About Michael Lesage of Michael’s Law Firm

Michael represents sophisticated parties in complex litigation, and counts multinationals, hedge funds, engineering and hi-tech firms among his clientele. Additionally, he represents various professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and engineers.

Michael grew up in Brampton and received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. He then attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked in the Health Law Clinic and the Low Income Tax Clinic. While in Pittsburgh, he began working at a large litigation boutique, on matters ranging from complex class actions to medical malpractice to personal injury cases. Upon graduation, he moved to Florida, and was admitted to the Florida bar in 2006.

In Florida, he worked at a prominent litigation firm outside of Orlando, primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, professional malpractice, insurance and personal injury. He gained significant trial experience and a reputation as a tough and tenacious advocate, handling matters at arbitration, trial and on appeal. For his work, he was recognized by his peers and achieved the coveted “Peer Reviewed” rating from Martindale Hubbell, a widely respected mark of achievement in the legal profession.

Since 2012, he has practiced in Ontario, where his practice has continued to be largely business and commercial litigation based. In that time, he has represented clients before the Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Financial Services Commission of Ontario and Small Claims Court. He frequently appears against counsel from some of Canada’s largest firms. He has also represented lawyers in disciplinary proceedings before the Law Society of Ontario. Michael has successfully handled cases ranging into the millions of dollars. Prior to starting his own firm (Michael’s Law Firm), he was litigation counsel for one of Toronto’s largest injury firms.

In handling cases, his goal is to get his clients the best possible outcome in the circumstances. This means that he develops his cases as though they are going to trial, and takes a hard nosed approach with opposing counsel. Most of his cases still settle, but on better terms for his clients.

When not at the office (or programming), he is often busy competing at sports. Michael plays hockey and squash several times weekly. In the summers he bikes, and in the winters he skis. In everything, he pushes himself to his limits.

Representative Cases

Had a lender’s claim stayed, and awarded damages by way of counterclaim (plus costs) on behalf of a borrower.

Achieved a significant financial settlement in a professional negligence matter resulting in chronic pain and psychological issues. Case confidential.

Achieved significant financial settlements in cases arising out of the purchase of real estate with undisclosed encumbrances and/or incorrect descriptions. Cases confidential.

Extracted a plaintiff from a case on an adverse summary judgment, at hearing, on a without costs basis. Savo et al. v. Moursalien, 2016 ONSC 4677 (unreported).

Successfully defended[1] against a summary judgment motion brought by Zuber and Company on a multi-million dollar personal injury claim. Simpson et al. v. Forsythe et al., Toronto 07-CV-342124 PD2.

Successfully obtained accident benefits for a client after hearing at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Ismayilov v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, Al2-001185-JGR

Drafted the successful appeal in 1422253 Ontario Limited v. Coachman Insurance Co., 2013 ONSC 5740.[2]

Awarded Partial Indemnity Fees at an hourly rate of $400.00 per hour on a contested motion before the Honourable Justice Reilly (2013). Hoang v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Kitchener, C-565-10.

Leadership Roles

Elected to the Board of Directors (a Bencher at Convocation) of the Law Society of Ontario. Also a panelist (adjudicator) at the Law Society Tribunal, and author of the following decisions:

Professional Development Courses Taught

Being “Shingle” – Starting a Law Firm
Tips and Traps in the Discovery Process
A Guide to Preparing for Civil Trials – Live Webinar with Chat
Trial by Zoom

Speaking Engagements

The Oatley McLeish Guide to Motor Vehicle Litigation (March) 2016 Continuing Legal Education Seminar: Discovery in Ontario – A Quick Reference Guide

Articles

Trial Prep and Trials – A Fingertip Reference (2018), published as Chapter 3, in The Oatley-McLeish Guide to Personal Injury Practice in Motor Vehicle Cases 2018.
Discovery in Ontario: A Quick Reference Guide (2015).
Court of Appeal decision has bizarre implications for insurance law, September 17, 2018, The Lawyer’s Daily.
Videotaping Independent Medical Examinations, December 3, 2014.

Bar Admissions

Ontario (Law Society of Upper Canada)
Florida (retired status)

Awards

Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Community Involvement

At Michael’s firm, we believe in both sport, and giving back. As part of our efforts, ever year, we sponsor a local hockey team.

About Anar Dewshi of Michael’s Law Firm

Anar graduated from the University of Toronto at Scarborough with a double major in Biology and Sociology.  She attended law school at the University of Leicester and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2014.  Anar’s practice focuses on regulatory and compliance matters; licensing; Provincial Act offences; Wills and Estates, and civil litigation.  She has appeared before the License Appeal Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, and Provincial Offences Court. She may be reached at anar@michaelsfirm.ca.

[1]Note case was argued at hearing by a colleague.
[2]Note case was argued at hearing by Chris Richard.
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