FREE CONSULTATION

ESTATE, REAL ESTATE, CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

FREE CONSULTATION

TORONTO'S LEADING CIVIL LITIGATION LAWYERS

ESTATE, REAL ESTATE, CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

FREE CONSULTATION

CIVIL | REAL ESTATE | ESTATE
CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL | LITIGATION

Toronto’s most trusted legal team

Join thousands of happy clients who trusted us when they needed us the most

Give us a call today FOR A FREE CONSULTATION or fill out the form below to let us start on resolving your legal matter

10+

YEARS
EXPERIENCE

99%

CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION RATE

24/7

CLIENT SUPPORT
& AVAILABILITY

$$

CONVENIENT
PAYMENT PLANS

Our practice focuses on litigation of Civil Disputes, and in particular in the areas of Real Estate Litigation, Estate Litigation, Shareholder & Partnership Disputes Litigation.
Contract Law and Breaches of contract

Statement of Claim

Legal Paperwork, Reviews, and Injunctions

Statement of Defence

Canadian Business Corporations Law

Trial

Human Rights Lawyer

Examination for Discovery

Motions

Summary Judgement

Stay proceedings

Arbitration & Mediation

Appeals

Civil Fraud

ILA

Civil Fraud

Consultations

Civil Fraud

M&A

Civil Litigation:

  • Contract Breaches, Non-Performance and/or Specific Performance, & Enforcement
  • Unjust enrichment, Misrepresentation, Breach of trust & Fiduciary duty
  • Default Judgements and Motions to set aside Default Judgements
  • Injunctions, Motions, Trial & Arbitration Counsel
Learn more

Corporate & Commercial Litigation:

  • Commercial List
  • Interlocutory (Temporary & Permanent) Injunctions
  • Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency & Receivership
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Corporate Governance
Learn more

Real Estate Litigation:

  • Failure to Close (Purchase or Sale), incl. Deposit Forfeitures
  • Property Ownership disputes (incl. Partitions)
  • Title issues, Latent deficiencies, Boundary disputes, & Easements
  • Constructive & Resulting and Other Trusts, Certificate of Pending Litigation
Learn more

Estate Litigation:

  • Will Challenges, Trusts Variations & Passing of Accounts
  • Estate Trustee & Administrator Removals
  • Claims involving Minors and Capacity Assessment, Dependants & Other Beneficiaries
  • Claims for Constructive and Resulting Trusts
Learn more

Shareholder Disputes:

  • Oppression Remedy & Derivative Actions
  • Director’s Liability, Breach of Fiduciary Duty & Corporate Governance
  • Unauthorized transfer of property, Issues with Dividends, Asset Stripping and Dissipation, Civil Fraud
  • Injunctions (incl. Mareva, Norwich, Anton Piller Orders)
Learn more

Constructions Liens:

  • Default proceedings, Settlement meetings, Setting Liens for Trials
  • Adjudication, Lien preservation, Arbitration
  • Registering and Perfecting Construction Liens
  • Early release of Holdback
Learn more
Call Us Now

We know that choosing the right lawyer can seriously impact anyone’s future.

Speak to us today!

CALL:
416-606-5405
EMAIL:
office@melaw.ca

Welcome note from Founding Partner:

As a practising litigator for many years, I know what it is like to put my client’ interests first and how to work towards the resolution. This is how I build long lasting relationships.

Whether your issue is simple or complicated, we always try to listen to your legal issue and evaluate the best scenarios for you.

We specialize in litigation of civil disputes, especially, in the areas of Real Estate Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, and Estate Litigation, along with a few other areas pertaining mainly to asset division and asset preservation, and which are, essentially, the foundations of all Civil Disputes.

We are successful in our practice because we rely on our knowledge of law and legal procedures, creative in negotiation techniques and because we put a heavy emphasis on strong evidence (or impeaching of any of such) to our advance our cases.

Whether you require someone to discuss your pre-litigation steps (in order to avoid going into expensive lawsuits), find yourself already in the litigation proceedings, or in need of an immediate assistance with mediation (or arbitration / discoveries / appeal) or trial counsel,

Contact us today and let’s get started.

