Areas of Expertise
At OCDM, we pride ourselves on being a full service northern Ontario law firm with a strong focus on civil litigation. Our team of lawyers and support staff are some of the best and brightest in Northern Ontario and will sit with you and explain exactly where you stand. Our lawyers are known for their commitment, dedication and tenacity. We will assist you regardless of your legal needs.
Jump to: Insurance Defense | Family Law | Labour & Employment | Civil Litigation | Corporate & Commercial | Real Estate | Estate Planning & Succession Law
Insurance Defense
Insurance Defense
Our insurance defence lawyers at OCDM understand the needs of insurer in the defence of litigation claims. The firm has represented various insurers for over thirty years involving motor vehicle claims, property claims, occupiers’ liability claims, subrogated claims as well as the defence of professional negligence claims.
At OCDM we recognize that every case is different and Northern Ontario is different. Cases that are capable of resolution without protracted and expensive proceedings are recognized and handled accordingly. Cases that require aggressive trial preparation and response receive the strategic attention that they deserve.
Whether the final result is the product of negotiation, mediation, arbitration or trial OCDM prides itself on providing cost effective solutions to our insurance clients.
We have acted as trial counsel and have appeared at all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. We regularly attend on examinations for discovery, pre-trial conferences, mediations, arbitrations, trials and appeals.
Family Law
Family Law
Our lawyers have extensive experience in all aspects of family law. Advice and representation is available on issues including custody, access, support, separation, divorce, property division, marriage contracts, separation contracts and other domestic contracts. In this field of law, we make every effort to settle the matters in dispute out of court, however, if settlement is not possible, we offer a full range of litigation services in the various family law oriented courts. In addition, we represent individuals in adoption proceedings, Children's Aid Society matters and paternity disputes. A member of our firm also acts as counsel for children through the Office of the Children's Lawyer.
Labour & Employment
Labour & Employment
Our lawyers have varied experiences in labour and employment law including appearances before the Ontario Labour Relations Board as well as at interest and grievance arbitrations.
We have regularly advised both management and labour in this sensitive area of law. Our advice in the employer/employee field extends to all aspects from collective agreement negotiations to arbitration hearings for the settlement of grievances and other disputes. In addition, we have extensive experience in the area of wrongful dismissal from both the perspective of the employer and the employee and the various statutes which govern the employment relationship.
Civil Litigation
Civil Litigation
Our litigators place great importance on working closely with our clients to achieve the desired results in a manner that is expeditious and cost effective.
We provide a wide range of litigation services. It is the policy of our firm to attempt to protect our clients from litigation. However, should litigation be necessary, we have experience in all Ontario Courts, including the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal. Our expertise and experience extends to the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. Our litigation department is particularly active in motor vehicle and personal injury litigation, insurance, contract disputes, wrongful dismissal disputes, administrative and regulatory matters, labour law, municipal and real property (real estate) litigation.
Corporate & Commercial
Corporate & Commercial
We provide a multitude of services to clients in the corporate and commercial sector. Our clients include large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, government agencies and individuals. Our record of helping new entrepreneurs through the labyrinth of government and finance is exceptional. We provide advice on public and private financing, acquisitions, real estate transactions and contracts. We have successfully developed within the firm the expertise that comes with experience to handle difficult financing packages and commercial transactions. Our clients extend across Canada and abroad.
Real Estate
Real Estate
The firm handles client's complete real estate needs, including purchase and sale of homes or businesses, mortgage work, land development, subdivisions, condominiums, rezoning and tenancies. We have many years of experience in real estate, ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated and complex transactions.
Estate Planning & Succession Law
Estate Planning & Succession Law
We provide clients advice and assistance in preparing for their future.
The discussion surrounding the drafting of a will and the preparation of a last will and testament is one of the most important services required by our clients. Estate planning and administration is an integral part of our legal service. The importance of the continuing Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care cannot be overlooked or underestimated.
We also offer a full range of services when dealing with the estates of deceased persons. We assist beneficiaries in the proper administration of an estate. We will determine whether or not Court applications are necessary. We will assist and provide direction and advice in the settlement of an estate including payment of debts, property transfers, life insurance payments, transfers of funds including RRSPs, bank accounts, obtaining the assistance of and consultations with an accountant or any other professional if and when required to ensure the proper administration of an estate.
