We have* a reputation as leaders in high-stakes, bet-the-company securities litigation. For good reason. Our multi-disciplinary approach means that we excel in representing our clients in all aspects of securities-related civil litigation, class actions, and regulatory and professional discipline proceedings. Our lawyers’ experience and nimble approach means a coordinated, proactive defence for our clients that leads to better results. The lawyers at Lenczner Slaght have securities§ expertise, with a deep understanding of the industry as well as how it affects clients in other industries. We have acted on some of the most high profile securities litigation cases, from Kerr v Danier Leather from trial through the Supreme Court of Canada, to complex litigation relating to Sino-Forest Corporation, to regulatory proceedings arising out of the collapse of the ABCP market. We also appear regularly in the hearing rooms of the provincial securities commissions and other regulators, defending our clients' interests. Our lawyers also are active in securities policy, including membership on the Ontario Securities Commission’s Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee. When it comes to strong litigation expertise, we have it locked down‡ , both in terms of our experience and our judgment. Our advocacy begins outside the courtroom, before any hearing starts or is even contemplated. We provide strategic counsel to navigate through internal and external investigations as well as to deal with issues of disclosure and media attention. If necessary, we will fight for your reputation in any contested regulatory hearing..
Lenczner Slaght has extensive experience in litigating securities-related disputes before the courts, including the defence of professional negligence and other claims brought against investment advisors and dealers and significant expertise defending shareholder class-action proceedings.
Our lawyers also appear regularly in the hearing rooms of the provincial securities commissions including the Ontario Securities Commission, as well as the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association (MFDA), defending clients' interests against allegations of breaches under various legislative and regulatory frameworks, including:
- The Ontario Securities Act
- IIROC Dealer and MFDA Member Rules
- Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR)
Our lawyers are active in securities policy, including membership on the Ontario Securities Commission’s Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee.
We also help clients conduct internal corporate investigations relating to potential breaches of securities and other laws either prior to, or in conjunction with, inquiries by regulatory authorities.
In any securities matter, we recognize that the best outcome typically avoids regulatory proceedings – and adverse media attention – altogether. To that end, we provide strategic counsel and advice to registrants, investment advisors, securities lawyers and other market participants, both before and during investigations. Where it cannot be avoided, we have the advocacy experience to defend any contested regulatory hearings.
