DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Litigation: Product Liability

3 ranked lawyers

Band 2

Nationwide - Canada

Canada 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

Chambers Research is conducted by 200 Research Analysts, across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually we collect hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Learn more about our methodology.

What the team is known for

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt represents a number of industry players in the tobacco and life sciences industries in product liability litigation as well as advising on product design issues. The Toronto and Calgary-based team guides clients through the full life-cycle of products, from development, marketing and sale of new products to product recall and contentious disputes. The firm's other areas of focus include medical device cases, automotive, electrical and consumer products as well as food and beverages.

Strengths

One client praised the firm for being "very solution-oriented and business-minded." further highlighting that "their presence across Canada is strong as is their litigation knowledge and strategic advice."

Market sources also highlight that"Osler's depth and breadth of expertise is what stands out."

Work highlights

A team led by Craig Lockwood Represented L'Oréal USA, L'Oréal Canada and Maybelline in a proposed British Columbia-based class action on behalf of customers alleging inability to access the full cosmetic product in a certain container.

Notable practitioners

Toronto-based Craig Lockwood is notably involved in cases in the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries.
"Craig Lockwood has immense experience that is incredibly valuable and that serves him very well."

Toronto-based Deborah Glendinning has a wealth of experience in resolving complex product liability class actions, notably in the tobacco industry.
"Deborah Glendinning has an excellent presence in court and is able to organise and marshal large teams to get work done."

Sonia Bjorkquist has a wide disputes practice based in Toronto, particularly with regard to product liability litigation. Her clients include manufacturers and medical device companies.

Department Information

This content is provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Overview

Osler has extensive experience advising on all aspects of product liability issues including working with product manufacturers to establish preventative measures that keep clients out of court. The team helps design warnings or instructions that are effective in reducing the risk of future liability and craft warranty and liability limitations to protect clients from claims arising out of or relating to the use of their products. Osler also advises clients during the design phase of new product development to minimize the potential for future claims and to establish a record of appropriate consideration of the risks. Osler assists clients with preparing recall plans and managing their reputational risk associated with the products to assist in the defence of any lawsuits that do arise.