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Our lawyers are distinguished by their wealth of litigation experience – gained through regular appearances in all levels of the courts, before administrative and regulatory tribunals, as well as mediation and arbitration. Lenczner Slaght partners, ranked among the best of their peers nationally, lead a recruitment and mentoring program that attracts gifted litigators who are committed to upholding the highest professional standards.

From commercial disputes and class actions to cross-border matters and professional regulation, we bring expert strategy – backed by rigorous research, data management and administrative support – to highly demanding cases in all litigation practice areas.

Awards

In recent years, Lenczner Slaght has received several industry-leading awards to recognize the firm’s excellence in litigation, client service, innovation, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

  • Canadian Lawyer – 5-Star Pro Bono Firm (2023)
  • Canadian Law Awards – Litigation & Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year (2020-2023)
  • Precedent Innovation Awards – Data-Driven Decisions: The SCC Leave Project (2021)
  • Chambers Canada Awards – Litigation/Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year (2021)
  • Best Lawyers in Canada – Administrative & Public Law Firm of the Year (2022)
  • Canadian Law Awards – Mid-Market Deal of the Year (2021)
  • Benchmark Canada Awards – Ontario Firm of the Year (2021)
  • Precedent Innovation Awards – Commerciallist.com (2020)
  • Canadian Law Awards – Canadian Boutique Law Firm of the Year (2020)
  • Benchmark Canada Awards – Medical Defense/Health Firm of the Year (2019 & 2020)
  • Precedent Innovation Awards – R&R Lounge (2019)
  • Legal Marketing Association’s Eastern Canada Your Honor Awards – Client Services: ReferToHer (2019)
  • Legal Marketing Association’s Your Honor Awards – Content Marketing: commerciallist.com (2019)
  • Benchmark Canada Awards – Ontario Firm of the Year (2018)
  • Life Sciences Awards – Canadian Patent Contentious Firm of the Year (2017)
  • Life Sciences Awards – Canadian Firm to Watch (2017)
  • Legal Marketing Association’s Your Honor Awards – Website, Analytics, and SEO: litigate.com (2017)
  • Chambers Canada Awards – Dispute Resolution Team of the Year (2015)

Chambers Global

For the 22nd consecutive year, Lenczner Slaght has been ranked by Chambers Global 2024 for its dispute resolution expertise alongside notable full-service, national and international firms. This year, our litigation excellence is highlighted in the following areas:

  • Disputes (International & Cross-Border)
  • Intellectual Property: Litigation

In addition to the firm’s ranking, seven of our preeminent litigators are recognized as top litigators, globally:

The Chambers Global rankings are the culmination of extensive research and interviews with firm clients and legal professionals around the world who have recognized Lenczner Slaght and its litigators for its extensive trial experience and commitment to delivering the best results for its clients. 

"The law firm addresses complex issues thoughtfully and thoroughly, providing business-oriented counselling."

"They handled a complex action with multiple parties in an efficient and pragmatic manner."

"Lenczner Slaght provide responsive service and excellent advice."

"They have a very impressive knowledge of all Canadian jurisdictions."

About Chambers

Chambers and Partners, headquartered in London, UK, publishes guides to the legal profession in 185 jurisdictions throughout the world. They conduct in-depth research throughout the year on legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service.

Chambers Canada

After extensive research and interviews with firm clients and legal professionals across Canada, Chambers Canada 2024 highlights Lenczner Slaght’s expertise in the following areas:

  • Dispute Resolution: Class Actions (Defence) (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Insurance: Dispute Resolution (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Intellectual Property: Litigation (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Litigation: Administrative & Public Law (Ontario)
  • Litigation: General Commercial (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)
  • Litigation: Securities (Ontario)

In addition to the firm’s rankings, 17 Lenczner Slaght lawyers are recognized as the top litigators in their field.

  • Paul-Erik Veel – Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) (Nationwide – Canada); Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Matthew B. Lerner – Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)
  • Sana Halwani – Intellectual Property: Litigation (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Jaan Lilles – Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Dena N. Varah – Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Rebecca Jones – Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada); Litigation: Administrative & Public Law (Ontario)
  • Matthew Sammon – Construction (Nationwide – Canada); Employment & Labour: Non-Unionised Employees; Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Jordana Sanft – Intellectual Property: Litigation (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Monique Jilesen – Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)
  • Nina Bombier – Insurance: Dispute Resolution (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Mark Veneziano – Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Risa Kirshblum – Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
  • Lawrence E. Thacker – Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Nationwide – Canada)
  • William C. McDowell – Litigation: Administrative & Public Law (Ontario)
  • Tom Curry – Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) (Nationwide – Canada); Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada); Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)
  • Peter Griffin – Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) (Nationwide – Canada); Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario); Litigation: Securities (Ontario)
  • Ian Binnie – Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators (Nationwide – Canada)

Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory

Following comprehensive peer review surveys and interviews with senior members in the legal profession, the 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has recognized 34 of the firm’s expert litigators for their experience, knowledge, and precision, with 111 rankings spanning 19 practice areas.

