in Toronto, Ontario), is peer rated by Martindale-Hubbell as a “preeminent lawyer,” and is ranked by Chambers Canada and Chambers Global.
Matthew G. Williams
scampbell@tyrllp.com (416) 527-3934 Sean Campbell is a founding partner of Tyr LLP. Prior to founding Tyr LLP in June 2019, he was a senior partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in the Litigation and Financial Restructuring & Insolvency practices. Clients in diverse sectors choose Sean to advise on commercial litigation, securities and class action litigation, shareholder disputes and competition matters. They appreciate his practical and creative approach to high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional litigation. Sean represents clients of various sizes on matters before the Capital Markets Tribunal, the Competition Tribunal and all levels of court in Canada. Sean has represented some of Canada’s largest companies in the telecommunications, mining and energy sectors, in both court and arbitration proceedings under both domestic and international arbitral regimes. Most recently, Sean was co-lead counsel in a mining dispute representing one of Canada’s largest mining companies before the International Chamber of Commerce.
Sean R. Campbell
jbunting@tyrllp.com (647) 519-6607 Jim Bunting is a founding partner of Tyr LLP. Known for his bold approach as a trial lawyer, Jim represents clients on their most challenging issues. Jim has been lead trial counsel in a number of complex and landmark cases. He is a skilled advocate and regularly represents large international companies in complex litigation, including Google, Freshii and Pattern Energy. Jim has substantial experience with energy-related disputes, including representing wind farm developers successfully defending a constitutional challenge to the Ontario government's issuance of a renewable energy licence. Jim is consistently named one of Canada's leading litigators by legal directories. His recognitions include being named in the Report on Business/Lexpert Special Edition – Litigation, The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada and in Benchmark Canada as a Litigation Star. Jim believes deeply in giving back to the community. He was awarded the 2016 Lexpert Zenith Award for Diversity & Inclusion to recognize his pro bono work with global athletes. He also served as Athlete Ombudsperson to the Canadian Olympic Committee during the Olympic Games in Rio, and is currently a member of the board of the Jays Care Foundation.
James (Jim) Bunting
csayao@tyrllp.com (416) 294-7800 Carlos Sayao is a partner at Tyr LLP, where he practises civil and commercial litigation, with a focus on class actions and sports-related disputes. Carlos has significant experience litigating in all levels of court in Ontario and is regularly involved in arbitrations and administrative proceedings. He is counsel on a number of complex class actions representing both plaintiffs and defendants. In addition to his complex commercial litigation practice, Carlos has significant experience with sports-related disputes. He has appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport on multiple occasions, including representing South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya in a landmark case challenging discriminatory sport regulations. Other Olympic athletes Carlos has represented include Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, American fencer Aleksandra Shelton, and Jamaican bobsledder Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian. Carlos has also acted for many sport-governing bodies, including the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Paralympic Committee. He is frequently invited to speak publicly on sports law issues and has been a lecturer at ISDE Law and Business School in Madrid and at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law.
Carlos Sayao
mobrien@tyrllp.com (416) 617-0533 Michael O’Brien is a partner at Tyr LLP. He carries on a business litigation practice representing emerging and established companies in various sectors, including energy, consumer products, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, real estate and technology. Michael represents publicly traded and privately held companies, directors, officers, shareholders and professionals in disputes before courts, arbitral tribunals and regulators, including commercial and civil proceedings, private arbitrations, public inquiries, investigations and class actions. Clients value the tact and judgment that Michael brings to complex and sensitive matters, and consult Michael on their obligations in the political sector, including elections finance, conflicts of interest and lobbying law. Michael represents both plaintiffs and defendants in class actions. He is Vice-Chair of an American Bar Association subcommittee on Class and Derivative Actions, the former editor of the Class Action chapter of the ABA’s annually published Recent Developments in Corporate and Business Litigation, co-author of its “Cross-Border and Multijurisdictional Proceedings” chapter, and a contributing author to the fourth and fifth editions of Defending Class Actions in Canada. He practises out of Toronto, Ontario.
