Best Law Firms in Canada for Product Liability Law

Farris LLP ("Farris") is a leading Canadian law firm with offices in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. The full-service firm represents some of the largest public and private institutions and corporations in the province, and has the proven capacity and experience to carry out complex and multi-dimensional legal projects.

Corporate/Commercial: With more than 30 lawyers, the Corporate/Commercial group at Farris is relied upon by clients to assist with a wide range of matters, across a variety of industries. Unique amongst most large law firms, our corporate lawyers are first trained as generalists before they specialize in any given area of business law. We believe a broad legal knowledge of the key business law issues affecting businesses and industries enables us to help our clients solve their legal problems –big or small–quickly and effectively.

Delivering on our clients’ goals and ambitions means working closely with our clients to develop work plans tailored to their particular needs in terms of scope and budget. Our clients rely upon our advice regarding capital raising, finance strategies, governance issues, succession planning, insourcing, and outsourcing. Our lawyers assist with contract drafting and negotiations, securing regulatory approvals, agreements for joint ventures, and acquiring or selling aspects of a business. We regularly advise on privately negotiated transactions, controlled auctions, plans of arrangement and take-over bids, as well as reorganizations and restructurings for tax optimization.

Advocacy & Litigation: Our litigators are recognized leaders in their field, providing timely, creative and practical representation in a full range of commercial, corporate and constitutional litigation, and have extensive experience conducting hearings, trials and appeals. Our clients are diverse and include major business organizations, public bodies, universities, First Nations, media organizations, family litigants, and public interest groups. We advocate for our clients in every forum and at every level of court, and are engaged in many of the most important cases in the province at any given time. We recognize that advocacy work entails flexibility and a constant evaluation of available options, and that not all matters require a formal hearing. We actively look for opportunities to engage in alternate dispute resolution processes where appropriate.

Labour and Employment: Farris has a full-service labour and employment practice, providing advice, counsel, and representation to our clients in all aspects of workplace law.

We have broad experience representing employers in employment law disputes, including wrongful dismissal matters, disputes relating to restrictive covenants, disability related claims, discrimination and accommodation matters, Human Rights issues, employment and labour standards matters, privacy matters, and workers compensation issues. Our lawyers regularly represent our clients in Court and before administrative tribunals that apply employment-related statutes.

Our lawyers have vast experience in labour relations matters, acting before arbitrators, arbitration boards, and appearing in related judicial reviews and injunction applications before all levels of court and advising employers in a wide range of industries. We regularly act for employers with respect to grievance arbitration and collective agreement administration. Our lawyers conduct Labour Board hearings including applications for certification and decertification, unfair labour practices, variance, common employer and successorship issues. We assist clients with strikes and lockouts and the legal issues that can arise including picketing, ally and replacement workers.

We also assist our clients in drafting and reviewing employment agreements that cover all aspects of the employment relationship, including compensation and benefits, stock options and other incentive plans, severance provisions, restrictive covenants, intellectual property matters, hours of work, and alternative dispute resolution; as well as drafting Employee Handbooks that provide for various rules and regulations that apply in the workplace.

Taxation: Farris lawyers work together with our clients and their accountants to provide timely, innovative and practical tax advice. Representing a broad range of domestic, international, public and private-sector corporate clients across many industries, we provide guidance in areas of expertise such as mergers & acquisitions, real estate, structuring corporate groups and partnerships, fund formation and executive compensation. Our lawyers also have vast experience in advising on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, cross-border debt and equity offerings, structuring and financing of inbound investments into Canada and outbound investments from Canada, foreign affiliate reorganizations, profit repatriation, intellectual property migration strategies, electronic commerce, transfer pricing and tax treaty issues. For our private clients, we offer advice in owner-manager tax planning, estate and trust planning, private equity and venture capital investments.

If and when audits or disputes with the tax authorities arise, our lawyers have the experience and expertise to support you at every step. Our tax litigators represent clients in all types of CRA audits and disputes, assisting with proposals, voluntary disclosures, objections to CRA findings and appeals.

Recognition:

• 61 Farris partners ranked in Best Lawyers in Canada.
• Farris rated one of Vancouver’s leading corporate and litigation law firms for over a decade by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
• Farris Repeatedly Recognized as One of Canada's Best Law Firms
• 28 Farris partners ranked in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.

Languages: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi and Spanish.

