Mediation & Arbitration
Overview
While disputes are an inevitable part of doing business and everyday life, there are various alternate methods for resolving them without resorting to litigation depending on the circumstances. Many parties prefer, or are contractually obligated, to resolve their dispute with the assistance of a private neutral through mediation or arbitration, collectively known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a more expeditious and cost-effective means to advance their goals.
At Torkin Manes, we not only represent our clients in ADR proceedings, but also have a roster of distinguished qualified neutrals who are frequently sought out by litigants and their counsel to assist in bringing their dispute to a conclusion, via settlement or private adjudication. Areas of law in which we have active neutrals include family law, general commercial litigation, professional liability, commercial real estate, leasing and trusts and estates.
Parties who mediate their disputes can rely on our experienced mediators, who excel in facilitating negotiations to meet parties’ needs quickly at lower costs than court proceedings. When arbitration is required, parties can feel confident that our arbitrators govern a judicious and impartial process that yields a balanced outcome in a timely manner.
Over the years, our mediators and arbitrators have been commended for their knowledge of the subject matter, their steadfast impartiality and reliability, and their commitment to achieving objective resolutions. Each member of our team has a proven track record and has been recognized as a leader in their respective area of expertise.
Meet Our Neutrals
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Commercial Real Estate
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Having practised for more than 50 years as a solicitor in commercial real estate and leasing transactions, Sidney is one of only a few arbitrators or mediators in Ontario with hands on transactional real estate experience. He is a distinguished and trusted neutral with extensive experience as a mediator and arbitrator of real estate and commercial leasing disputes, including failed closings, forfeiture of deposit disputes, interpretation and breaches of real estate contracts and commercial and industrial leases, cost sharing agreements, condominium shared facilities agreements, valuations of property, determining fair market renewal rents, common area cost disputes, ground lease valuations. Regarded as a real estate problem solver, troubleshooter, litigation strategist, and noted expert on subdivision control, he brings this very specialized knowledge and perspective to every proceeding he conducts. To book a mediation or an arbitration with Sidney, please contact him at stroister@torkinmanes.com.
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Family Law
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An established Harvard-trained mediator, Daniel has been conducting family law mediations that include matters of property, spousal and child support, high net worth, high conflict and multi-jurisdictional matters, as well as all child-related issues. As a mediator and arbitrator, Daniel’s warm, even-tempered and trustworthy demeanour, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the law, has assisted family law lawyers and their clients to resolve matters in a sensible, efficient and private manner. To book a mediation or an arbitration with Daniel, please contact him at dmelamed@torkin.com.
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Laurie’s ADR practice includes all manner of family law, including high income disputes, significant property issues and parenting issues. She is adept at assessing and resolving high conflict matters. Parties benefit from her ability to understand the parties’ priorities and recognize the barriers which stand in the way of an agreement. In mediations, she is an empathetic and innovative problem solver. As one of the founders of the Minerva Group, an association of senior family lawyers who developed best practices for mediations and arbitrations, she employs its foundational principles. To book a mediation or an arbitration with Laurie, please contact her at lpawlitza@torkin.com.
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An established Harvard-trained neutral, Lorne is accredited as a family mediator and arbitrator by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and is a former Dispute Resolution Officer of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Recognized for his extensive expertise, sound judgment, even-temperament and impartiality, Lorne’s mediation/arbitration practice encompasses all manner of family law, including divorce, custody and access, property, support, and domestic contracts. He is a well-known educator of family law arbitration and mediation courses and has authored numerous texts on dispute resolution. As a testament to his outstanding contributions to the profession, Lorne was honoured with the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in Family Law. To book a mediation or an arbitration with Lorne, please contact him at lwolfson@torkin.com.
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General Commercial Litigation
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An established Harvard-trained mediator, Valerie’s mediation practice covers the areas of commercial contract lawsuits, shareholder claims under the OBCA, real property disputes, wills and estates litigation, professional negligence claims involving real estate agents, appraisers, accountants or lawyers, and franchise litigation. Valerie approaches mediation with the overriding goal of achieving a resolution before the end of the day, employing a combination of good judgment, patience, creativity and tenacity. For more information about Valerie’s mediation practice, please visit her website. To book a mediation with Valerie, please contact Lisa Bleiwas at 416 863 1188, x206, or lbleiwas@torkinmanes.com.
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Partner and Chair, Cannabis and Franchise Law GroupsMatt Maurer
Having received his accreditation from Harvard, Matt’s practice as a neutral encompasses general commercial litigation, including contract disputes, torts, and statutory claims (such as shareholder disputes and oppression remedy cases), as well as cannabis and franchise related disputes. Even-tempered and empathetic, Matt employs a practical and collaborative approaches, always exercising sound judgment, discretion and the highest ethical standards. To book a mediation with Matt, please contact him at mmaurer@torkin.com.
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Trusts & Estates
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An established neutral, Craig’s mediation/arbitration practice encompasses all trusts and Estates in respect all matters before and after a death, including disputes involving powers of attorney for property and/or personal care, guardianship, capacity, undue influence, estate or trust claims, breaches of trust, the validity or interpretation of wills, claims against an estate including dependant support claims, equalization claims, simple and complex trust administrations, simple and complex estate administrations, passing of accounts, the appointment or removal of estate trustees, trustees or guardians, and disputes involving minors and/or the incapable. A Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law (by the Law Society of Ontario), Craig brings a wealth of knowledge, coupled with a pragmatic yet compassionate approach to each of the proceedings he leads. To book a mediation or an arbitration with Craig, please contact him at cvanderzee@torkin.com.
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