If you’ve been served with a Statement of Claim in Ontario, time is of the essence. You have 20 days to serve your defence and file it along with proof of service, or obtain an extension. If you miss the deadline, you may be noted in default.

Don’t lend an advantage to the other side. Speak to a lawyer immediately.

Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, we work closely with clients to determine the most suitable fee arrangement. We offer contingency, hourly, and mixed contingency-hourly.

All contingency fee agreements will be set out in writing in compliance with the Law Society rules.

Competitive rates + Transparent billing

A retainer fee must be paid upfront to secure our services. Our hourly rate is $275 +HST. Cost of disbursements (e.g. court filing fees, process server fees, expert reports, etc.) are not included in the legal fees and must be reimbursed to the firm as soon as a bill has been issued to the client.

In general, if the statute of limitations has expired, it can bar you from filing a civil litigation case. The statute of limitations establishes the time limit within which a legal action must be initiated. Once that time period has expired, the right to file a lawsuit may be lost. However, there are certain exceptions and circumstances that could potentially allow you to proceed with your case, such as the discovery of fraud or certain tolling provisions. It is crucial to consult with a lawyer who can evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine if any exceptions apply to your case.

In Ontario, civil litigation generally follows a series of common steps outlined in the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure. These steps typically include initiating the lawsuit by filing a statement of claim, serving the claim on the defendant, exchanging relevant documents and information through the discovery process, attending settlement conferences or mediation to explore potential resolutions, and if necessary, proceeding to trial where evidence is presented and a judgment is rendered. Additional steps such as appeals or enforcement of judgments may follow depending on the outcome of the trial.

Class action litigation involves a representative plaintiff filing a motion to certify a class of individuals with similar claims against one or more defendants, followed by a determination from the court regarding class certification based on criteria such as numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy of representation. If the class is certified, notice is provided to potential class members who can choose to participate or opt-out. The litigation phase includes discovery, and the case may be resolved through settlement negotiations or proceed to trial. If successful, damages are distributed among class members, while those who opted out retain the right to pursue individual lawsuits.

The timeline for civil litigation cases can vary significantly as each case possesses its unique circumstances. While some cases may reach a resolution swiftly, others may span over the course of several years. At our firm, we prioritize diligent advocacy and efficient case management to navigate the legal process effectively and strive to achieve favourable outcomes within reasonable timeframes.

Yes, in Ontario, you have the option to bring a small claims matter if your claim is below $35,000 in value. It is possible to waive the additional amount to stay within the small claims limit, which can lead to a quicker and more streamlined litigation process.