Gascon & Associés, S.E.N.C.R.L is a leading law firm with 4 lawyers recognized by Best Lawyers across 5 practice areas. The firm's tenure with Best Lawyers began in 2006. Having lawyers recognized in Best Lawyers' purely peer review process emphasizes the lawyers credibility and reputation for their practice amongst their peers in their practice area and region. It displays professional validation of the legal talent that Gascon & Associés, S.E.N.C.R.L has on their team. The firm has lawyers recognized in practice areas including: Insurance Law, Product Liability Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Corporate Law.

Gascon & Associés, S.E.N.C.R.L is also ranked by Best Law Firms in 4 practice areas. The Best Law Firms rankings are founded on a time-tested and transparent research process that has remained consistent since Best Lawyers launched it in 2010. Gascon & Associés, S.E.N.C.R.L has 4 rankings in 4 practices. Echoing their Best Lawyers awards and team of top legal talent.

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals around the world, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Brief History

With roots tracing back to 1887, Gowling WLG grew to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Canada, with a reputation for innovation in client-focused service delivery.

Building on its early strength in intellectual property, Gowling WLG diversified to offer a full suite of business law, litigation and intellectual property services in all of Canada’s key industries, including energy, mining, financial services, government, infrastructure, manufacturing, life sciences and technology.

Personal Injury Law Firm in Toronto

At Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, our reputation is built on integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to both our clients and our community. We know that a serious injury can alter your life, so we make it our priority to work closely with you, offering attentive support and honest guidance at every step. Our goal is to help you move forward on your path to recovery and secure the financial compensation you deserve.

Our expertise in medical malpractice, serious personal injury, institutional negligence and product liability litigation has earned us recognition from our peers and the distinction of having many of our lawyers acknowledged by Best Lawyers. We take pride in our reputation for compassion and individualized attention, which has led to hundreds of successful settlements and lasting relationships with our satisfied clients.

We never settle for less when your recovery and future are on the line. Our extensive trial experience sets us apart. Insurance companies know we are always prepared to stand firm in the courtroom. This level of respect is built on years of dedicated, principled advocacy for those we serve.

Navigating complex personal injury cases with skill and compassion is at the heart of what we do. As part of Toronto’s legal community, we maintain the highest standards and deliver attentive, personalized service. Whether you are facing medical negligence or a personal injury case, our goal is to make a meaningful difference in your life and in our community.

Locations across Ontario.

Established by former litigation partners of a national Canadian firm, LCM Attorneys has earned its reputation as one of Montréal’s premier litigation boutiques. Built on strategic insight and uncompromising advocacy, the firm brings together more than 35 accomplished lawyers recognized for their sound judgment, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to client success.

LCM Attorneys represents multinational corporations, financial institutions, professionals, and entrepreneurs in high-stakes and complex disputes. The firm’s practice spans class actions, securities litigation, commercial and shareholders’ disputes, professional liability, construction law, public law, arbitration, and international matters. Combining meticulous preparation with strategic clarity, LCM Attorneys works closely with its clients to navigate sophisticated legal challenges and deliver decisive, results-driven outcomes.

Overview

Rochon Genova  (“RG”) is a Toronto litigation boutique with a dedicated class actions group which has been described as among the “elite class action firms” in Canada (see comment by Mr. Justice Belobaba in Mancinelli v. Barrick Gold Corporation et al., 2014 ONSC 6516; aff’d 2015 ONSC 2717 (Div Ct) and 2016 ONCA 571 where RG was chosen as Class Counsel over other leading securities class actions firms).  RG’s Class Actions group is comprised of seven lawyers practicing class action litigation full time, with a further 8 colleagues who assist on various class actions matters.