The following Lenczner Slaght lawyers have been selected through peer surveys as leading practitioners in their field: Ian Binnie, Peter Griffin, Tom Curry, William C. McDowellAnne Posno, Lawrence E. ThackerRisa KirshblumMark VenezianoScott Rollwagen, Nina BombierMonique JilesenJordana SanftMatthew SammonEli Lederman, Rebecca Jones, Colin JohnstonDena Varah, Jaan LillesSana Halwani, Andrew ParleyMatthew B. Lerner, Paul-Erik Veel, Amanda Smallwood, Ian MacLeodBrian Kolenda, Andrew Porter, Brendan F. Morrison, Christopher YungJonathan Chen, Aaron GrossmanAndrea WheelerDelna Contractor, Margaret Robbins and Aoife Quinn.

Also in this directory, Lexpert has once again placed Lenczner Slaght at the centre of the Bull's Eye – its highest possible rating for a litigation practice.

 

Click here for the Lexpert® "Litigation – Toronto" Bull's-eye graphic.

Click here for the Lexpert® "Commercial Litigation – Toronto" Bull's-eye graphic.

Best Lawyers in Canada

Best Lawyers in Canada is an annual guide to the international legal profession.

Since the annual peer ratings were inaugurated in Canada in 2006, Lenczner Slaght has been recognized for the excellence of its practitioners in a wide range of areas.

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Canada guide recognizes the following Lenczner Slaght lawyers: Ian BinniePeter Griffin, Tom Curry, William C. McDowellAnne E. Posno, Lawrence E. Thacker, Risa M. Kirshblum, Cynthia L. TapeMark A. Veneziano, Scott RollwagenNina Bombier, Monique JilesenJordana SanftEli S. Lederman, Matthew Sammon, Rebecca Jones, Colin Johnston, Jaan Lilles, Dena N. Varah, Sana Halwani, Matthew B. Lerner, Andrew ParleyPaul-Erik Veel, Brian KolendaAmanda SmallwoodIan MacLeod, Andrew Porter, Brendan F. Morrison, Aaron I. Grossman, Jonathan Chen, and Andrea Wheeler.

Further, Lidiya YermakovaDelna ContractorMeghan BridgesMadison RobinsMargaret RobbinsAoife QuinnKate CostinCaroline H. HumphreyMark Andrews-Lee, Lauren Mills Taylor, and Bonnie Greenaway are recognized in the latest edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Legal 500 Canada

Following comprehensive research, client feedback, and interviews with leading lawyers in the industry, Lenczner Slaght is once again ranked in Tier 1 for Dispute Resolution. The firm is also recognized for its expertise in Insurance, Intellectual Property, and Restructuring and Insolvency.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Hall of Fame

Leading Lawyers

Next Generation Partner

Recommended Lawyers

Legal 500 had this to say about our expert litigators:

Boutique firm Lenczner Slaght has a strong commercial disputes offering and routinely represent clients before all levels of court. The group is regularly instructed by multinational companies, individuals, small businesses and professional regulators. Practice co-head Monique Jilesen specializes in class action, contract and shareholder disputes, civil fraud cases, securities litigation and professional liability matters. Leading alongside her, Eli Lederman, frequently acts for company directors in litigation and advises on corporate governance matters. Complex cross-border litigation specialist Peter Griffin KC is another standout name, while Tom Curry handles class action, arbitration and business disputes. Matthew Lerner and Brian Kolenda also major on commercial litigation. 

INSURANCE

Leading Lawyer

Recommended Lawyer

As a specialist litigation boutique, Lenczner Slaght packs a punch in contentious insurance work, where it handles a significant volume of policy, coverage and defence disputes. Frequently involved in challenging, high-profile cases, where it can bring its unique dispute resolution platform to bear, the group’s experience covers class action defence, D&O, product liability, and environmental and property damage claims, among other areas. Group head Nina Bombier is particularly sought after for insurance coverage disputes. 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Leading Lawyer

Recommended Lawyer

Toronto litigation powerhouse Lenczner Slaght leverages its contentious firepower to focus on IP litigation. A popular choice to handle challenging cases, particularly — but not exclusively — patent disputes, the team routinely represents sophisticated global clients such as Gilead Sciences and L’Oréal Canada. Impressive litigator Sana Halwani anchors the practice and shines in patent disputes; she also handles copyright, trademark and trade secret matters. The group includes Jordana Sanft, who specializes in life sciences cases, and counsel Martin Brandsma, who joined in March 2023 from Bereskin & Parr LLP.

INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING

Recommended Lawyer

The team at Lenczner Slaght acts for creditors, debtors, monitors and receivers in insolvency and restructuring litigation. The group’s expertise also spans creditors’ rights, enforcement in secured transactions and receiverships. The practice is jointly led by a Toronto-based duo. Monique Jilesen routinely acts for creditors and receivers in multi-party restructuring and insolvency proceedings; Matthew Lerner leads alongside her and often acts for court-appointed officers and secured creditors.

About Legal 500

The Legal 500 rankings are based on a series of criteria that recognize the practice area teams who provide the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. The research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market.

IAM Patent 1000

IAM Patent 1000, the guide to leading private practice patent professionals and firms, is dedicated to recognizing best-in-class patent prosecution, licensing and litigation practitioners on a global basis. 

After an extensive qualitative research process that included peer and client feedback, Lenczner Slaght is proud to once again be ranked in the 2023 edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals.

In addition to the firm’s ranking, Andrew MoeserSana Halwani, Jordana Sanft, and Cynthia L. Tape are also recognized for their in-depth knowledge and extensive trial experience in patent matters.

Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS

Managing Intellectual Property’s 2023 IP STARS handbook, a leading guide to the world’s foremost IP firms and practitioners, has once again recognized Sana Halwani and Jordana Sanft for their patent and trademark expertise.

Lenczner Slaght has also been recognized as one of Canada’s most notable patent contentious firms.

Canadian Lawyer's Top 10 Civil Litigation Boutiques

After an extensive survey of in-house counsel and clients from across Canada, Canadian Lawyer Magazine has once again named Lenczner Slaght one of Canada's Top 10 Civil Litigation Boutiques in 2020.

Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers

The Lenczner Slaght lawyers that are Most Frequently Recommended for their cross-border expertise in Dispute Resolution include:

Lexpert Special Edition: Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers

The 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers guide recognizes 22 Lenczner Slaght lawyers for their extensive courtroom experience and subject-matter expertise. We’re advocates, first and foremost, and our experience is why clients turn to us in the most difficult situations. We know courts, and courts know and trust us. We complement this excellence in advocacy with a deep understanding of our clients. In short, we are expert litigators. 

The following lawyers are recognized:

Congratulations to all!

About Lexpert Special Edition: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers

This special year-end edition is published as a supplement to the December Report on Business magazine distributed with The Globe and Mail. The rankings are compiled from Lexpert’s annual peer review survey that determines Canada’s leading lawyers in over 60 practice areas, plus personal interviews with senior members of the legal profession.

 

Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada

The 2024 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada recognizes Lenczner Slaght as the #1 firm in Toronto for Litigation and Commercial Litigation for the 23rd consecutive year.

Click here for the Lexpert® "Litigation – Toronto" Bull's-eye graphic.

Click here for the Lexpert® "Commercial Litigation – Toronto" Bull's-eye graphic.

Based on extensive peer surveys, the bull's-eye charts are created using a complex point system that identifies lawyers who have been consistently cited as leaders in their areas of practice. Lenczner Slaght has held the centre position since the bull's-eye’s introduction in 2001.

“We are pleased to continue to be recognized by our peers as Canada’s leading litigation firm,” says Monique Jilesen, Managing Partner of Lenczner Slaght. “For 23 consecutive years, we have remained at the centre of the Lexpert Bull’s Eye. This is a testament of our firm's unwavering commitment to training, mentoring, and developing leading litigators who are able to deliver the best results for our clients.”

The following 10 expert litigators are further recognized for their litigation excellence in the 2024 Lexpert/ALM 500 Guide.

Congratulations, all!

About the Lexpert®/American Lawyer 500: Leading Practitioners

The rankings in this guide are derived from the results of the annual Lexpert peer review surveys and personal interviews with senior members of the legal profession. Published since 1997, The Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada identifies the most frequently recommended lawyers across Canada in 39 practice areas. It is used as a resource for American and Canadian in-house counsel and law firms in need of Canadian legal expertise.

Benchmark Canada

Endowed with what peers agree is “the deepest litigation talent roster in Toronto,” Lenczner Slaght commands brand-name respect among its Bay Street peers. Recognized in the 2023 Benchmark Canada rankings are the following leading litigators:

Top 50 Trial Lawyers in Canada, Litigation Star: Peter Griffin

Top 100 Women in Litigation, Litigation Star: Monique JilesenSana Halwani

Litigation Star: Tom Curry, William C. McDowellLawrence E. ThackerMark VenezianoEli S. LedermanMatthew SammonRebecca JonesJaan LillesDena N. VarahMatthew B. Lerner, Andrew ParleyPaul-Erik Veel

Future Star: Delna Contactor

Who's Who Legal

In the latest edition of Who's Who Legal: Canada, Lenczner Slaght is proud to be recognized in the Litigation chapter.

The following Lenczner Slaght lawyers are recognized:

About Who’s Who Legal: Canada

Who's Who Legal: Canada is an annually published directory of leading Canadian lawyers across 35 areas of business law, based on comprehensive peer review surveys and interviews with general counsel and lawyers in private practice.