Michael O'Brien
jdoris@tyrllp.com (647) 519-5840 Jim is an experienced litigator handling complex commercial disputes. Prior to founding Tyr LLP in 2019, he was a senior Litigation partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. He excels at identifying critical business issues in clients’ litigations and resolving them in practical ways to achieve clients’ business objectives. His expertise includes shareholder and oppression remedy actions, class actions, securities disputes, insolvency, gaming and competition matters. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, the Supreme Court of Canada and various other courts and tribunals across the country. Jim has received numerous recognitions, including Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Litigation – Corporate Commercial, Directors’ & Officers’ Liability, Securities and Class Actions; Lexpert Special Edition – Litigation; Chambers Canada: Litigation, General Commercial; Benchmark Canada Litigation Star in Competition and General Commercial; and Best Lawyers in Canada: Class Action Litigation, Competition/Antitrust, Corporate & Commercial Litigation, Director & Officer Liability, Insolvency & Financial Restructuring and Securities Law. Jim was awarded Gaming Law Lawyer of the Year 2018, Toronto.
James W.E. Doris
marg@waddellphillips.ca (416) 477-6979 Margaret L. Waddell has over 30 years of experience in successfully prosecuting and resolving class actions and complex civil disputes. She is called to the Bar in Ontario and Alberta. Margaret is recognized as a leading lawyer in Class Actions having acted as class counsel on many precedent-setting cases in this field. She is regularly sought out to lead on class actions, or to partner with other firms who need additional bench strength, and lawyers often refer their clients’ class actions to her to prosecute. Margaret’s skill at focusing on key issues and her established credibility before the courts is greatly valued by her clients and referring lawyers. Margaret is a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and a former Adjunct Professor of law at Queen’s University, where she taught class action practice and procedure. She continues to guest lecture at other universities and for a wide variety of CPD. Margaret focuses her practice on achieving quality results for her clients, creatively, efficiently and, importantly, in a cost-effective manner. She has broad experience in solving all manner of commercial conflicts, including contract disputes, insurance and professional liability claims, shareholder disputes, and other commercial controversies.
Eric Bédard
ebedard@woods.qc.ca (514) 982-1736 Eric is an experienced litigator in major commercial and administrative disputes, with expertise in domestic and international arbitration, both as counsel and arbitrator. He is also regularly called upon to provide strategic advice on employment law, shareholder disputes and corporate governance issues. A versatile litigator, Eric is among the most prominent lawyers of his generation and is recognized by some of the most renowned legal directories for his track record in complex litigation. He acts for private and public companies in a variety of fields, including mining and gas, financial services, securities, and telecommunications. He also represents professionals in matters where their liability may be engaged and regarding their professional orders. With his diversified experience, he is familiar with the decision-making processes of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and with negotiating with them to defuse contentious situations. Clients and parties also turn to Eric for his expertise with domestic and international arbitration, whether commercial or related to foreign investments. Trained in common law and civil law, he acts as counsel and arbitrator in many contexts.
bcatanu@woods.qc.ca (514) 982-6157 Bogdan Catanu is a partner of the firm. He has a diverse commercial litigation practice and represents public and private corporations, as well as their officers, directors, shareholders, auditors, contractual partners, or creditors in commercial disputes. He has a solid experience in complex contractual matters, liability of professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, oppression remedies, and rights of shareholders. He has also represented clients on many occasions in the context of injunction proceedings and in commercial arbitrations. Bogdan played a leading role in the defense of BCE Inc.’s privatization worth approximately $52 billion, which was being contested by a group of bondholders, and subsequently in defending the purchasers sued by BCE Inc. for a $1.2-billion break-up fee. He also played a key role in the litigation surrounding the restructuring of the Asset-Backed Commercial Paper market worth $32 billion.
Bogdan Catanu
ccameron@woods.qc.ca (514) 379-2326 Cara Cameron is a highly skilled litigator and negotiator trusted by clients with their most challenging commercial disputes, specifically in matters concerning contractual and shareholders’ rights, as well as white-collar investigations and defence, commercial fraud, asset tracing and recovery proceedings. Cara has substantial experience in managing large and complex multijurisdictional cases, where success depends on the effective coordination of multi-professional teams. With more than 20 years of trial and appellate practice, she has achieved many successes in court, including in lengthy trials and urgent proceedings, such as injunctions, civil seizures, Anton Piller (civil search) orders, and asset freezes. She has appeared before all levels of courts, up to the Supreme Court of Canada. She also excels in out-of-court dispute resolution and provides strategic advice on risk mitigation strategies. A highly regarded litigator, Cara is listed in the most reputable legal directories, including Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Benchmark Litigation. In 2023, she was named in The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada.
