Passion. Ambition. Results.

As lead counsel in one of the first class actions brought in Ontario, Mirilyn’s expertise and experience uniquely position her at the top of her field. Following her graduation from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, Mirilyn began work at a large Bay Street firm, where she remained as a partner for over 25 years. Mirilyn was the Chair of the Ontario Class Action Bench-Bar Liaison Committee in 2022, working with class action judges and lawyers on issues related to Ontario class action practice and procedure.

Mirilyn’s experience in class actions includes claims involving pharmaceuticals, insurance coverage, explosions, property damage, product liability, environmental contamination, investment advice, medical treatment, auto insurance, a water shortage in Cuba, and financial services advice.

While a class action lawsuit can be disastrous for a defendant, not only in terms of time and money, but also in terms of reputation, Mirilyn is skilled at minimizing the disruption by guiding the case through all phases of the dispute. She does not employ huge teams of lawyers, but prefers to handle her files in an efficient and cost effective manner. Her goal is to move the matter to resolution as quickly and successfully as possible. The result is that her clients have been let out of proposed class actions either before the certification hearing and/or without ever having to participate in a trial. Mirilyn’s extensive experience in reaching class wide settlements protects her clients from future claims, unwieldy costs, and the loss of reputation that often follows a public trial.

In many cases, Plaintiffs will commence litigation in several jurisdictions. Because Mirilyn has significant experience litigating class actions in Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, her clients do not need to hire separate counsel to represent them in each Province. Having one lawyer capable of appearing in those jurisdictions is more cost effective than bringing on several senior litigators to appear in each jurisdiction. Mirilyn also has experience in Federal Court and various provincial Courts of Appeal. She has been involved in several Leave applications to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In addition to her class action practice, Mirilyn acts for both commercial and insurance clients in various types of claims including professional liability, commercial litigation, contract disputes, and coverage matters.