Richard Halpern

Richard Halpern stands out as a distinguished attorney who dedicates his practice solely to representing individuals affected by medical negligence, with a notable emphasis on birth injury cases. Across Canada, his reputation as an authority in handling birth trauma cases is well-established. His career spans over three decades of advocating for those who have suffered serious injuries.

With a deep-seated expertise in the complex medical aspects of birth injury litigation, Richard offers invaluable counsel and guidance to families contemplating legal action due to medical negligence. His ability to navigate through the medical documentation enables him to lay out clear paths for legal proceedings.

A pivotal figure in the establishment of the Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance (BILA), Richard collaborates with fellow legal professionals nationwide to enhance legal representation for families and children experiencing preventable birth injuries. This collective effort focuses on exchanging knowledge, evaluating scientific developments, and cultivating best practices to ensure effective advocacy.

Richard’s career is marked by his involvement in some of the most intricate and daunting medical malpractice cases. His contributions to the legal and medical communities through lectures and publications, particularly concerning obstetrics and legal strategies in medical malpractice litigation, have been extensive. Among his notable works is a paper titled “Birth Trauma Litigation: Proving the Cause of Newborn Neurologic Injury,” crucial reading for attorneys in this field. Additionally, his critiques on obstetrical guidelines demonstrate his commitment to scrutinizing and improving standards of care.

Venturing into the intricate subject of causation in tort law, Richard has authored significant works aimed at rethinking traditional notions of causation, thereby influencing future litigation strategies.

Acknowledged by his peers with the Ontario Bar Association’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2015, Richard’s excellence in the legal profession is further validated by his listing in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada and The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory.

His track record includes numerous high-stake medical malpractice cases resulting in substantial settlements for his clients, reflecting his skill in achieving justice and compensation, though each case’s outcome is unique.

An active participant in The Holland Group, Richard advocates for reforms in medical malpractice laws to facilitate better access to justice and more efficient resolution of claims, reflecting his dedication to broader systemic changes in the legal landscape.

Richard’s leadership roles, including serving as the past President of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and his involvement with the Judicial Advisory Committee on Judicial Appointments, highlight his commitment to advancing the legal profession and ensuring judicial excellence.

His educational background encompasses a BA from the University of Toronto, an LLB from the University of Windsor, and an LLM in Civil Litigation from Osgoode Hall Law School. A member of several prestigious legal organizations, Richard’s professional affiliations underscore his active engagement with the legal community and his relentless pursuit of justice for those impacted by medical negligence.