Cara Cameron
jwoods@woods.qc.ca (514) 982-4503 James A. Woods, the founder of our firm, is widely regarded as one of the leading lawyers in Quebec and Canada. A seasoned litigator and arbitrator with 40 years of experience, he has garnered a long history of success before all levels of federal and provincial courts in Ontario and Quebec, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. Over the course of his career, he has acted as well as arbitrator, either as chair or member of a panel, in a significant number of commercial and international cases, both ad hoc and under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). James is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America and Federation of Defence and Corporate Counsel. Year after year, clients and peers alike praise his skills and talent; he is consistently listed as a leading practitioner in commercial litigation and arbitration by prestigious legal directories. James has contributed generously to training, mentoring and knowledge sharing initiatives in Quebec and around the world. Teaching has been a part of his long-standing commitment to the education of future lawyers. In particular, he developed and taught for almost 30 years the Civil Litigation Techniques course at McGill University’s Faculty of Law.
James A. Woods, AdE
srigaud@woods.qc.ca (514) 736-4871 Sylvain Rigaud heads the firm’s insolvency and restructuring practice and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. In his 30-year legal career, he has handled corporate and commercial disputes, especially banking and insolvency issues, and has established himself as a leading practitioner. Sylvain has acquired a wide range of experience both before the civil courts of first instance and appeal, including before the Supreme Court of Canada. The experience he has acquired representing insolvent debtors, creditors, court officers, purchasers of distressed assets, interim lenders, directors and officers, boards of directors and shareholders, puts him in a position to offer practical and innovative advice tailored to the specific issues of each case. Sylvain is widely recognized for his ability to handle complex cases with skill and tact before the courts, as well as in the context of developing and negotiating arrangements. A regular speaker, he is also a member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada, the Liaison Committee of the Superior Court of Montreal (Commercial Division), the Turnaround and Management Association, the American Institute of Bankruptcy and has served as Chair of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Section of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Division.
Sylvain Rigaud
cgascon@woods.qc.ca (438) 387-5499 The Honourable Clément Gascon joined Woods as Senior Counsel in the Spring of 2020. After a career of more than 17 years in the Canadian judiciary, he returned to the private practice of law, which he had left in 2002. He uses his in-depth expertise and experience to guide and assist parties and their counsel in resolving disputes through arbitration at the national and international levels and acts as a strategic advisor in the insolvency, restructuring and litigation matters of the firm. Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1982, he worked for 20 years in the fields of civil and commercial litigation and labour law in a national firm and has earned a reputation as an efficient, well-prepared and very involved counsel. While working as a lawyer, he taught business law, labour law and construction law at the Département des sciences comptables of the Université du Québec à Montréal, at the McGill University Faculty of Law and at the Barreau du Québec. In addition, he co-authored several books, publications and articles on the individual contract of employment that dealt in particular with termination of employment, restrictive covenants, fiduciary duty and unfair competition.
Clément Gascon
sdrymer@woods.qc.ca (514) 370-8745 Stephen L. Drymer heads the firm’s International Arbitration practice. A litigator and advocate by background and experience, Stephen is a leading figure in domestic and international arbitration. He serves as counsel, mediator, sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and tribunal president in ad hoc proceedings and in cases administered by the world’s most prominent arbitral institutions. Stephen also advises parties on a broad range of issues associated with the design, negotiation, drafting and implementation of dispute resolution agreements and strategies. The industries in which he has worked as counsel or arbitrator include manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, petrochemicals, oil and gas, mining, energy, environment, financial services, outsourcing, hospitality, transportation, aviation, IT, telecommunications, aerospace and crop science. Stephen is also very active in the resolution of sport-related disputes, among other, in cases before the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. In addition to extensive work as counsel, he has served as arbitrator and or in numerous cases involving a wide range of issues and sports.
Stephen L. Drymer
