People
Linda Matthews
Linda is a trial and appellate lawyer focusing on advocacy and insurance litigation for almost 20 years. She has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience and appellate experience. She has appeared as appellate counsel at the Financial Services Commission. She has also represented insurers in arbitrations at the Financial Services Commission and on private arbitrations and loss transfer matters.
She has numerous reported appeal and trial decisions with her most recent successes reported in Sanofi Pasteur Limited v. UPS SCS, Inc., 2015 ONCA 88 affirming 2014 ONSC 2695 (a subrogation/liability dispute on an $8 million claim) and Debruge v Arnold, 2014 ONSC 7044,a successful threshold motion after a jury verdict. She has also been the successful moving party on numerous summary judgment motions including most recent victories in Sanofi Pasteur Limited v. UPS SCS, Inc., 2015 ONCA 88 affirming 2014 ONSC 2695 (a subrogation/liability dispute on an $8 million claim); Ferrier v. Hubbert, 2015 ONSC 5286 (social host defence on a $6 million claim); and Gohm v. York et al, 2013 ONSC 7118 (occupiers’ liability claim on a farm policy). She conducts private arbitrations with a most recent victory in a decision released on August 13, 2015 in The Co-operators v. AXA Insurance relating to a priority dispute on a catastrophic claim.
She provides advice and representation to clients on a broad spectrum of insurance issues, including insurance coverage issues, CGL policies and litigation, tort motor vehicle litigation, statutory accident benefits/catastrophic claims, loss transfer/priority arbitration disputes, occupiers liability claims, homeowners’ property and liability claims, product liability matters, fraud and subrogation claims. She provides lectures and seminars to lawyers and insurance professionals on trial advocacy and various insurance issues. She is a member of the Advocates Society, Canadian Bar Association, the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto and the Canadian Defence Lawyers.
lmatthews@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
M. Greg Abogado
Greg is an experienced trial and appellate counsel. Before joining Linda Matthews to form Matthews Abogado LLP, Greg was a partner at one of the leading boutique civil litigation firms in the province. He brings to the firm more than 20 years experience in civil litigation. He has successfully acted as lead counsel in a number of jury trials and private arbitrations. He also has extensive involvement in alternative dispute resolution particularly private and court annexed mediations.
Greg regularly shares his in-depth expertise of insurance law by lecturing on a number of issues concerning casualty insurance claims. He is a member of the Advocates’ Society of Ontario, Defence Research Institute, Canadian Bar Association and American Association for Justice.
Areas of specialty: property; casualty; major tort and negligence cases; motor vehicle litigation, statutory accident benefits; commercial insurance; product liability; professional negligence and coverage issues.
Education: LLB, 1988, University of Windsor; BA, 1984, York University (Member of Dean’s Honour List, 1984; Recipient of York University Entrance Scholarship, 1980).
gabogado@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
David F. Murray
David Murray is an experienced counsel with over 20 years experience in civil litigation and insurance coverage disputes. David has extensive trial and appellate experience in product liability, commercial litigation, professional negligence and casualty insurance law, including both first and third-party claims. He has appeared as counsel at every level of court in the Province of Ontario as well as at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Appeals Tribunal. He has considerable experience in coverage disputes with Commercial Liability being an area of particular emphasis.
David is a member of the Advocates’ Society and the Canadian Bar Association. He has lectured on issues concerning casualty insurance claims at a number of Advocates’ Society seminars and before members of the insurance industry.
David was called to the bar in 1989. He received his LLB from the University of Calgary in 1987, his MBA from the University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management) in 2005 and B.Sc. from the University of Western Ontario in 1982.
dmurray@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703-8499
Michael Burgar
Michael Burgar is an expert trial and appeal lawyer. Michael has worked on thousands of cases over the past twenty years.
Michael has successfully conducted both jury and non-jury trials. Most of his cases relate to tort and insurance law. This covers a wide range of matters that include personal injury, insurance coverage problems, property damage claims, professional liability (claims against architects, engineers, lawyers, doctors and other health care professionals), construction claims, and commercial general liability claims.
