Whether you're owed money, dealing with a broken contract, stuck in a property dispute, or defending yourself against a claim. I'm a civil litigation lawyer with experience on both sides of Ontario's courts.
"Civil litigation is expensive and slow. The goal isn't always to win in court. Sometimes the goal is to get paid, protect your reputation, or make a problem go away fast."
Civil Litigation Cases I Handle
- Debt Collection & Unpaid Invoices. I help individuals and small businesses recover what they're owed through demand letters, Small Claims Court, or Superior Court.
- Breach of Contract. Services not delivered, deals reneged on, terms ignored.
- Property Disputes. Boundary disputes, easements, co-ownership conflicts, contractor work gone wrong.
- Defamation & Reputation. False statements posted online or made to your employer can cause real damage. Connected matters may overlap with our threats and harassment practice.
- Shareholder & Business Disputes. Shareholder oppression, partnership disagreements, disputes over corporate assets.
- Defending Against Claims. Someone is suing you. Early legal advice can change the outcome significantly.
Small Claims vs. Superior Court
Small Claims Court handles claims up to $35,000, faster, lower filing fees, designed to be accessible. Superior Court handles amounts over $35,000, more complex, but winning parties can recover substantial legal costs. The Government of Ontario publishes a step-by-step overview of going to court. Many of my civil clients also benefit from related work in employment law or human rights law.
How Civil Disputes Get Resolved
Most civil litigation cases do not end with a judge's decision, the majority settle after a demand letter or at mediation. The best settlements happen when the other side knows you're serious and prepared to go the distance. For more on how my approach works, see about Elias or browse the FAQ.
"A well-drafted demand letter resolves more disputes than most people realize. It signals you know your rights, and that you're not bluffing."
In Toronto, Ottawa, and Essex County, mandatory mediation applies to most Superior Court actions before they can proceed to trial. It's actually a useful process, many cases settle at mediation because both sides finally have an incentive to talk seriously.