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Litigation & Dispute Resolution

  • Overview
  • Who To Contact
  • Representative Matters
  • Recent Developments

Disputes are an inevitable part of doing business. But when they arise, clients can count on the Aird & Berlis Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group to help them navigate every step. Whether a claim is being pursued or defended, our lawyers help deliver just, cost-effective and timely results that protect business interests, manage risk and safeguard reputations.

Our team includes experienced advocates, mediators and arbitrators who are committed to securing timely and practical results, while ensuring our clients are supported, informed and well-positioned to move forward. We provide full-service business representation across all forms of dispute resolution, including civil litigation, regulatory and administrative proceedings, appeals, mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. We bring deep expertise, creative problem-solving and a focused, strategic approach to every stage of the process.

Our lawyers appear regularly before all levels of provincial and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as specialized regulatory and administrative bodies, such as the Ontario Securities Commission, the Ontario Energy Board, the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Competition Tribunal and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. We bring deep knowledge of regulated industries and the unique challenges they present. We also have extensive experience handling complex commercial disputes before Toronto’s Commercial List.

Our approach is pragmatic and business-oriented, whether pursuing or defending a claim. We help clients assess risk and resolve disputes in ways that support long-term objectives.

Our core services include:

  • Commercial, Corporate & Securities Litigation: We act in high-stakes business disputes, shareholder and oppression claims, post-closing purchase price conflicts, securities enforcement proceedings and regulatory hearings.
  • Class Actions: We defend clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional class proceedings across a range of industries. Our lawyers provide strategic advice to limit exposure and resolve disputes efficiently.
  • Professional Liability: We defend professionals, including accountants, engineers, lawyers and health-care providers, in negligence and discipline proceedings. Our lawyers understand the rules, regulations and standards that clients are held accountable to and how to successfully defend their professional integrity.
  • Real Estate & Leasing Litigation: We represent landlords, tenants and developers in disputes over leases, rent arrears, defaults, enforcement and property rights. We work closely with our Real Estate Group to provide tailored advocacy.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution: We assist clients in resolving complex disputes appropriately and efficiently, while preserving relationships and reducing costs. Our approach focuses on fostering constructive dialogue and trust, enabling outcomes that protect business interests and professional relationships.
  • Insurance Defence: We represent leading insurers and self-insured companies in matters ranging from coverage disputes to multi-party litigation, delivering tailored advocacy that advances clients’ objectives and preserves their competitive and reputational position.
  • Additional Specialized Advocacy: We advise and advocate in disputes involving various subject matters, including construction, competition, energy, environmental, employment, insolvency, intellectual property, product liability, supply chain, tax, estates and trusts, privacy and data security, occupational health and safety, media, telecommunications and transportation.

Beyond representation, our lawyers are active mentors and thought leaders, publishing insights and commentary on developments in corporate, commercial and sector-specific law.

The Aird & Berlis Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group is recognized for its depth of experience, client-focused advocacy and results-driven strategies. Whether through litigation, arbitration or negotiated settlement, our team delivers practical solutions that safeguard our clients’ interests and position them for continued success.

Representative Matters

Recent representative matters our lawyers have acted on or are presently engaged in include:

  • Represented MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) in its defence against a dissident proxy campaign led by Apollo Technology Capital Corporation to replace the full board of directors of MediPharm.
  • Represented a group of family members in a complex dispute over the rightful ownership of a successful trucking and logistics business.
  • Represented Meta Platforms, Inc. and Facebook Canada Ltd. in commercial litigation matters involving contractual interpretation, defamation, internet intermediary liability, intellectual property, data protection and freedom of expression issues.
  • Represented Laurentel Developments in securing the appointment of a receiver for Pro/Com Realty Corp. and 1983880 Ontario Inc., operators of a privately-owned real estate investment venture, holding property outside of Ottawa. 
  • Represented a lender in obtaining a favourable summary judgment in an action involving the breach of a loan agreement in Massaar v. Moneck, 2024 ONSC 6889.
  • Represented the Noteholders of The Lion’s Share Group Inc. as representative counsel in the company’s receivership proceedings.
  • Successfully secured a five-year lease agreement for the Revue Film Society, settling pending litigation with its landlord.
  • Successfully represented Charles Perlman in defeating a motion by Winning Brands Corporation to strike or halt a bankruptcy application in Ontario, affirming Canadian jurisdiction over the case.
  • Represented Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation in a valuation proceeding to value the shares held by shareholders who dissented from a post-takeover plan of arrangement.

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Representative Matters

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