Michael is always interested in discussing any potential new civil litigation assignment. He acts for both plaintiffs and defendants. If Michael cannot accept an assignment, he will refer you to another lawyer who hopefully will.
RECENT NOTABLE CASES
Michael is the lawyer of record in over 60 court decisions reported in legal journals and online resources. His recent notable cases include:
ING Insurance Company of Canada v. Miracle (Mohawk Imperial Sales and Mohawk Liquidate), 2011 ONCA 321 - A successful appeal related to the application of a pollution liability exclusion to environmental contamination claims brought against a gas station/plaza. Michael represented an insurer who had denied a duty to defend claims related to leaky underground gasoline storage tanks. The litigation was opposed by the Canadian government and the owners of an adjacent gas station.
Baird v. Abouibrahim, 2012 ONSC 859 - Michael successfully argued that the users of a loaner vehicle, provided by an auto dealership, while their car was in for repairs, should have access to the full $21 million of liability insurance available to deal with claims related to the use and operation of the dealership's vehicles. The dealership and its insurer had denied coverage on the grounds that the loaner agreement had been breached.
Rashid v. Intact Insurance Company, 2011 ONCA 806 - Michael acted for the respondent insurer on appeal. The insurer's decision to deny coverage was upheld. The pleaded claims against the insured related to arson, breach of a commercial lease and breach of a general security agreement.
McGowan v. Duke's Heating, 2011 ONSC 34568/04 (Whitby) - Michael won a jury trial. The plaintiff was a police officer who sued a company that delivered a gas fireplace to his residence. The officer based his claim in negligence. He helped carry the fireplace box into his residence, and alleged his back was hurt by the worker on the other end of the box. The jury found the claim had no merit. The claim was dismissed with costs.SPEECHES/PAPERS
Michael was co-chair in April 2012 of an Osgoode Professional CLE program entitled, "Expert Evidence in Personal Injury Cases." He led panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and conducted a mock examination of an accounting expert. Michael regularly contributes articles to The Lawyers' Weekly on topical tort and insurance law issues.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Law Society of Upper Canada
Law Society of British Columbia
Advocates Society
Defence Research Institute
Canadian Bar Association/Ontario Bar AssociationOTHER ACTIVITIES
Michael is a proud sponsor and member of Team Lorraine, a group of friends and supporters of Lorraine McCallum. Lorraine is a university friend who has heroically survived a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, made shortly after the birth of Lorraine's third child, after a long history of back pain. Team Lorraine participates in cancer walks and fundraising co-ordinated with The Princess Margaret Hospital, and earmarks its efforts to special research work into MM.
mburgar@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a partner at Matthews Abogado with extensive experience advocating on behalf of both individuals who have sustained serious injuries and insurers. Michael acts in claims involving car accidents, falls, insurance disputes, denial of disability benefits and professional negligence matters involving physicians and other health care professionals.
Michael regularly appears before the Superior Court of Justice, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. He also achieves excellent results for his clients through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
Michael is known for his client focused approach. He understands that serious injuries can result in extraordinarily difficult circumstances and that clients place a great deal of trust in him.
Client Testimonials
C.W. – Daughter of trip and fall victim: Thank you again Michael for all your professional expertise and efforts on behalf of Mom. She is thrilled with the settlement amount and you can hear a bit of relief in her voice which is so good to hear right now. You have been so approachable and knowledgeable that it has helped her (and I) to feel that someone cared that she be treated fairly.
J.B. – Car accident victim: Just wanted to write and thank you for recommending such a wonderful lawyer. Everything worked out really well; he was thorough, approachable and always up front about everything. I am so grateful that you recommended him.
K.C. – Surviving spouse of fatal car accident victim: I just can’t believe what a great job you did for me and the four kids. Thank you so much.
