Education

Bar Admission

  • 2022 Admitted to the Alberta Bar
  • 2022 Admitted to the British Columbia Bar
  • 2016 Admitted to the Ontario Bar

Michael is a Partner in Alexander Holburn’s Toronto office and is a member of the firm’s Insurance, Corporate / Commercial and Employment practice groups.

Michael is known for his honourable, yet unwavering, approach to litigation resulting in favourable resolutions of claims and disputes for his clients. Michael has a reputation for strategizing, executing and delivering on plans of action for litigation or settlement.  He develops and implements the strategy, budgeting and case management of complex litigation matters for provincial, national and international businesses including insurance companies, transit authorities and municipalities.

Michael’s practice focuses primarily on commercial and civil litigation, including but not limited to, insurance defence, transportation and freight claims, employment law, product liability, business disputes, construction litigation, professional liability, personal injury, occupiers’ liability, subrogation, coverage opinions and disputes, statutory accident benefits, letters rogatory and claims under the Repair and Storage Liens Act.

Within transportation law, Michael advises brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, 3PLs and 4PLs on various aspects of supply chain logistics and the movement of goods locally and internationally. He provides comprehensive and cost-efficient opinions on liability and damages and has litigated matters involving freight claims, liens, warehousing, bills of lading and spoilage. He has provided legal services and advice to provincial, national and international manufacturer/shipper clients regarding contractual disputes, third-party logistics, jurisdiction and cross-border issues.

Michael’s employment practice involves providing time sensitive legal advice to both businesses and employees in the areas of labour, employment, workers compensation and human rights laws. Michael assists clients in defending and prosecuting claims through the court and administrative tribunal processes, as necessary. Clients include local and international businesses, not for profits, healthcare employers, government entities and individuals seeking advice on workplace issues.

Michael also assists construction industry clients in the management of procurement issues, the negotiation and drafting of contracts, and the resolution of builders’ liens and other construction-based litigation. His construction experience includes professional and product liability as well as defending contractors, design professionals, municipalities, and manufacturers in various claims involving errors, omissions, and negligence.

On A Personal Note...

Michael has a passion for sports and fitness. He loves to golf and trains in Muay Thai Boxing. Michael is a traveler and has an appetite for exotic cuisine. Michael’s two dogs, Roy and Henry, keep him active and often accompany him on outdoor activities and adventures.

Representative Experience

One of Michael’s well-known reported decisions in  MacLeod v. Canadian Road Management Company, 2018 ONSC 2186 was used by the Honourable Justice Myers as a platform to scrutinize the civil jury system and expand on the test for striking a jury notice. This decision has been cited numerous times by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal and is one of the leading cases in this area.

In addition to his reported decisions, Michael has successfully pursued and defended his clients’ interests in complex motions, applications, arbitrations, hearings and trials. Michael has efficiently dismissed claims early in litigation resulting in considerable costs awarded to his clients by taking strategic and calculated approaches towards litigation.

Publications