Chris J.
Matthews
Partner
A well-respected commercial litigator, Chris brings success to his clients through clear-sighted analysis, sound judgment, and a calm and unflappable demeanour. Chris has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases, most recently in the natural resources and education fields. Clients can trust that Chris will be responsive and that he will deliver the best possible outcome.
Chris is a partner with the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group and is also a qualified arbitrator. He handles a broad range of disputes, including securities, product liability, forestry regulation, auditing and accounting, information technology, and matters involving issues of confidentiality and fiduciary duty.
He has extensive experience in prosecuting and defending injunction proceedings and judicial review applications, constitutional and aboriginal matters, and has defended clients involved in class action proceedings, including claims in the travel, accounting, mining, forestry and securities industries.
Chris has expertise in mediation and arbitration, both as counsel and acting as a mediator or arbitrator. In addition, he advises several non-profit organizations and educational institutions with respect to governance and risk management.
Chris is a Past President of the Toronto Lawyers Association and is currently the Chair of the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario.
Professional Involvement
Professional Activities
- Past President, Toronto Lawyers Association
Memberships
- Toronto Lawyers' Association
- The Advocates' Society
- Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society
Community Involvement
- Board Chair, Conference of Independent Schools (Ontario)
- Director and Chair of Governance, Trinity College School Foundation
"Legal Issues in Schools, Including Immunizations, Consent for Medical Procedures and Access to Health Records," Annual General Meeting of The Conference of Independent Schools Health Services, May 10, 2019.
"Prosecuting Insider Trading," Aird & Berlis LLP Webinar, January 2016.
"Municipalities Obligations to Consult First Nations," AMO Conference, August 2014.
"Federal and Provincial Co-ordination," Forum on Aboriginal Law Consultation and Accommodation, February 2013.
"Avoiding Infringement," Gaining Regulatory and Social License to Operate Mineral Resource Projects, September 2012.
"Keewatin v. Minister of Natural Resources: Analyzing the Potential Far Reaching Impacts” at the Forum on Aboriginal Law, Consultation and Accommodation, February 2012.
“Administrative Law and Intellectual Property Law” at the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, October 2008.
“Using Experts in Mediation and Arbitration” at the ADR Institute of Canada Conference, September 2007.
Has presented lectures and written materials on litigation issues for the Toronto Lawyers Association, the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Institute, and Insight, as well as governance and risk management seminars and lectures to non-profit boards.
"Are Board Minutes Confidential" National Post (Financial Post), November 2010.
Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, 2010 Digital Guide - Executive View Media Limited.
"Confidentiality of Board Minutes," Corporate Governance, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2009.