D.M. – Malicious prosecution victim: I feel to extend my gratitude to [your firm] and personally to you for advising myself on this matter and all that you provided to me.
D.M. Car accident victim – Thank you Michael. I appreciate all your hard work and the manner in which you dealt with me.
J.A. Bicycle accident victim – Appreciate your hard work and effort.L.H. Disability Claim - I want to thank you again for your excellent legal services and your wonderful professional work ethics.
Education & Professional Involvement
Michael obtained a Kinesiology degree before completing law school at the University of Western Ontario in 2003. He was admitted to the Ontario bar in 2004. Michael is a Member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society.
mjordan@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Sara Azghadi
Sara joined us in 2009 after completing her articles at Torys LLP, a full service law firm in Toronto. Sara was called to the Bar in 2008 and since then she has had many successful appearances in the Superior Court of Justice and the Divisional Court. One of Sara’s most notable cases is in respect to a plaintiff’s motion challenging the insurer’s claim of privilege over its Schedule “B” documents (Gwendolyn Kavanagh v. Peel Mutual Insurance Company – 99 O.R. (3d) 780).
Sara’s areas of specialty include insurance defence litigation, including personal injury, motor vehicle liability, property and liability claims, insurance coverage issues, product liability mattes, and subrogation claims.
Sara received a Specialized Honours in Psychology, as well as a Bachelors of Education from York University in 2004. She graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School with an LLB in 2007.
sazghadi@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Andrew E. Franklin
Andrew was called to the bar in 2010. Prior to joining Matthews Abogado LLP, Andrew worked as a summer student, articled and then practiced as an associate in the intellectual property litigation department at a large full-service law firm.
Andrew’s practice covers many areas of litigation including Casualty, Accident Benefits, Commercial General Liability Claims, Personal Injury, Products Liability, Occupiers Liability and related coverage issues.
Andrew obtained his Honours Bachelor of Science in 2001 majoring in Psychology and Master of Science in 2003 majoring in Neuroscience, both degrees from the University of Western Ontario. He obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor in 2009.
Throughout law school Andrew maintained a special interest in advocacy by participating in a number of moot court competitions. Andrew was awarded top oralist in the Lerners Cup and the 34th Annual Zuber Moot. Andrew was also a member of the University of Windsor Law School Gale Cup moot team in 2009.
afranklin@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Asher Honickman
Asher's areas of practice include insurance coverage disputes, property damage and personal injury claims, products liability, intentional torts, contractual disputes, employment and human rights law. He has appeared and successfully represented his clients before the Ontario Divisional Court, the Superior Court of Justice, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
Asher joined Matthews Abogado LLP in January 2013. Prior to joining the firm, Asher articled and practiced at one of the top civil litigation boutiques in the country. He was called to Ontario Bar in 2011.
Asher obtained his Juris Doctor from Queen's University in 2010. He was the recipient of numerous significant academic awards including the Queen's Faculty of Law Entrance Scholarship, the Blake Cassels Graydon Entrance Scholarship and the Course Prize in Public Law. Asher also obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Huron College at the University of Western Ontario in 2006, where he was awarded the Huron College Gold Medal along with numerous academic awards and scholarships.
Asher is passionate about the law and has authored or co-authored numerous papers and articles that cover a wide range of topics, including constitutional law, civil litigation, insurance law, criminal law, employment law, estates law, and statutory interpretation. He has published scholarly articles in The Advocates' Quarterly, The Advocates' Journal and Law Matters (a publication of the Canadian Bar Association), and has also published shorter pieces in the National Post and the Huffington Post Canada.
Asher is the president and co-founder of Advocates for the Rule of Law, a legal think-tank dedicated to promoting the rule of law.
Asher has appeared many times as a guest on AM 640 where he discusses and debates the popular legal issues of the day.
In his spare time, Asher enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing guitar and piano, reading both fiction and non-fiction, creative writing and playing hockey.
ahonickman@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Ryan Goodman
Ryan was called to the bar in 2010. Ryan articled and practiced corporate tax litigation at a large full-service law firm and a prominent boutique family litigation firm prior to joining Matthews Abogado LLP.
