Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 403 298 3649Chambers Review
Bennett Jones is a regular feature of class action litigation in Canada, possessing long-standing experience acting for players in the pharmaceutical, medical device and automotive sectors, with added capabilities in competition, product liability and securities matters. The firm also ably handles insurance, consumer, employment and professional liability disputes. The litigation group is often called upon to handle multi-jurisdictional and cross-border cases, as well as proceedings involving national classes.
Work Highlights
- Bennett Jones LLP acted for Travelers Insurance Company of Canada as defendant in a common issues trial of business interruption insurance claims, brought on behalf of a putative nationwide (excepting Québec) class of business owners impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Bennett Jones possesses organisational expertise in conducting class action litigation and displays sound judgement and advice with comprehensive strategic thinking."
"Bennett Jones are very good at explaining Canadian law and the differences with US law. They give practical advice and really take the business into account."
"The team has deftly navigated a complex certification process with multiple defendants. It's highly responsive and reports proactively on everything, from case developments to administrative items."
"Bennett Jones possesses organisational expertise in conducting class action litigation and displays sound judgement and advice with comprehensive strategic thinking."
"Bennett Jones are very good at explaining Canadian law and the differences with US law. They give practical advice and really take the business into account."
"The team has deftly navigated a complex certification process with multiple defendants. It's highly responsive and reports proactively on everything, from case developments to administrative items."
Notable Practitioners
Jeffrey Leon is highlighted for his long-standing experience, which covers both class action and single-plaintiff disputes. A seasoned litigator, he has experience handling a range of commercial, securities and product liability cases.
"He has been a leader of the Bar for a number of years."
Cheryl Woodin co-chairs the department from the firm's Toronto office. Her core practice is focused on national class actions, most notably in the automotive sector, with significant expertise in product liability and competition-related cases.
"Cheryl is a pleasure to work with and is a wonderful team leader."
"She is a very experienced litigator with excellent court presence."
"Ms Woodin is highly regarded as an authority in her field. Her methods and execution are consistently meticulous and her understanding of legal principles and their application is unparalleled."
Toronto-based Michael Eizenga co-chairs the firm's class action practice and is regarded as a top choice of counsel in the space. His practice encompasses competition, product liability and privacy-related actions, including a number of the jurisdiction's most high-profile cases.
"Mike is truly amazing to work with - a leader in class action defence who is responsive and smart."
"Mike is an excellent strategist and advocate."
"Mike's experience and insight is second to none."
Toronto-based Emrys Davis continues to build an impressive reputation for his work in the class action space. Sources highlight his involvement in competition disputes, acting for major names in the banking, pharmaceutical and aviation sectors.
"I really like working with Emrys. He's smart, practical, easy to work with and client-focused."
Ilan Ishai excels at representing automotive clients in major class action mandates. Operating out of Toronto, he has demonstrated capabilities in claims involving product liability and anti-competitive conduct.
"Ilan is a calm and measured advocate with excellent technical knowledge."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bennett Jones LLP
Nationwide - Canada