Kate
Findlay

Partner
Call to Bar:

Admitted to the Ontario Bar: 2009

FINDLAY_Kate-26011-web

Kate is a skilled litigator, problem solver and strategic advisor who is passionate about developing and executing litigation plans centred around her clients’ business objectives. A naturally curious and effective collaborator, Kate’s ability to distill complex situations down to actionable terms stems from developing a foundational understanding of her clients’ core business and her nuanced understanding of the law. Kate is best known for providing outstanding service and trusted, pragmatic advice to clients facing critical legal and business issues.

Kate is Co-Leader of the Class Actions Group and Communications & Media Group, and a member of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. Her commercial litigation practice includes corporate, securities, competition, banking, insurance defence, telecommunications, professional liability and privacy disputes. Kate has acted as lead counsel before all levels of court in Ontario and has represented clients before courts in Alberta and British Columbia, numerous administrative boards, tribunals and the Supreme Court of Canada. She has significant class action defence and arbitration experience representing both domestic and multinational clients.

Kate’s product liability practice includes the defence of class proceedings and individual actions on behalf of clients in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. She also provides regulatory advice to businesses involved in the manufacturing, importation, supply and sale of food and consumer products, including in matters of regulatory compliance, product claims, labelling, ESG risk and best practices, product recalls and risk management.

Memberships

  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Member-at-Large, Civil Litigation Section, Ontario Bar Association
  • The Advocates’ Society

Teaching Engagements

  • Former Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University, Faculty of Law – Trial Advocacy

Co-Author, "Developments in Class Action Law: Highlights From Q4 2025," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, January 30, 2026.

Co-Author, "Proposed Revisions to Greenwashing Rules Reduce Uncertainty and Risks to Businesses," Aird & Berlis LLP, Energy Insider, December 19, 2025.

Co-Author, "Class Actions: Top Ontario and Federal Cases in Q3 2025," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, October 23, 2025.

Co-Author, "Coming in Hot: ESG Class Proceedings in Canada," LexisNexis, Class Actions Defence Quarterly, September 2025.

Co-Author, "Canadian Courts Tighten Class Action Rules in Critical Q2 2025 Decisions," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, July 24, 2025.

Co-Author, "Key Updates Released by Competition Bureau Regarding Greenwashing and the New Private Litigant Regime," Energy Insider, July 7, 2025. 

Co-Author, "A Guide to Commercial Patriotism: Understanding ‘Made in Canada’ and Similar Labels," Aird & Berlis LLP, May 6, 2025.

Co-Author, "Developments in Class Action Law: Highlights From Q1 2025," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, May 1, 2025.

Author, "Landmark Decisions Reshape Canadian Class Actions Landscape," Lexpert, March 12, 2025.

Co-Author, "Jurisdictional Decisions Shape Class Actions in Q4 2024," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, January 30, 2025.

Author, "Competition Bureau Releases Proposed Greenwashing Guidelines and Opens Consultation With Stakeholders," Aird & Berlis LLP, Energy Insider, January 20, 2025.

Author, "Amendments to Competition Act Increase Consequences for Greenwashing," Aird & Berlis LLP, Energy Insider, July 2, 2024.

Co-Author, "Top Class Action Decisions of Q1 2024," Aird & Berlis LLP, Class Actions Quarterly, April 4, 2024.

Author, "B.C. Cost Recovery Legislation Has Significant Implications for Product and Service Providers," Aird & Berlis LLP, March 20, 2024.

Co-Author, "Key Takeaways From 2023 Appellate Decisions," Aird & Berlis LLP, Litigation Bulletin, March 1, 2024.