Our Areas of Practice

We mainly defend physicians sued in civil liability. Through their extensive experience in the field, our lawyers have developed an in-depth knowledge of many scientific issues, of the judicious use of experts and of all the legal strategies for professional liability cases.

This field of practice has allowed us to develop a solid reputation as litigators in the legal community and a vast experience before the courts (Superior Court, Court of Appeal, Court of Québec).

When a professional corporation communicates with one of its members concerning an investigation, that person’s professional practice may be in jeopardy. Professionals faced with such a situation naturally feel great anxiety and seek answers to their many questions as well as dependable support.

Thanks to its solid experience in disciplinary law, combined with a thorough knowledge of the professional corporations, our firm stands out as a reference in any investigative process by a professional corporation. We have extensive experience in early intervention in the process initiated by the corporation and know how to act tactfully and firmly. Appeal procedures before the Professions Tribunal or judicial review proceedings before the Superior Court are also part of our services.

We advise and represent professionals in the following contexts, amongst other:

• professional inspection
• syndic’s investigation
• disciplinary complaint
• motion for re-entry on the roll

We defend freedom of speech, either for large media companies or individuals brought to trial for exercising this freedom. We regularly oppose publication bans or act in defense in defamation lawsuits. Moreover, our lawyers are members of the Canadian Media Lawyers Association whose members are Advocates in Defence of Expression in Media (Ad IDEM).

Fortunately, companies may get the insurance coverage required by their activities to minimize their risks. Unfortunately, insurers may make decisions unfavourable to the company at various stages of a claim, even very early on. Moreover, the complexity of insurance portfolios sometimes makes it hazardous for a company to file a notice of loss and a claim.

We have the required expertise in insurance law to help the company manage the immediate consequences of an event that triggers insurance coverage, from the very first contacts with the insurer’s claims adjusters. The purpose of our advice is to help the company deal with its insurer. In the medium and long term, we can also participate in monitoring the indemnification process and, as needed, institute the necessary proceedings to exercise the company’s rights against the insurer.

We have the expertise to cooperate with the insurer and its lawyers when the company’s potential liability exceeds the level of insurance coverage or when the insurance coverage excludes part of the loss.

When a business does not hold insurance protecting it against a situation that triggers its civil liability, our services will help to manage it from the start.

For example, some businesses are not insured for liability arising from allegations of defamation (libel or slander), breach of contract, embezzlement, acts or omissions of their directors and officers, or disloyal activities of their employees. Such claims may represent very significant amounts for the company. As well, government agencies are not usually insured for decisions made in the course of activities covered by their mandate. Our lawyers will develop a strategy with the client with all the attention to details required for this type of case in order to investigate the facts.

Since the enactment of legislation governing access to information and protection of personal information, businesses must monitor the information they hold much more closely. They sometimes face problems on which we can intervene to avoid litigation. The civil and penal consequences of an offence against privacy protection legislation, including the possibility of class actions, justifies paying serious attention to this protection.

Our firm also has the necessary competencies to represent a business in proceedings before the Commission d’accès à l’information and appeal bodies.