Neal Smitheman

Neal Smitheman excels in both civil and criminal litigation, making frequent court appearances, notably before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. His expertise spans handling urgent cases across various domains, including corporate disputes, derivative actions, and commercial injunctions.

Neal's grasp of commercial litigation and environmental law sees him actively involved in major toxic tort cases, demonstrating his adeptness in navigating complex legal landscapes. His criminal practice is broad, covering defense against charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, from impaired driving to more severe offenses like sexual and aggravated assault.

Specializing in white-collar and corporate crime, Neal holds a leadership role as the Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Regional Sub-Committee (Canada) on White Collar Crime. His practice includes defending against investigations and charges under regulatory statutes like the Competition Act and the Environmental Protection Act, among others.

Leading the Toronto Indigenous Law Practice Group, Neal represents clients in significant cases involving land claims, showcasing his commitment to this specialized field. His representation includes advising mineral companies and municipalities in landmark cases within Ontario.

Neal's work extends to defending against various regulatory statutes and representing clients in administrative law matters and before specialized tribunals. Notable achievements include influencing decisions under the Ontario Mining Act, achieving landmark rulings under the Environmental Assessment Act, and advocating for cost-saving measures at the Ontario Energy Board.

Holding a Civil Law Degree from McGill University, Neal possesses the unique ability to collaborate with civil law practitioners and represent multinational clients in Quebec.

Acknowledged by Chambers Global, Benchmark Canada, and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Neal’s distinguished career is underpinned by his education, including an LLB and a BCL from McGill University and a BA from Sir George Williams University. His memberships in the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, coupled with his role in the American Bar Association, underscore his esteemed position in the legal community.