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I specialized in insurance defence litigation after I began practising law in 1999. I have significant trial and appellate experience. I defended motor vehicle accident claims, statutory accident benefit claims, slip and fall claims, property damage claims, construction disputes, coverage disputes, general liability claims, product liability claims, commercial host claims, mortgage insurance disputes, professional liability claims, and institutional sex abuse claims.

I am proud of what I have accomplished in my career. I defended a wide variety of claims that brought me into courtrooms all over Ontario. I also take great pride in my client-centric focus to the practice of law. I can never guarantee a result. But I can guarantee excellent client service. I am a firm believer in proactive file management and getting to the issues as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. 

I had the privilege of spending six years in public service as a member of the Social Security Tribunal of Canada. I decided hundreds of appeals involving disputes under the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act. I also decided cases that involved accusations of breaches under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. My work at the Tribunal expanded my knowledge of medical-legal issues and I developed a specialty in interpreting complex statutes. My years as an adjudicator have given me a unique perspective on how to approach litigation. I believe I have developed a unique insight into what decision-makers expect from advocates in their written and oral arguments, which can only help me in advocating for clients before courts and tribunals.

I have also found other ways to make contributions to the profession. I have published articles about negotiation ethics and administrative law in peer reviewed law journals. I have mentored young lawyers and I have made numerous presentations to insurer clients over the years.

When I am not working, I enjoy watching sports of all kinds, hiking, reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Litigator, Schultz Frost LLP, Toronto, (2023-present)

Member, Social Security Tribunal of Canada, Toronto, (2017-2023)

Counsel, Brown and Partners LLP, Toronto, (2012-2016)

Partner, Harrison Pensa LLP, London, (2008-2012

Associate Lawyer, Foster Townsend Graham and Associates LLP, London, (2000-2007)

Associate Lawyer, Smith Wowk, New Liskeard, (1999-2000)

Student-at-law, Torkin Manes, Toronto (1997-1998)

 

EDUCATION

Year of Call: 1999

Master of Laws LL.M., Osgoode Hall Law School (2016)

Bachelor of Laws LL.B., University of Windsor (1997)

Bachelor of Arts Honours, B.A. Hons. (Economics and History), University of Windsor (1993)

 

 

Negotiation Ethics: Proposals for Reform to the Law Society of Upper Canada's Rules of Professional Conduct
by George Tsakalis 2015-04-10
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<p class="MsoNormal">This paper discusses creating a comprehensive code of negotiation ethics for lawyers. The current Rules of Professional Conduct offer little guidance regarding appropriate behavior of lawyers during negotiations. Critics argue that the negotiation process is too complex and fluid to be codified. This criticism is not fatal to the case for a code of negotiation ethics. Lawyers have moral and ethical standards with the profession and responsibilities to the public as conduits to legal remedies. This paper argues a code of legal ethics is necessary to uphold these standards. Such a framework should be based on the concept of good faith negotiation with a view to honest disclosure and expeditious settlement of disputes. Developing negotiation ethics is integral to addressing the access to justice and rule of law problem identified by the Supreme Court of Canada in Hryniak v. Mauldin. This paper draws on national and international codes of conduct that have implemented guidelines for negotiations. It concludes with potential reforms to remedy the problems of expensive court procedures, affordability of legal representation, and maintaining public respect for the judicial system.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This was paper was authored by George Tsakalis and published in the Western Journal of Legal Studies.</span></p>