When a lawyer is called to the Bar, it is in fact, just that, a calling! Or at least it should be. It was for me, when I was called to the Ontario Bar two years after graduating from Windsor Law School, and it still is today, although I now have several decades of experience to complement that calling, helping me to better serve my clients in the Toronto area.
As a Toronto lawyer, my goal is to provide all of my clients with a full range of services, from real estate to wills, to family law, to corporate and commercial law, all with the same level of concern and commitment to the well-being of my clients. To this end, I strive to provide my clients with professional, informed and effective legal advice and top-flight performance, whether the field of activity is in my offices, board rooms, mediation facilities or the courtrooms of Ontario.
Family Law in Toronto
Not all family law is conflict, but families in crisis present a significant challenge to the integrity of all sides, the protection of children, and the well-being of my clients. Not all such matters require litigation, and when it is possible, I recommend and provide mediation services in the belief that a peaceful resolution is the best solution.
In fact, studies reveal that a mediated settlement is more likely to be followed by the parties, which comes as no surprise since the process is voluntary with both sides having the ability to make free and informed choices based on compromise. It is also in their best financial interest to mediate. In addition to family law, I also will provide mediation for estate and business matters.
Corporate and Commercial Law in Toronto
In addition to family and real-estate law, I also provide corporate and commercial law services for my clients. These range from purchase and sale of a business to business and corporate tax issues, to partnerships and corporate registration.
If you are an existing client for whom I have done work, perhaps in real estate or estate planning and you now need legal advice or remedies for business related concerns, it isn’t necessary for you to search for and begin a new association with a strange lawyer when we already have an affiliation. And, of course, for my established business clients in need of domestic legal advice, it works the other way as well.
Wills and Estate Planning in Toronto
I have more than a quarter of a century of accumulated experience providing my clients with Will and Estate planning and consultation. Families often put off making a will, or they have done one ten years ago, but neglect to update it. Things change in ten years, and what was appropriate then is likely not workable now, or for the future.
I understand that the Will is your opportunity to ensure your heritage; it’s my responsibility to ensure that your will - as in your wishes - are fully realized and that your bequests are as problem free as possible. Coupled with estate planning and the appropriate powers of attorney, I can help you to provide for contingencies in the future, which means peace of mind for you now.
Real Estate Law in Toronto
For many of us, purchasing or selling a house or condominium, or perhaps a family cottage, is our major real estate investment. And if we are “moving up,” then we are involved in both transactions at more or less the same time.
It is my responsibility to do all of the due diligence before, during and post-transaction to make sure your only concern is moving. Some of us venture further, and become involved with commercial properties and other real estate ventures. My experience here allows me to thoroughly guard the interests of my clients and to advise them against potential pitfalls.
Mediation Services in Toronto
In the capacity of mediator, while I cannot give legal advice, I will ensure that each party has legal representation and include the respective lawyers in the process. As counsel, however, my role is to assist my clients in the mediation or arbitration process, ensuring that they are well informed and that the potential agreement works in their interest, before recommending that they sign and ratify the negotiated settlement.
This experience of having acted in the roles of both counsel and mediator has enriched my understanding of the processes and sharpened my abilities to favourably assist my clients.
Legal remedies
Unfortunately, there are times when the other party won’t negotiate, or does so in a way that poses hardships for my client. As a mediator, after I have canvassed all issues and revisited those not agreed to with no party willing to budge further, then I know that mediation is effectively over. Similarly, as a lawyer, if I see that no further progress is possible, then it is time to advise my clients of the strengths and weaknesses of their case and inform them what to expect in front of a judge. While I always emphasize that no lawyer can guarantee his client will prevail, I will do my very utmost for a win.
The old sports adage that the best defense is a good offense often works in legal matters as well. Sometimes, when obdurate opponents are faced with a long and costly court challenge, when they see that as counsel I’m serious about using the remedies offered in our courts, they will reconsider and return to a more cooperative and equitable conduct. But if not, and if my client wishes, then I am confident in my years of training and experience to take the case before the judges of our Ontario.