About

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler’s Class Actions Defence Practice Group has successfully defended clients in many of the leading and complex class action cases in Canada. They specialize in developing multi-faceted national class action defence strategies and, when necessary, coordinating with U.S. counsel to supplement and execute a cohesive, solution-focused North American defence strategy. Osler also has an excellent track record in opposing and defeating class certification and winning early dismissals in every major jurisdiction in Canada.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) - Nationwide - Canada

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt maintains a skilled dispute resolution group, commended for the breadth and depth of its class action practice, including support on high-value cases involving product liability, securities, consumer protection and competition disputes. The team handles complex litigation for a range of high-profile clients in the financial services, pharmaceutical and tobacco industries. The firm derives significant strength from its Ontario operations, coupled with notable class actions experience from its respected offices in Québec and Alberta.

Work Highlights

  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP continue to defend 23andMe in class actions arising from a significant data breach in October 2023.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Deborah A Glendinning
3
Deborah A Glendinning
3
Band 3
Deborah Glendinning is an accomplished Toronto-based litigator with experience appearing in high-profile class actions including those in the tobacco and pharmaceutical sectors.

Deborah Glendinning is an outstanding lawyer.

Laura Fric
3
Laura Fric
3
Band 3
Laura Fric is regularly instructed to defend companies in consumer and securities class actions, with particular experience acting on behalf of pharmaceutical companies and distributors. She is based in Toronto.
Sonia Bjorkquist
3
Sonia Bjorkquist
3
Band 3

Sonia Bjorkquist has notable experience representing clients from an array of major industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and tobacco, in high-profile product liability class actions, with further experience advising on price-fixing disputes. She chairs the firm's national disputes department from her Toronto base.

Sonia is a great person and very skilled.

Sonja Bjorkquist is always meticulously prepared. She brings a thorough mastery of all aspects of her case to bear on her advocacy.

Christopher Naudie
4
Christopher Naudie
4
Band 4
Christopher Naudie is frequently instructed on complex competition class actions. He operates out of Toronto, and his client list includes major financial institutions and shipping companies.
Éric Préfontaine
4
Éric Préfontaine
4
Band 4

Montréal-based Éric Préfontaine is highlighted for his expertise in defending product liability and securities class actions. He is also adept at handling privacy and opioid-related disputes.

Eric is a great thought partner.

Robert Carson
5
Robert Carson
5
Band 5
Robert Carson is based in Toronto and is noted for his proficiency in handling class action disputes. He is adept at advising on privacy, securities and life sciences cases.

Robert Carson is very strong and an excellent drafter.

I can't speak highly enough of Rob. He is a key strategic partner, cuts through the noise and offers real world practical advice.

U
Adam Hirsh
U
Up and Coming

Rising figure at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office, Adam Hirsh has a growing practice advising on high-level litigation matters including competition class actions.

Ranked Lawyers at
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)

Deborah A Glendinning
3
Deborah A Glendinning
3
Band 3
Laura Fric
3
Laura Fric
3
Band 3
Sonia Bjorkquist
3
Sonia Bjorkquist
3
Band 3
Christopher Naudie
4
Christopher Naudie
4
Band 4
Éric Préfontaine
4
Éric Préfontaine
4
Band 4
Robert Carson
5
Robert Carson
5
Band 5
U
Adam Hirsh
U
Up and Coming