David O'Connor is the senior partner in Roy O’Connor LLP, a well-recognized litigation firm in Toronto. Prior to his decision to form that boutique litigation firm some 20 years ago, he was a litigation partner in a large national law firm. His practice is essentially focused on corporate/commercial litigation and class action litigation (both on the defence and plaintiff side). David was recognized as the Canadian Plaintiff Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada in 2023. Benchmark Canada has recognized him as a finalist for the Class Action or Plaintiff Litigator of the Year award in each of the last six years (including this year) and in various earlier years.
He has been consistently recognized by Benchmark as a star in class actions and commercial litigation, with peer praise and respect for his ‘prowess’ in both areas and ‘a pronounced level of praise for his role in some of the most hotly contested class-action matters’. David is also a Lexpert® ranked leading class action litigator. He has been listed in the Lexpert®/ROB Special Edition: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers, as well as the Lexpert® Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers. He is also ranked in the Chambers Guide to Canada’s Leading Lawyers in class actions, and by The Best Lawyers in Canada in corporate and commercial litigation.
He was also one of the finalists for the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in 2015 and again in 2016, as nominated in Canadian Lawyer magazine. David and his partners were previously featured in the Canadian Bar Association National Magazine and recognized as one of the best class action firms in the country, with an undeniable track record for excellence.
Recent matter/case highlights:
- Boal v. International Capital Management Inc. et al (Defence retainer) - David O'Connor and Sean Grayson were successful late last year in defeating a request for certification of a $30 million proposed class against a mutual fund dealer and its principals for alleged breach of fiduciary duty.
- Fresco v. CIBC (Plaintiff retainer) - David O'Connor and Adam Dewar were successful acting for the plaintiff/employee class in certifying and later on the merits of this Canada-wide overtime class action against a national bank (CIBC). The case has settled for $153 million and that settlement is now (2025) being distributed to the employee class members.
- Cunningham v. RBC Dominion Securities (Plaintiff retainer) - David O'Connor and Adam Dewar were successful in certifying this vacation and holiday pay class action on behalf of investment advisors and associates (and others) against a large, national investment/brokerage firm (RBC Dominion Securities).
Key practice areas:
- Appellate
- Class action
- Commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution
- Labor and employment
- Plaintiff
- Product liability and recall
- Securities
Sector expertise:
- Automotive
- Banking
- Consumer goods and services
- Financial services
- Government and public policy
- Investment management
- Technology and telecommunications
- Utilities
Year joined firm: 2004
Education/Alumni: LLB/JD, University of Toronto, 1990
Association/network memberships:
- Advocates Society, 1992
- Litigation Counsel of America, 2018
- Canadian Bar Association, 1992
Bar Admissions: Ontario, 1992