ME Law Professional Corporation

Honest Testimonials

99% of our clients recommend our civil litigation services

May literally saved my life after I was about to lose my home. She worked very hard negotiating with other parties lawyer and also provided me with options on how to resolve my case that I didn’t even think of.

testimonial
D.W.

Business Owner

HOW WE WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU?

1

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

During the free consultation, you can provide us a brief overview of the issues you are facing and we will discuss next steps on how we can proceed.

2

Retain us for Legal Representation

We require Retainer Agreement to be signed in order for you to authorize us to work on your matter, and where all the terms of our engagement are clarified and confirmed between the parties.

3

Personalized strategy

Whether pre-litigation steps are available in your circumstances, or we immediately need to move into litigation, we would advise you of all the options on the table, so you can choose the most optimal avenue to take.

4

Results and Co-ordination

We have your back, so don’t worry - we will contact you when we need your input because we want you to focus on your life, so let us work on getting results for you.

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Why Should You Work With Us?

Our Approach

It all starts with you! Period. Your goals and objectives are of the utmost importance to us and we will guide you and be your shield and sword in all situations.

Our Process

Our work is a relationship and based on continued dialogue. Communication is at the core of the process.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of dedicated individuals working together to deliver a unique customer experience

Our Results

In the end, it is a partnership with you on your journey and a path towards peace of mind that we offer

Predictable Fees

We are always transparent about our fees and have an idea about potential costs. We always provide estimates upfront and proceed only after your instructions to do so.

Customer Service

Much of what we do starts with listening, being there for you in times of need and being proactive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between litigator and lawyer?

A lawyer is a general term used to describe someone who has been trained and licensed to practice law. Lawyers can provide a wide range of legal services, including drafting documents, providing legal advice and representation to clients. Litigators, on the other hand, are a specific type of lawyer who focus on the courtroom and trial work.

Essentially, a litigator is a type of lawyer who specializes in handling lawsuits and going to court to represent clients in disputes. They are also known as trial lawyers, litigation lawyers or barristers in the UK. Litigators are responsible for representing clients in civil or criminal trials, as well as in other legal proceedings such as arbitrations, mediations, and administrative hearings. They are usually involved in the entire litigation process, from the initial investigation, to pre-litigation negotiations, to drafting and filing legal documents, to arguing in court and reaching settlements.

To put simply: Litigators are responsible for handling a case from the initial filing of a lawsuit through to the final trial or settlement. They are the ones who present evidence and argue in court on behalf of their clients. They also handle pre-trial motions, negotiate with opposing counsel, and handle appeals. Litigators typically work on civil cases, such as personal injury, employment discrimination, and contract disputes.

On the other hand, a lawyer (or typically referred as an attorney in the US) is a general term that can refer to any professional who is trained and licensed to practice law. Lawyers can work in many different areas of law, such as criminal law, family law, immigration law, and corporate law, and may not necessarily specialize in litigation. Some lawyers may work as in-house counsel for a company, advising the company on legal matters and representing the company in negotiations, while others may work in non-profit organizations or government agencies.

A lawyer who is not a litigator, is often referred to as a transactional lawyer or a solicitor. They focus on helping clients to avoid disputes and resolve legal issues through negotiation and documentation rather than going to court. Transactional lawyers typically handle matters such as legal advice, business advisory services from the legal perspective, drafting legal documents and reviewing the same, conducting mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and prepare wills and other legal documents. To conclude, transactional lawyers do not participate in court proceedings, unlike litigators.

Litigators, on the other hand, have to be skilled in trial advocacy, which includes understanding evidence and procedural rules, developing a trial strategy, and presenting a case in a clear and persuasive way. They also need to be able to think on their feet and improvise when necessary. In contrast, transactional lawyers mainly focus on understanding the law and serve client's for the more standardized needs, whereas litigators are more familiar with the case law if something is to go in front of the Judge

In summary, while all litigators are lawyers, not all lawyers are litigators. Litigators specialize in courtroom and trial work, while transactional lawyers focus on non-contentious legal matters. Litigators need to be skilled in trial advocacy, while transactional lawyers usually focus and have an infrastructure to serve non-contentious client needs on more cost-effective or standardized basis.



