Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein earns a pride of place amongst Toronto firms for its litigation pedigree. Peers (throughout Toronto and beyond) are nearly unanimous in their praise and appreciation of its practitioners. One peer – who is also a source of referral work – states, “Paliare Roland lawyers are professional, extremely knowledgeable, and results oriented. I appreciate that as a referring lawyer and also as co-counsel when we are working on files together.” Another contemporary sings the team’s praises for being “exceptional colleagues at the bar and also just very good people, which is not always the case. Sometimes in these matters people can be excellent advocates but also have elbows up, but that’s not the case with the Paliare group.” The firm’s senior name partners generate universal acclaim. Chris Paliare is acknowledged as “still a go-to for bet-the-business litigation and subtle negotiation.”
Linda Rothsteinis cheered by a contemporary with a fulsome and glowing review: “Beyond her superlative oral advocacy skills, Linda's strategic thinking is what most stands out to me. She is able to think several steps ahead, consider multiple options, the risks of those options, and what is the best course of action for the client. Given her years of experience handling complex litigation, there is little that surprises her, even if it's new to her client. For that reason, she is able to easily navigate changes to litigation strategy and always clearly articulates case outcomes and risk mitigation strategies to her clients.” It is also noted that “Paliare has some young people who are just awesome, really strong at their vintage. One such partner who exemplifies this testimonial, Glynnis Hawe is singled out by a number of contemporaries. “It is a pleasure to work with Glynnis,” testifies a peer. “Her oral advocacy is clear, crisp and always persuasive. She also effectively prepares witnesses for hearings, is always alert to their personal circumstances and challenges they may face when testifying. Where she shines is her written advocacy. Simply put, her factums and other submissions are precise, utterly readable, and beautifully written. She thinks several steps ahead, always aware of the implications and possible effects of the positions she articulates. She is also proactive: she communicates with her client many weeks in advance of due dates and always laying out what is needed and why. On every file I had with Glynnis, she capably took the lead as prosecutor. I would gladly work with her again.”
Tina Lie is another of these younger partners generating rave reviews. One client confirms, “Tina is thoughtful in her approach with respect to resources used vs. outcomes possible to achieve. She communicates clearly and welcomes client input, pushing back where she believes there are better approaches or factors that we haven't considered. She is excellent at ensuring internal witnesses feel supported in preparing for trials and hearings. She is a strategic litigator who always has a handle on the evidence and the law.” Still another, Ren Bucholz is championed by a client as “a sharp legal mind to be reckoned with for years to come.”
The firm has elevated its profile in the aboriginal law space significantly as of late, which is largely credited to Andrew Lokan. “Andrew is the top of his field,” states a peer. “He is a thoughtful advocate, a highly respected advisor and litigator. We welcome his judgement on complex conflicts issues.” Managing partner
Emily Lawrence is acknowledged by a reference as “someone who consistently demonstrates collegiality and courtesy while advocating firmly for the regulator’s position. Hearings proceed efficiently owing to her clear case management and focused submissions. Her approach supports a fair, orderly process for all participants. She provides strategic advice regarding media inquiries and complex professional misconduct and incompetence investigations and prosecutions and reforming approach to and case specific advice regarding nurse health impacting safe practice.” Megan Shortreed, long respected for her administrative and professional liability practice, is also a recipient of vibrant praise. “Megan carries out her prosecutorial role with consistent attention to procedural fairness and the tribunal’s rules. Case theory and evidence are presented in a clear, organized manner, facilitating efficient adjudication. Communications with the panel and parties remained professional and respectful throughout. She brings decades of experience in administrative and constitutional law and health professional regulation. She provides oversight and mentors external legal team and provides strategic and policy advice regarding professional standards and complex cases ensuring integrity of investigations and multiple successful prosecutions.” The firm continues to be a leader in the employment litigation sphere, a position it has historically held. “Paliare Roland provide us extensive advice on both employment law and conflicts issues to the firm. They also work with us as co-counsel on complex employment and construction law matters for our clients. They are experts in labor and employment, involved with high-level litigation for executives. They are detailed oriented and sophisticated counsel.” In this practice, Lindsay Scott has emerged as a leader. “Lindsay is a strong lawyer,” extols a peer. “She is collegial even as opposing counsel, she is sophisticated on labor and employment laws, and an effective investigator.” All-purpose litigator Michael Fenrick is addressed as “a great legal mind and is able to quickly cut to the heart of complicated issues. His oral advocacy is top-notch, and he clearly has the ear of the courts.”
