Areas of Practice
Business and Contract
Disputes
When people or companies are fighting about money, we can help.
We regularly advise businesses and individuals on all manners of contracts disputes, including agreements for the purchase and sale of real estate, and contracts for the supply of goods and services.
We clearly explain to our clients what their legal rights are and give considered advice on the best method to resolve the contractual dispute.
Every client has unique needs. We recognize that our clients’ business needs always come first.
Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
We regularly act for clients engaged in high stakes disputes involving their existing or former business partners.
No two business disputes are the same. Each situation requires careful analysis and a well implemented strategic approach.
Through years of experience we have developed a unique ability to assess our clients' needs, determine the weaknesses of our opponents' position, and apply pressure to achieve exceptional results.
Real Property and Leasing Disputes
We act for landlords and tenants in commercial tenancy disputes.
We act for purchasers and sellers in commercial and residential disputes.
We advise our clients on all facets of real property disputes including providing time sensitive advice on contested closing issues, non-payment of rent and other breaches of leases, title insurance coverage, representation and warranty issues, construction defects, problems with neighbours or neighbouring properties, property tax disputes, environmental violations and failure to vacate.
Professional Negligence Defence
We are among the most experienced and respected in the field of professional negligence defence, and specifically in the defence of lawyers, Associate Judges and Judges. We also act for investment advisors and investment dealers.
We recognize that allegations of professional negligence can be stressful and can have wide ranging implications on our clients' reputations.
As a result, we take a principled but aggressive approach to resolve our clients' cases as efficiently as possible.
All of our lawyers are designated as preferred defence counsel by LawPRO.
Employment and Labour Disputes
We regularly provide employment law advice to employees and employers on termination of employment matters including pay in lieu of reasonable notice, constructive dismissal and/or termination for cause.
Restrictive covenants in employment contracts can be challenging for both sides. We provide informed advice to both employers and employees on these issues.
Franchising Disputes
Our clients include Canada’s most successful franchisors. Using our franchise expertise, we provide advice to our clients to grow their businesses and avoid disputes and litigation when possible.
When litigation is required, our experience includes a wide range of franchise litigation issues including the Arthur Wishart Act, default, termination and injunction proceedings, allegations of unconscionability, unfair competition, duress, negligence, negligent misrepresentation as well as breach of fiduciary duty.
Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Remedies
Our clients are some of Canada’s largest financial institutions as well as entrepreneurial start-ups.
Given the breadth of our client base, we are able to offer a wide range of services in commercial reorganizations and restructurings, personal property security matters, creditors’ rights, receiverships, bankruptcies, enforcement in secured transactions and other facets of bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring litigation.
Debt Collection and Enforcement
We assist both small and large companies in all matters of debt collection.
We develop efficient, strategic and forceful steps to obtain payment for our clients, including court action where necessary.
We also protect the interests of creditors by carefully structuring security and acting quickly and efficiently to collect on that security.
If a client is in debt, we are able to negotiate with creditors, often reducing the amount owing.
Appeals
We are regularly retained to advise on, or argue, appeals before all levels of appellate court in Ontario.
We efficiently analyze and distill the facts and law of an underlying motion or trial.
We then formulate and present arguments clearly and persuasively giving our clients the best opportunity to prevail.
Arbitrations
Arbitration provides an opportunity for parties to resolve their disputes quickly and confidentially.
We are experienced in structuring commercial arbitrations that are responsive to the unique circumstances of each case and the needs of its clients.