Securities Class Actions

Included among the securities class actions in which members of the RG team served as lead or co-lead counsel are: SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (misrepresentations regarding compliance with anti-bribery laws, GAAP/IFRS and related misleading ICFR and DC&P certificates), Barrick Gold Corporation (failure to disclose regulatory and environmental risk in respect of South American gold and silver mine); CIBC (failure to disclose material risk of exposure to sub-prime risk during financial crisis), CI Mutual Funds, AIC Limited (mutual fund market timing); Valeant Pharmaceuticals (misrepresentations in offering documents and continuous disclosure of large Canadian pharmaceutical  company listed on TSX and NYSE); Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. (circular misrepresentation in context of take-over bid); Zungui Haixi Corporation (misrepresentations regarding Chinese manufacturing operations of Ontario issuer in context of RTO); Donnybrook Energy Inc. (circular misrepresentation and oppression in context of oil patch asset spin-off plan of arrangement); Home Capital Group Inc. (misleading disclosure of large sub-prime lender regarding mortgage origination practices); Canadian Solar Inc. (misrepresentations regarding GAAP compliance of financial statements of Canadian manufacturer based in China and listed on NASDAQ); Danier Leather Inc. (misrepresentations in offering documents). In the course of prosecuting these complex securities class actions, members of the RG team have established leading appellate authority regarding the following issues and propositions of law: (i) compliance with continuous disclosure laws are not subject to the business judgment rule (Danier Leather, Supreme Court of Canada); (ii) the jurisdictional reach of OSA Part XXIII.1 (Canadian Solar, Ontario Court of Appeal); (iii) the election in an OSA section 131(1) circular misrepresentation class action (ArcelorMittal, Ontario Court of Appeal); (iv) the meaning of “preferable procedure” in the context of a coincident OSA section 127 regulatory proceeding and a private investor class action (CI Funds, Supreme Court of Canada); (v) the leave standard under OSA section 138.8 (CIBC, Supreme Court of Canada); (vi) the operation of the limitation period under OSA section 138.14 (CIBC, Supreme Court of Canada); and (vii) securities class actions under OSA Part XXIII.1 are brought in the public interest of ensuring compliance with continuous disclosure laws (Stewart, Ontario Court of Appeal; CIBC Ontario Court of Appeal).

Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Devices

RG is active in prosecuting class actions against the manufacturers of various pharmaceutical products and medical devices. RG has been involved in litigation related to Ponderal and Redux (diet drugs associated with pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease), Baycol (cholesterol-lowering agent associated with rhabdomyolysis), Serzone (anti-depressant associated with liver failure), Prepulsid (gastroprokinetic agent associated with heart arrhythmias), Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex (cox-2 inhibiting NSAIDs associated with cardiovascular adverse events), Hydroxycut (natural health product associated with liver failure), Tylenol3 (associated with morphine intoxication in neonates breastfed by mothers taking Tylenol3), Oxycontin (opioid pain reliever associated with addiction), ACTOS and generic versions of pioglitazone (diabetes medication associated with bladder cancer), Abilify (atypical anti-psychotic/adjunctive anti-depressant associated with compulsive behaviour disorders), talcum powder associated with ovarian cancer, various defective pacemakers and defibrillators and their components, various defective hip and knee prostheses as well as transvaginal mesh products from several manufacturers.  In addition, RG is regularly investigating and working up potential new pharmaceutical/medical device cases on an on-going basis. RG distinguishes itself in this field of class action practice through its years of experience, having been involved since the inception of pharmaceutical class action litigation in Ontario.  These cases require not only a mastery of the legal standards and issues involved, but also the ability to identify and retain the necessary expertise in fields as varied as the products and the medical complications they allegedly cause, including regulatory, pharmaceutical, epidemiological, medical, engineering, etc.  As a result, RG has developed a rich network of experts and consultants from which they can draw to best advance these cases.  In addition, RG recognizes the unique experience and trauma of each client involved in these cases and retains a skilled clerical staff to attend to their needs with sensitivity and compassion.

Defective Consumer Products

RG has prosecuted cases related to defective consumer goods, including products manufactured by Carrier (defective high efficiency gas furnaces), Pella (defective aluminium-clad windows and doors),  Dell (defective notebook computers), Maple Leaf Foods (contaminated meat), GM (defective ignition switch and power steering), Toyota (unintended acceleration), Takata (air bags), Navistar (defective MaxxForce truck engines), and Volkswagen (emissions), among others. Competition Class Actions Members of the RG team have extensive experience in prosecuting competition class actions including the Foreign Exchange Benchmark litigation, the LCBO litigation (allocation of market for the distribution of beer in Ontario), the Lithium Ion Batteries litigation, the Gold Price Manipulation litigation and the Silver Price Manipulation litigation. Industrial Accidents RG has prosecuted a number of class actions on behalf of victims of industrial accidents, including the victims of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, and the victims of the Lac Megantic derailment and fire in Quebec.

Personal Injury and Sexual Abuse

RG has established a reputation as a leading plaintiff-side personal injury firm.  RG lawyers have prosecuted claims arising out of: occupier's liability regarding slip-and-fall injuries, as well as sports injuries and other issues, accidents such as auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and accidents involving commercial vehicles and public transportation, serious injuries such as back and spinal injuries, as well as head and brain injuries, chronic pain, catastrophic injuries, psychological damage such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

RG lawyers also prosecute insurance disputes such as disability claims and denial of injury claims, accident benefits and tort claims, as well as wrongful death cases. 

RG has established a national reputation in acting for victims of sexual abuse.