30 | LEXPERT • December 2017 | www.lexpert.ca/usguide-litigation/
CLASS ACTIONS
Slaght, Ronald G., QC, Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP Toronto - (416) 865-2929
- rslaght@litigate.com
Founding partner. Extraordinary negotiating abilities, superb advocacy and sophisticated
business acumen ensure Ronald Slaght's continued leadership among Canadian litigators. In addition to a
formidable reputation in commercial and securities litigation, he has built an eclectic practice based on his
vast experience in administrative law, real property disputes and class actions. Slaght has received the highest
honors from leading lawyers' organizations for his contributions to the profession — and particularly for his
efforts to encourage civility in litigation.
Thomson, Mary M., Gowling WLG Toronto - (416) 862-4644 - mary.thomson@gowlingwlg.com
One of Canada's pre-eminent litigators, Mary omson serves as head of Gowling WLG's national
Advocacy Group and leader of its Product Liability Group. Over the past three decades, she has represented
clients in some of Canada's most high-profile legal matters, including class actions, mass tort litigation and
public inquiries. She has appeared in courts across Canada on matters involving product liability, particularly
in the pharma and medical devices, as well as in the areas of health law, consent law, privacy law and more.
omson has been repeatedly singled out as a top legal practitioner by leading legal directories. In 2013, she
was awarded the prestigious Lexpert® Zenith Award for extraordinary leadership in the legal profession. In
addition to her legal practice, omson has taught both trial advocacy and negotiation theory. For more
than a decade, she was an adjunct professor in the graduate department of the Faculty of Medicine at the
University of Toronto, instructing in ethical and legal issues related to health law. She currently serves
as Chair of Outward Bound International.
Waddell, Margaret L., Waddell Phillips Professional Corporation Toronto - (416) 477-6979
- marg@waddellphillips.ca
Margaret L. Waddell brings to her clients 28 years of experience successfully
prosecuting and resolving class actions and complex civil disputes. Waddell is recognized as a leading lawyer
in class actions, and has acted as class counsel on a number of prominent cases. She is regularly sought out to
lead on class actions, or to add bench strength in partnering with other firms. Lawyers oen refer their own
clients' class actions to her to prosecute. Waddell's focus on key issues and her established credibility with the
courts is valued by her clients and referring lawyers. Waddell focuses her practice on achieving quality results
for her clients, creatively, efficiently and, importantly, in a cost-effective manner. She has broad experience in
solving all manner of commercial conflicts, including contract disputes, insurance and professional liability
claims, shareholder disputes and other commercial controversies. Waddell is also recognized
for her particularly strong advocacy before the Court of Appeal.
Zarnett, Benjamin, Goodmans LLP Toronto - (416) 597-4204 - bzarnett@goodmans.ca
Partner. Practices as trial and appellate counsel, emphasizing commercial cases involving public companies,
financial institutions and governments. Has practiced before the SCC, FCC, all levels of court in Ontario
and many administrative tribunals. Lead counsel in some of the most important, high-profile cases that
have recently been decided in Canada, including the litigation involving the restructuring of the Asset-
Backed Commercial Paper market, the contest over the acquisition of BCE, the Danier Leather class action,
the Indalex priority dispute and the Nortel asset allocation dispute. Awarded 2006 Law Society Medal
(highest honor) by LSUC, the 2007 Award of Distinction by TLA for outstanding contributions to the
legal profession and the 2009 OBA Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation. Named "Toronto Litigator of
the Year" for Bet-the-Company (2013/2010), Corporate/Commercial (2012), Class Action (2011/2015),
Product Liability (2016) and Director/Officer Liability (2017) by e Best Lawyers in Canada. Recognized
as one of three "Star Individuals" for dispute resolution by Chambers Global.