Ryan’s practice covers many areas of litigation including Casualty, Accident Benefits, Personal Injury, Products Liability, Commercial General Liability Insurance, Occupiers Liability, Professional Negligence and coverage issues.
Ryan obtained his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with Distinction on the Dean’s Honour List from the University of Western Ontario in 2006. Ryan was also the recipient of the Huron University College Great Minds, Great Hearts Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement and community involvement. Ryan obtained his LL.B from the University Of Windsor Faculty Of Law in 2009.
Ryan is a member of the Leadership Committee for the 2012 Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies Spirit of Hope Gala. Funds raised from this event go towards educating young people about tolerance, justice and human rights.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing hockey, golf and running.
rgoodman@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Christian Farahat
Christian was called to the bar in 2010. He articled with a prominent civil and commercial litigation firm in Toronto and practiced law with a general litigation boutique before joining Matthews Abogado LLP in 2012.
Christian’s practice covers many areas of insurance defence litigation, including Casualty, Occupiers Liability, Products Liability, Accident Benefits, Commercial General Liability Claims, and coverage issues related to these practice areas.
Christian obtained his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology, political science, and psychology from the University of Toronto in 2006. He received his LL.B. from the University of Windsor in 2009.
While in law school, Christian maintained a strong interest in litigation, participating in numerous moot court competitions as an advocate and later as a judge. During his second year of studies, Christian represented the University of Windsor at the Laskin Competitive Moot, where he co-authored a bilingual factum and delivered his oral submissions in French, his native tongue.
When not practicing law, Christian remains active on the soccer field and in a number of community and volunteer initiatives. He performs classical music regularly, both as a soloist and as a chorister with numerous choirs, including the Cantabile Chamber Singers and the Victoria Scholars Men’s Choral Ensemble, a CBC award-winning choir with which he has recorded two CD’s, shared a stage with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Barenaked Ladies, and served on the Board of Directors.
cfarahat@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Alana M. Daley
Alana was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2011 and the Bar of New York in 2012. Alana completed her articles as a judicial law clerk in 2010-2011 with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Prior to joining us in November 2013, Alana worked as the in-house counsel to a Canadian mission-critical security technology company.
Alana obtained her J.D. from Queen’s University in 2010. She received several awards, including the Law Society of Upper Canada Award for Outstanding Achievement in Legal Studies given to the top 15 graduating law students at Queen’s University, as well as the course prizes in Tort Law, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Procedure.
While in law school, Alana competed as an oralist in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Austria in 2009, and continues to review memoranda as an arbitrator. Alana was also involved in Pro Bono Students Canada in 2007-2008, as well as Legal Aid in 2008-2009. Alana participated in the exchange to the Bader International Study Centre and received a Certificate in International Business Law in 2008. Alana completed her third year of law school at the University of Toronto, and was involved as an editor of the Year in Review. She obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario in 2007.
Areas of specialty: commercial general liability claims; motor vehicle litigation; statutory accident benefits claims; occupiers liability claims; homeowners’ property and liability claims; insurance coverage issues; product liability matters; fraud and subrogation claims.
adaley@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Saro Setrakian
Saro was called to the bar in 2013. Prior to joining Matthews Abogado LLP, he summered and articled at a large full-service law firm in Toronto. He has experience with commercial disputes, pharmaceutical class actions, and securities law. He also assisted on the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses' intervention before the Supreme Court in the case of Rasouli v Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which considered whether a substitute decisions maker's consent is required for withdrawal of end-of-life care.
Saro received his B.A. in 2008 with Great Distinction from McGill University, where he majored in Linguistics and English Literature. He received his degrees in common law (LL. B.) and civil law (B. C. L.) from McGill's bilingual program in 2011. While in law school, Saro was an LSAT instructor for Kaplan Test Prep and a Tutorial Leader for the first year Legal Methodology course.
