Matthew G. Smith Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On

Responsible for representing a diversity of external clients across a wide range of industries, and aiding these clients in navigating their commercial disputes. Clients range from Canada’s largest banks and insurers, to individuals and local businesses in the Toronto community. Primarily representing clients with small to mid-size commercial claims in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Small Claims Court, or the Court of Appeal for Ontario, while supporting partnership with larger litigation files before these courts. Continuing to gain experience and exposure to mediations, arbitrations, and examinations for discovery. Atypical appellate experience, given level of seniority, in terms of preparing materials and submissions for the Ontario Court of Appeal . While acting in a broad range of cases, primary experience lies in breach of contract, fraud, defamation, and misrepresentation cases. During COVID-19, responsible for innovating new ways-of-working and assisting with the transition of established litigators to remote proceedings. Implements a collaborative approach (with both colleagues and clients) to litigation proceedings, which extends to resolving the underlying commercial dispute, until zealous advocacy becomes necessary. Continuing to develop skills, best practices, and a personal style, and cementing a particular affinity for client development/management, legal research, as well as drafting facta, pleadings, and affidavits.

Toronto, On

Responsible for serving the needs of internal and external clients across all litigation practice groups at the firm’s Toronto and Vaughan offices. Focused on the civil and commercial litigation practice groups, but with additional experience in the construction, labour and employment, health, environment, and administrative law practice groups. Represented a number of clients directly in the GTA’s Small Claims Courts, including advocating for those clients’ interests at enforcement proceedings, judgment debtor examinations, and contested motions. Gained experience and exposure to mediations, arbitrations, and examinations for discovery. Appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for motions, where appearance rights permitted. Supported the principal lawyers in large litigation files at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and at venues for alternative dispute resolution. Developed skills and best practices, and a particular affinity for client development/management, legal research, as well as drafting facta, pleadings, and affidavits.

Toronto, On

Responsible for serving the needs of internal and external clients across all practice groups at the firm’s Toronto and Vaughan offices. Supported vendors’ counsel in a number of acquisitions of mid-size organizations in Ontario. Represented a number of clients directly in the GTA’s Small Claims Courts. Supported the principal lawyers in large litigation files at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and at venues for alternative dispute resolution. Developed skills and best practices, and a particular affinity for legal research.

Toronto, On

Responsible for the development and delivery of a legal curriculum for high school seniors interested in law. Students engaged with a different area of law in each week of the program: Criminal Law, Law & Politics, International Law, Corporate Law, Trial Advocacy, and Entertainment & Sports Law.Other responsibilities included the delivery of interactive workshops, and facilitation of group discussions. I also coordinated mock trial, parliamentary debate, and client-consultation exercises, while frequently hosting guest speakers, and supervising field trips.

Hamilton, On

Responsible for completing assignments and clerical tasks within several different departments of the firm. Tasks included the drafting of affidavits, client-reporting letters, and documentation summaries. Other assignments included the transcription of audio files, the drafting of maintenance easements, and general research for lawyers' reference. Finally, legal research was conducted at the Hamilton Law Library. Gained experience in Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate areas of law.

Kingston, On

Responsible for the health and safety of YMCA patrons. Taught swimming lessons to swimmers of diverse ages and abilities, including adults. Further, administrative roles and responsible for the supervision and assistance of fellow lifeguards and instructors.

Hamilton, On

Responsible for the health and safety of waterpark patrons while lifeguarding one of Canada's largest wavepools. Additionally responsible for the supervision and training of lifeguards. Designed and implemented own training sessions with staff. Required mental and physical discipline; the ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios was necessary, as first-aid and rescue situations occured frequently. Recognized in the summer of 2014 with the Lifeguard of the Year award.

Hamilton, On

The position entailed the running of day-to-day activities of sports camp. Special responsibilities as the Coordinator of Aquatic Games and Soccer, and as a Duty Group Leader, such as planning and executing activities. Required responsible supervision of children and co-coaches in programing.

Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law

Activities and Societies: LPC, UTFLR, JILIR, LAWS, PMP, UTPLS, Intramurals Co-Chair of the Law & Politics Club (LPC) 2016-2017; Associate.

Bachelor Of Arts (Honours), Political Studies Major, History Minor

Activities and Societies: Arts & Science Orientation Week, Special Olympics Honours Thesis on the Law & Politics of Outer Space: "Order.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

Activities and Societies: WAC, Varsity Athletics, WSS Graduation with Honours & Suma Cum Laude; Westdale Athletic Council (WAC) President.