What are the risks of heading into trial?

There are several risks associated with heading into trial, including the potential for a negative outcome, the high cost of litigation, and the potential for reputational damage.

One of the primary risks of heading into trial is the potential for a negative outcome. Even if a party believes they have a strong case, there is always the possibility that a judge or jury will rule against them. This can result in a significant financial loss, as well as potential legal liabilities

Another risk of heading into trial is the high cost of litigation. The process of preparing for and conducting a trial can be very expensive, with legal fees, expert witness fees, and other costs adding up quickly. This can be a significant financial burden for individuals and businesses, and can even lead to bankruptcy in some cases.

Additionally, heading into trial can also result in reputational damage. Negative publicity from a trial can harm the reputation of individuals and businesses, and can be especially damaging for those in the public eye. This can make it difficult to do business, and can lead to long-term damage to a person or company's reputation.

Finally, there is also the risk of an appeal. Even if a party wins in trial, the opposing party may choose to appeal the decision, leading to a new trial and prolonging the legal process. This can be emotionally draining and also costly.

Overall, heading into trial is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. Parties should carefully consider the potential risks and weigh them against the potential benefits before proceeding with litigation.

What are the Rules of Civil Procedure?

The rules of civil procedure govern the conduct of a lawsuit in the common law legal system. These rules dictate the procedure that must be followed in civil litigation, including how a case begins, how discovery is conducted, and how the case proceeds to trial.

One of the most important rules of civil procedure is the rule of jurisdiction, which states that a court must have jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the case in order to hear it. This means that the court must have the authority to hear the type of case being brought, and that the parties must reside or have a significant connection to the geographical area covered by the court.

Another important rule is the statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for bringing a case. This means that if a person waits too long to file a lawsuit, the court will likely dismiss the case.

The rules of civil procedure also include rules for pleadings, which are the initial documents filed by the parties that describe the nature of the case and the relief they are seeking. These pleadings include the complaint, which is filed by the plaintiff, and the answer, which is filed by the defendant.

The rules also include rules for discovery, which is the process of gathering evidence before trial. This can include the exchange of documents and information, as well as examinations for discoveries and cross-examinations, which are sworn statements given under oath.

The rules also include rules for trial, such as rules for the admissibility of evidence, rules for the conduct of witnesses, and rules for the closing arguments.

Finally, the rules also include rules for appeals, which allow a party to challenge a decision by the lower court.

In summary, the rules of civil procedure are a set of rules that govern the conduct of a lawsuit in the common law legal system. They dictate the procedure that must be followed, including how a case begins, how discovery is conducted, and how the case proceeds to trial.

Is it better to be self-represented or hire litigation lawyer for a dispute?

Whether it is better to be self-represented or to hire a litigation lawyer for a dispute depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount of money at stake, and the individual's comfort level with the legal system.

Self-representation, or "pro se" representation, is the process of representing oneself in legal matters without the assistance of a lawyer. This option is often chosen by individuals who cannot afford to hire a lawyer or who believe that their case is simple enough to handle on their own. However, it is important to note that the legal system can be complex, and self-represented individuals may not be familiar with all the rules and procedures that apply to their case.

On the other hand, hiring a litigation lawyer can be beneficial because a lawyer will have knowledge of the legal system and the specific laws that apply to the individual's case. A lawyer can also provide guidance and advice on how to present evidence and argue the case in court. Additionally, a lawyer will also be able to negotiate a settlement on the individual's behalf, which can be beneficial if the case can be resolved without going to trial.

