Toronto boutique Addario Law Group was, and remains, the domain of namesake
Frank Addario, recognized as one of the most seasoned criminal litigators in Ontario. “Frank is excellent senior criminal counsel who we have used in many difficult situations, typically where our commercial litigation clients have criminal exposure,” confirms a peer, adding, “Frank's experience and strategic sense are unparalleled.” Another describes Addario as “a dominating presence in court, who has an ear for the winning arguments,” and adds, “It is oddly difficult to find words to describe what a lion of the bar does well. He can do anything. He is a very compelling advocate.” The firm got an injection of youthful talent and an expanded practice portfolio upon
Andrew Max, formerly a partner with Polley Faith, joining the firm two years ago. “They are one of the top five leading criminal boutiques in the city and one of our leading choices where we need to bring on traditional criminal law expertise as co-counsel on regulatory or white-collar files,” testifies one peer. “Their track record speaks for itself. They have been successful in recent years at expanding their reach into regulatory and civil search-and-seizure matters, and this is reflected by their recruitment of Andrew Max.” Another peer insists, “Addario Law is a litigation firm that can take on all types of litigation (apart from those that are very specialized). I would refer most things to them, including criminal, commercial, and constitutional matters.” Max has become a favorite of peers and clients. One peer testifies, “Andrew never loses sight of the big picture. He is candid, genuine, and very good with clients. From what I have seen, they trust and rely on his matter-of-fact approach. He is a cool head on a complex difficult case.” Another raves, “It has been a privilege to work with Andrew on a number of complex shareholders’ disputes where his expertise, strategic acumen, and unwavering client focus have been essential to achieving exceptional results. From the outset, he demonstrated a deep understanding of both the legal and commercial dimensions of the matter, enabling him to craft and execute strategies that effectively advanced the client’s interests.”
Samara Secter is cheered by a client as “a creative and skilled criminal lawyer who is joy to work with, a brilliant legal mind. One of the best oral advocates I've seen.” A peer declares, “Samara is relentless and brave in her advocacy. She is incredibly bright. She is also very practical and able to cut through to the critical issue that will advance the matter for her client. I know her to be a skilled communicator and trusted advisor to her clients. She is sought after as intervener counsel at all levels of appeal, including the Supreme Court of Canada.” Lynda Morgan is noted by peers for having “a varied practice, that’s in league with Samara’s.” One esteemed member of the legal community offers a glowing and fulsome review: “Lynda was co-commission counsel on the Foreign Interference Commission with me. This was an internationally prominent case in which Lynda worked on the core 'high-side' team dealing with highly classified material and preparing and examining senior intelligence officials and high-ranking Ministers in public hearings. Lynda also played a key role in the private hearings of the Commission. Lynda is a team player. She is highly responsive, imaginatively analytical, and [a] calm presence. Her years of acting as a trial barrister in criminal litigation and appeals set her apart from her peers. Due to her successful advocacy track record is she being sought after in other areas in recent years such as public law and regulatory investigations resulting in tribunal hearings. As a former Chair of the Advocates’ Society Criminal Law Practice Group, she is a highly regarded member of the criminal bar in Toronto.”
