On December 20, Canada’s highest court released a hotly anticipated decision that is almost certainly the final act in the more than 20 year saga of a formerly pre-eminent theater company, Livent Inc. and an accounting fraud by its senior management. This was a fraud that, among other things led to the 2009 criminal conviction of Livent founders, Garth Drabinsky and Myron Gottlieb. Livent’s Receiver Manager sued former Livent auditor, Deloitte & Touche for issuing clean audit opinions and a comfort letter to potential investors in the face of numerous red flags indicating fraud by senior management that it said Deloitte ... [more] Full article
The Supreme Court of Canada in Mennillo v. Intramodal Inc. held that a small, closely held corporation’s failure to comply with some of the requirements under the Canada Business Corporations ... [more] Full article
The BC Court of Appeal has upheld an arbitrator’s finding that triggering a shotgun clause terminated the selling parties’ interest in a joint venture, thereby eliminating their entitlement to an ... [more] Full article
The case of Harris v. Leikin Group Inc. provides another illustration of the messy, and costly, fallout that can occur when there is a dispute within a successful family business. [more] Full article
Michael Binetti*, Managing Partner of Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP, brings a wealth of litigation experience, with extensive expertise in both trials and appeals. Known for his strategic legal acumen, Michael has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex cases and deliver successful outcomes across a wide range of litigation areas. Peers and clients alike praise Michael as an “excellent and creative lawyer” who “finds unique solutions to complex problems” and “knows how to win.” Recognized for his dedication and professionalism, he is described as a “strong advocate who always looks out for the best interests of his clients” and provides “timely, honest, and extremely valuable counsel.” Michael’s reputation for excellence is underscored by his inclusion in ranking services such as Best Lawyers, Lexology, and Lexpert.
Ken Dekker, a partner of the firm, is a successful trial and appellate lawyer who is valued by his clients as a resourceful and practical litigation counsel. Over more than 25 years, Ken has litigated noteworthy cases in a range of fields that include class action defence, securities and broker-dealer litigation and regulatory defence, corporate and shareholder disputes (including oppression and winding up cases), defamation, civil fraud litigation, disputes over contracts, injunctions, professional liability litigation, employment litigation and cross-border litigation issues. Ken has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, including the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, as well as before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ken has also represented and advised clients in regulatory matters before the Investment Industry Organization of Canada (IIROC), the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA), both of which are now known as the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). Ken has also represented clients before the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the Financial Planning Canada Standards Council (FPCSC), and the CPA Ontario Tribunal. Ken has been ranked for Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers of Canada, for Securities Litigation by Lexpert, and he has been given the highest available rating of AV, or pre-eminent, by his peers on "Martindale-Hubbell."
Masiel, a Partner of the firm, has a broad commercial litigation practice and represents both national and international clients in a variety of complex business matters. Masiel has expertise in cases involving shareholder disputes, contract disputes, corporate fraud, commercial leasing and real property disputes, breach of trust, professional negligence, D&O claims, and employment matters. Masiel is a tough-minded advocate dedicated to obtaining results for her clients.
David is a determined and committed advocate for his clients. David has extensive courtroom experience, having successfully appeared as lead counsel in trials, hearings, motions, and appeals. David is also a skillful negotiator, having successfully negotiated the resolution of numerous cases. David is ranked as a leading practitioner in competition law by both Lexpert and Who’s Who Legal, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, and competition law. David is also rated as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating possible), with his peers at competitor law firms noting that David is an “excellent lawyer and advocate”, he is “diligent and creative in his approach”, and “is capable of taking charge in the largest commercial and insurance claims”. David has a broad practice in commercial litigation, insurance law, and competition law.
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