Celeste Poltak

Celeste Poltak is renowned for her specialization in class action litigation, serving as a key partner in the firm’s class actions department. Her experience spans across numerous high-profile cases, where she has demonstrated her prowess before the highest courts in the country, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Celeste’s expertise in class proceedings is not only recognized through her litigation successes but also through her contributions to legal literature in the field.

Her role as an educator is notable, with Celeste frequently lecturing at prestigious institutions like Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Toronto, sharing her insights on class proceedings. She holds significant positions within the legal community, including membership on the Firm’s Executive Committee, past leadership of the Student Committee, and active involvement in the Class Actions Committee of the Advocates’ Society. Her editorial contributions to the Canadian Institute’s Class Action Journal further cement her as an authority in class action litigation.

Celeste’s excellence in her field has been acknowledged by Lexpert, Benchmark Canada, and Chambers, highlighting her as a leading figure in class proceedings. Her inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada underscores her reputation as a preeminent litigator.

Among her notable experiences, Celeste served as class counsel in the landmark National Indian Residential Schools Settlement, demonstrating her commitment to justice across various jurisdictions in Canada. She also led the charge in an environmental contamination class action in Port Colborne, Ontario, a case that reached the Court of Appeal for Ontario, with further appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada being denied.

Celeste’s academic background includes an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science, an LLB from the University of Calgary, and a BA from Queen’s University. Her professional memberships span the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association, the International Bar Association, and The Advocates’ Society.

Her publications, such as “The New Approach to Summary Judgment in Ontario” and “Humanitarian Intervention: A Contemporary Interpretation of the UN Charter,” among others, reflect her deep engagement with evolving legal theories and practices, particularly in the realm of class action litigation. Celeste Poltak’s distinguished career and her significant contributions to legal scholarship and practice make her an invaluable asset to clients navigating the complexities of class action proceedings.