Background
I practiced civil litigation for over twenty years before commencing my own practice as an arbitrator and mediator.
During that time I appeared in all levels of Court in Nova Scotia and Ontario. I acted for both plaintiffs and defendants over the years, but with a primary focus on insurance defence work. I developed a particular expertise in matters of contractual interpretation, including insurance coverage issues, issues of good/bad faith, and other matters involving disputes between insurers and insureds.
I also published a number of articles in legal publications and made numerous presentations for the Canadian Bar Association and the Continuing Legal Education Society. My paper on the claim for lost housekeeping damages was cited by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal in Leddicote v. Nova Scotia (Attorney General) 2002 NSCA 47 at para.50; and my paper on party and party costs was cited by the Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Little (Litigation Guardian of) v. Chignecto Central Regional School Board 2004 NSSC 265 at para.11.
I have served as an Adjudicator in the Nova Scotia Small Claims Court since 2001. In that capacity I have adjudicated claims involving a large number of issues, including structural and property damage claims; insurance coverage issues arising out of disability, property and warranty claims; real estate transactions; residential and commercial tenancies; and the assessment and taxation of solicitorМs accounts. A number of these decisions have been reported.
Finally, I have conducted a large number of arbitrations and mediations and it was my growing involvement in these two areas that led me to open my own practice devoted to them.
I have recently formed adr private court as a means to bring alternative dispute resolution services to the general public. adr private court is a quick, cost-effective and confidential alternative to the public legal system.
What I Can Provide by Way of Legal and Coverage Opinions …
You may require an opinion on a question of insurance coverage, the duty to defend or other issues relating to the interpretation and application of insurance policies. I have much experience in this field, having acted for insurers (and published articles on such matters) for many years, and can provide you with an informed and detailed opinion.
I will not take the file in the event that litigation ensues. You can accordingly be assured that my opinion will be disinterested and objective.
You may also need a sober and objective second opinion on any aspect of the law or litigation. My extensive background in all areas of civil litigation, as well as my academic bent, enables me to provide you with such opinions quickly.
What I Can Bring to the Mediation Process …
I bring the experience of having participated in mediations as counsel for one of the parties as well as being a mediator myself. I also have a detailed knowledge of the law and the practical issues involved in litigation. I believe that knowledge and experience can help parties move beyond the issues that sometimes get in the way of settlement.
What I Can Bring to the Arbitration Process …
My experience as an Adjudicator as well as a civil litigator enables me to focus on the relevant issues. I am used to producing written decisions quickly, generally within two weeks of the last hearing or written submission.