Areas of Practice
Michael’s practice is divided equally between family law and civil litigation. His emphasis in both practice areas is to assist his clients to achieve fair results through focused settlement negotiations. However, where this is not possible, Michael is a skilled and very experienced courtroom litigator who has appeared at all levels of the courts throughout Ontario including the Court of Appeal.
Family Law: Michael deals with all aspects of Family Law including custody and access, mobility issues, child and spousal support, variation of agreements, property issues and child protection matters.
Civil Litigation: Michael deals with a wide range of Civil Litigation matters including Employment and Labour law, Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle law, Medical Malpractice, estate and commercial litigation and negligence matters
Michael believes in the importance of client/lawyer communication, thorough preparation and providing each of his clients with a realistic assessment of his/her situation so that he and the client can achieve the best possible result.
Associations and Background
Michael is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario. He has been in practice since being called to the Bar in April 1990. He has been with this firm since 1996, and a partner since 2000.
Michael is a certified Family Law Mediator-Arbitrator and a former member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer Panel. He spent 15 years in camping as a counsellor, section head and program director. Michael was an instructor at the Bar Admission course in both Family law and Practice Skills from 1993-2008. He served as litigation counsel for the Toronto Police Association from 1998 to 2012.
Prior to entering Osgoode Hall Law School in 1985 Michael spent five years as an academic teacher at the National Ballet School in Toronto. Michael has served his community for over 40 years as a hockey coach, a baseball coach and as a member of various Boards of Directors.
Michael enjoys playing ice hockey, physical fitness, cooking, travel, playing Bridge and spending time with his wife, two children and his dog Oreo.