Toronto litigation boutique Ross Nasseri is one of the newest arrivals to the Bay Street legal community and since its formation has been nothing short of a market disrupter; the firm has generated a steady stream of peer recognition and has clients turning out in full throat to voice their appreciation for its services. “Ross Nasseri is really coming up a lot,” confirms a peer. “They are opposite us right now, and they are a firm that clients are really coming to now for some of the highest-stakes disputes.” Clients are equally effusive; one testifies, “Ross Nasseri provides sophisticated representation in complex litigation matters that rivals that of the large full-service firms, and they can do it in a much more entrepreneurial and tailored way.” Another raves, “The team at Ross Nasseri is smart, strategic and highly skilled. They identify key issues and address them proactively, while managing client expectations. They keep client objectives at the forefront of everything they do. They treat their lawyer services very seriously. They don't overcharge, and they don't do ‘make-work’ projects. They are easy to communicate with, efficient and results oriented in their work. Best litigators in Toronto.”
The firm is not only young as an entity; its individual partners are also noted for their youthful dynamism.
Justin Nasseri is identified by a client as “a leader at the firm, [who provides] high-quality client management and great instincts in the court room. He is a natural barrister.” Another declares, “Justin is incredibly well-connected and business savvy. He has built a very impressive firm and practice for his seniority. He is well respected and attracting top talent. He has tremendous respect in the Ontario bar and among judges.” In one of his portfolio of cases, Nasseri acts for the franchisor of Paramount Fine Foods, which operates Middle Eastern restaurants throughout Ontario, in a franchise dispute that found him scoring a dismissal against his client on the plaintiffs’ appeal. Fellow name partner
Mark Ross is also touted by a client as “someone who has a strong combination of litigation/advocacy skills and common sense. His approach to disputes does not focus just on the immediate matter in dispute but on real-world, practical solutions for his clients.” Beyond the two name partners, others are generating their own loyal followings. “I’m seeing
Avi Bourassa a lot, and he’s really good,” confirms a peer. A former collaborator concurs: “Avi Bourassa is an exceptional young lawyer. We were co-counsel on a complex and acrimonious shareholder and family law dispute involving real estate assets worth approximately $100 million. Avi is skilled at managing difficult personalities in charged circumstances. He devotes himself to his client's case with all his energy, and he is relentlessly strategic.”
Jacqueline Cole, whose clients include Mercedes-Benz, is cheered by a client as “very knowledgeable and [dispenses] excellent advice. I would trust her with any legal matter in litigation. She is diligent, responsive, strategic and analytical.”
Eric Block, who joined the firm last year and is said to be “raising the stakes on that Ross Nasseri’s presence in class actions,” is addressed by a client as “extremely talented, knowledgeable and strategic. He knows the law and the courts intimately and is a pleasure to work with. He is a leader in the legal and broader community.” A client extols
Erin Pleet as “an exceptionally thorough lawyer, who considers everything and every possible impact each decision could have throughout the case. She is a very creative strategic thinker and approaches unique challenges in cases with an innovative and result-oriented attitude.” Peers are equally enthusiastic; one states, “What I like about her in particular is she’s very practical and very civil. When you talk about the ‘Bay Street lawyer, that’s what you want – someone you can pick up the phone and contact without it devolving into a letter-writing campaign.” Eric Brousseau also receives vibrant client praise: “Eric is very knowledgeable and highly experienced in the courtroom – even though he's still early in his career. His attention to detail and thoughtful strategic analysis is what always makes me comfortable sending work his way.”