Furthermore, if the case is of high value or if it has the potential to become a precedent setting case, it is highly recommended to have a lawyer representing you. (However, bear in mind, knowing the law is not always sufficient but knowledge of the case law behind the precedents is what matters more and how Judges typically arrive at the decisions that many self-represented individuals are not familiar with). Therefore, a lawyer can provide you the best representation from both knowledge base and procedural basis to obtain the better chance of success in the court. To put simply: a litigation lawyer can also help you navigate the complex legal system and protect your rights.

In summary, self-representation may be appropriate for simple and straightforward cases but hiring a litigation lawyer can be beneficial for more complex cases or cases where a large sum of money is at stake. It ultimately depends on the individual's specific circumstances and their comfort level with the legal system.

How to choose civil litigation lawyer?

When choosing a civil litigation lawyer, there are several factors to consider. The first step is to determine the type of case you have. Different lawyers specialize in different areas of law, so it's important to find one who has experience in your specific type of case. For example, if you have a medical malpractice or immigration cases, you'll want to find a lawyer who has experience handling personal injury cases or immigration law, likewise, if you require a litigation lawyer specializing in Corporate, Real Estate or Estate matters, it definitely makes more sense to hire the right litigation lawyer from the get-go rather than losing the case or trying the right one later to do an Appeal.

Next, consider the lawyer's qualifications and experience. Look for a lawyer who has been practicing law for several years and has a good track record of winning cases similar to yours. You can also check their education, certifications, awards and generally, obviously, their outlook towards the litigation. (i.e. whether they really want to advocate on client’s behalf or just interested in settling the dispute as soon as possible with minimum effort on their end).

It's also important to find a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with. You'll be working closely with your lawyer throughout the case, so it's important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable communicating with.

You should also consider the lawyer's fees. Some lawyers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Be sure to understand the lawyer's billing structure and whether there are any additional costs, such as disbursement expenses.

Finally, it is a good idea to meet the lawyer in person and ask them about the case. This will give you an idea about the lawyer's approach and how they plan to handle your case.

In summary, when choosing a civil litigation lawyer, consider the lawyer's qualifications and experience, their billing structure, and whether you feel comfortable working with them. Also, it is important to ensure that they have experience handling cases similar to yours.

What’s a retainer and retainer agreement?

A retainer is a sum of money that a client pays to a lawyer or law firm in advance of legal services being rendered. The money is typically held in a trust account and is used to cover the costs of the lawyer's time and expenses. A retainer agreement is a contract between the client and the lawyer that outlines the terms of the retainer, including the scope of the legal services to be provided, the amount of the retainer, and how any unused portion of the retainer will be refunded to the client.

Retainers are commonly used in situations where the client anticipates that they will need ongoing legal services over an extended period of time. For example, a company may retain a law firm to provide ongoing legal advice and representation on a range of issues, such as contract negotiations, employment law, and intellectual property. In such cases, the retainer agreement may be structured as an open-ended agreement, with the law firm billing the client on an hourly basis for the services provided.

Another common use of retainers is in connection with litigation. In this context, a retainer is paid to a lawyer to cover the costs of preparing and filing a lawsuit, as well as the costs of any discovery or other pre-trial proceedings. The retainer agreement will typically specify the amount of the retainer and the estimated number of hours of legal work that the retainer will cover. Obviously, due to the contested nature of litigation, unpredictability of the process as well as the level of resistance on the other side, the estimate will vary to the final amount charges and is provided as a reference point only.

In civil litigation retainers is the most common mechanism as to how clients compensate lawyers for their service. A retainer agreement in this context might include the lawyer's fees, court costs, and any other expenses related to the representation.

Retainer agreements are legally binding contracts, and clients should be sure to read and understand the terms before signing. If a client is unsure about any aspect of the agreement, they should ask their lawyer to explain it to them. Additionally, clients should keep in mind that retainers are not a guarantee of a particular outcome and that they may be responsible for additional fees if the scope of the legal services provided exceeds that outlined in the retainer agreement.

What are disbursements ?

In a legal context, disbursements refer to the expenses incurred by a lawyer or law firm in the course of representing a client. These expenses can include things like court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining documents and other evidence. Disbursements are typically in addition to the lawyer's hourly or flat fee for their services.