Saro has always been passionate about advocacy. He was selected as a member of McGill's 2011 Laskin moot team, which ultimately won awards for Top Factum and Overall Champions. Saro pled in the finals in front of Justice Louise Charron of the Supreme Court. Saro is also an accomplished competitive debater, having earned the titles of World's Quarter Finalist (2011), North American Finalist and top Canadian team (2010 & 2009), Central Canadian Champion (2009), and University of Toronto HHIV Champion and Top Speaker (2011). Saro received top marks in McGill's Civil Litigation Workshop course.
Saro speaks English, French, Spanish, and Armenian fluently. In his spare time, he likes to read and enjoys strategy and puzzle games.
ssetrakian@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Mika Chow
Mika Chow is a senior law clerk and paralegal who has worked with Linda Matthews since 1999. Since graduating from the Law Clerk program at Centennial College in 1995, she has specialized in personal injury litigation, and has assisted on many trials. She has experience in most areas of insurance defence litigation, including motor vehicle liability claims, accident benefits, commercial and general liability claims and homeowners’ and property claims.
mchow@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Anna Magliocco
Anna joined us in 2011 as a certified law clerk with the Institute of Law Clerks. Since graduating from the Law Clerk program at Seneca College in 1997, she has specialized in commercial and personal injury litigation. She has worked in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance defence, and plaintiff personal injury. She has experience in most areas of insurance defence litigation, including motor vehicle liability claims, accident benefits, commercial and general liability claims and homeowners’ and property claims.
amagliocco@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Paula Wilson
Paula is a senior law clerk. She graduated from the Law Clerk program at Seneca College in 2002. Prior to joining us in 2008, she worked at a large insurance defence firm. Paula has experience in most areas of insurance defence litigation including motor vehicle liability claims, accident benefits, commercial and general liability claims and homeowners’ and property claims. Paula has assisted on both trials and arbitrations. She is an associate member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario.
pwilson@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Liliana Amato
Liliana Amato is a senior law clerk specializing in large catastrophic personal injury cases. She previously was employed for more than 10 years as a senior clerk at a top tier personal injury firm in Barrie.
She is experienced in most areas of insurance defence litigation including motor vehicle liability claims, accident benefits, commercial and general liability claims and homeowners’ and property claims.
lamato@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Shannon Cowan
Shannon is an experienced Law Clerk with extensive knowledge of both insurance defence and plaintiff matters. She graduated from the Law Clerk program at Durham College in 2006. Prior to joining us, she worked with Michael Jordan at another top litigation firm. Shannon is experienced in all areas of both insurance defence and plaintiff personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle liability claims, accident benefits, medical malpractice and general liability claims.
scowan@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Melissa De Guzman
Melissa is an experienced Law Clerk who has worked in insurance litigation since 2006. Prior to joining us, she worked for a large well-known defence firm in downtown Toronto. Melissa has extensive experience in several areas of insurance litigation on both defence and plaintiff files including insurance defence claims, priority disputes, loss transfer disputes, and personal injury. Melissa has assisted on dozens of Arbitrations with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Melissa has been a member of the Institute of Law Clerks for Ontario since 2008.
mdeguzman@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Rebecca Robinson
Rebecca joined our firm as a junior law clerk in 2015. She graduated from the Law Clerk program at Durham College in 2014. Prior to joining us, she worked as a legal administrative assistant at one of Canada’s top full-service law firms. She has experience in a broad spectrum of business law and civil litigation matters including insurance defence litigation.
rrobinson@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
Laura Bakalar
Laura has been with our firm since 2013. She graduated from the Law Clerk program at Durham College in 2009. Prior to joining us, she worked for a senior partner at one of the largest full-service firms on Bay Street. She has extensive experience in a wide variety of civil litigation areas, from complex commercial disputes to insurance defence.
lbakalar@matthewsabogado.com
t. 416.703.8700
f. 416.703.8499
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