About

Provided by Torys LLP

Torys is recognized as having one of the leading financial institution regulatory practices in Canada. We regularly advise life and property & casualty insurers and reinsurers on insurance regulatory matters involving local and federal regulators and are engaged from the ground up on new product development and distribution strategies.

We are frequently involved in applications for ministerial and superintendent approvals submitted through OSFI. Whether the application is in respect of a change in control, a substantial investment, a federal continuance and/or merger, unregistered related party reinsurance or another type of application, our lawyers have developed invaluable relationships with members of OSFI at all levels.

Torys is primary regulatory counsel to three of Canada's largest insurance companies; we also represent retail and institutional insurance advisers and firms in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings before financial services and insurance regulators.

We have experience in the issues that are often part of today's insurance disputes, acting as primary corporate and/or litigation counsel to the largest insurers in Canada.

We apply our outstanding trial and appellate litigation experience towards complex and high-profile insurance disputes, appearing before all levels of courts, arbitration panels and regulatory bodies. We advise insurers and insureds on a wide range of insurance, reinsurance and business litigation and arbitration matters.


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory - Nationwide - Canada

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Torys stands out for its deep experience of insurance regulatory law, both federal and provincial, frequently advising on regulatory investigations, registration proceedings, compliance and governance matters. The Toronto-based insurance team is equally adept at advising on major M&A and securities transactions, as well as issues relating to digital insurance platforms. Its lawyers act on behalf of insurers in coverage disputes and professional liability matters. The firm has a particularly strong reputation in the life insurance sector and also acts for other large insurers and financial services companies.

Work Highlights

  • Torys represented Vienna Insurance Group in a claim against Infrassure for breach of contract and breach of obligations under a retrocession agreement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Blair W Keefe
1
Blair W Keefe
Head of Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
1
Band 1
Toronto-based Blair Keefe is a highly acclaimed lawyer in the insurance market, as well as a strong feature of the wider Canadian financial services sector. His broad experience encompasses a wide range of mandates from regulatory investigations to securities offerings and M&A.

I am always confident in the advice provided by Blair. His knowledge is unparalleled and his advice is sage.

Blair is an expert in his field.

Blair Keefe is smart, approachable and focused on results.

Jill McCutcheon
1
Jill McCutcheon
Head of Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
1
Band 1
Well regarded for her regulatory expertise, Toronto lawyer Jill McCutcheon provides a range of services to an array of industry-leading insurers, from compliance advice to digital product launch and disputes guidance.

She is an expert in her field.

Jill is an absolute expert, incredibly responsive and brings a practical, common sense and business-minded approach to her practice.

Jill is a great adviser, extremely responsive and knowledgeable. She is respected by third parties.

We consider Jill as one of the best in this field in Canada.

Eli Monas
3
Eli Monas
3
Band 3

Eli Monas is a partner based in Torys' Toronto office with a growing reputation for his expertise in the insurance sector. He notably assists with regulatory insurance and reinsure matters.

Eli provides exceptional service.

He is always approachable, very solutions-minded and practical. He simplifies what is a very dense and challenging topic.

Eli Monas understands our business, structure and challenges faced. He is attentive in identifying and solving problems.

Kelly Morris
3
Kelly Morris
3
Band 3

Kelly Morris, based in Toronto, advises clients on transactional and regulatory insurance matters. She notably assists domestic and foreign insurers, amongst other clients.

3
Melissa Prado
3
Band 3

Melissa is a partner based in Toronto. She has expertise in transactional, regulatory and corporate insurance matters.

Melissa is extremely responsive, resourceful and knowledgeable. She has an excellent understanding of regulatory and administrative requirements, reaching out to give proactive advice.

Melissa Prado is an excellent lawyer who made sure we did what was needed.

David Outerbridge
4
David Outerbridge
4
Band 4
David Outerbridge plays a key role representing clients in major life insurance class action proceedings. He also acts in coverage disputes, reinsurance disputes and professional liability insurance.

David approaches each question in a strategic, practical manner. His ability to translate the most complex law into simple, persuasive arguments is remarkable.

Ranked Lawyers at
Torys LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Insurance: Dispute Resolution

David Outerbridge
4
David Outerbridge
4
Band 4
Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory

Blair W Keefe
1
Blair W Keefe
Head of Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
1
Band 1
Jill McCutcheon
1
Jill McCutcheon
Head of Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
1
Band 1
Eli Monas
3
Eli Monas
3
Band 3
Kelly Morris
3
Kelly Morris
3
Band 3
3
Melissa Prado
3
Band 3