Disbursements can be a significant cost for clients and can vary widely depending on the nature of the case. For example, a complex civil lawsuit involving multiple parties and extensive document discovery may result in significant disbursements, while a simple divorce case may have very few disbursements.

Disbursements are usually paid by the client as they are incurred, although in some cases they may be deferred until the end of the case. It's important for clients to understand that disbursements are separate from the lawyer's fee and that they will be responsible for paying them. Some lawyers may also require a deposit or advance to cover the expected disbursements in a case.

In some cases, disbursements may be recoverable from the opposing party. For example, if a party loses a lawsuit, they may be ordered to pay the other party's disbursements as part of the judgment. However, this is not always the case and clients should not rely on recovering disbursements from the opposing party.

It's also important to note that disbursements can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Different courts and government agencies may have different fees for filing documents or obtaining records, so it's important for clients to be aware of the potential disbursements in their case.

Overall, disbursements are an important consideration in any legal matter and clients should be aware of the potential costs involved. They should discuss disbursements with their lawyer and be prepared to pay them as they are incurred. It's also important to have a clear understanding of the disbursements that are recoverable from the other party.

What factors to consider for a client to win the case when working with litigation lawyer?

When working with a litigation lawyer, a client should consider several factors to increase their chances of winning a case.

First, the client should have a clear understanding of the facts and evidence related to their case. This includes any documents, witnesses, or other pieces of evidence that may be relevant to the case. The client should also be prepared to explain their version of events clearly and concisely.

Second, the client should have a clear understanding of the legal issues involved in their case, and be able to communicate these issues to their lawyer. Obviously, any qualified litigation lawyer typically goes over all that with the client in advance; however, there is nothing wrong if, say, someone does not fully understand any of that legal jargon at any stage of the litigation but then they should definitely double check with their lawyer so their understanding goes in depth into the applicable laws, regulations, and precedents that may be relevant to the case to make the process more efficient and effective both for themselves and for the lawyer working with them.

Third, the both the client and the lawyer should have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives they hope to achieve through the litigation process in order to work effectively together. This includes understanding the potential outcomes of the case, such as monetary damages, injunctive relief, or specific legal remedies. Accordingly, sometimes getting the maximum award although could be possible; however, getting to that maximum award could be quite challenging and lengthy as well, rather than settling at the realistic amount but saving themselves from any potential future risks of even losing, high litigation costs or any other surprises down the road.

Fourth, the client should choose a lawyer who has experience and expertise in the specific area of law related to the case. This means choosing a lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past and has a track record of success.

Fifth, the client should have open and honest communication with their lawyer throughout the litigation process. This includes providing timely and accurate information to their lawyer, as well as discussing any concerns or questions that may arise during the case. A lot of misunderstandings can usually be avoided just if someone usually picks up the call and talks to the other side, rather than engage sometimes in email communications back and forth, or openly discussed during the meeting between a lawyer and a client.

Finally, the client should be prepared to invest the time and resources necessary to pursue the case to a successful conclusion. This includes being willing to participate in the discovery process, attending court hearings and trial, and working closely with their lawyer to develop the best possible strategy for their case.

By considering these factors and working closely with a qualified and experienced litigation lawyer, a client can significantly increase their chances of winning a case.

We are members of the following highly-regarded Professional Associations

Law Society of Ontario
Criminal Lawyers' Association
Criminal Lawyers' Association

Get In Touch:

ME Law Address

180 Bloor Street West, Suite 904
Bloor Law Chambers
Toronto, ON M5S 2V6

To speak to one of our senior specialists, call us at (416) 606-5405 .

If you’d prefer a call back, fill out the form and we’ll get back to you within the hour.

We look forward to speaking with you!

Please be advised that emailing our firm directly or via this website does not constitute entering into a solicitor/client relationship with ME Law Professional Corporation.

To speak to one of our senior specialists, call us at (416) 606-5405 .

If you’d prefer a call back, fill out the form and we’ll get back to you within the hour.

We look forward to speaking with you!