E. Peter Auvinen

Peter Auvinen leads Miller Thomson as its Chair, drawing on a rich background in commercial litigation and insolvency. Previously, he oversaw the firm's operations in Toronto, Vaughan, and Markham as the Office Managing Partner, establishing himself as a prominent figure in commercial litigation and insolvency nationally, with a special focus on the Nordic region.

His legal practice is heavily concentrated on providing solutions for creditors, handling insolvency cases, and enforcing commercial debts. Peter's courtroom presence is notable, with a history of involvement in various receiverships, CCAA and bankruptcy cases, alongside litigating financial service disputes. His clientele often includes trustees, receivers, secured lenders, and equipment lessors, showcasing his ability to represent a diverse group of stakeholders. He's a familiar face in Toronto's Commercial Court, advocating regularly on behalf of his clients.

Beyond insolvency, Peter's legal expertise spans general commercial litigation. He's adept at handling cases related to shareholder disputes, oppression remedies, valuations, contract breaches, sales of goods, employment issues, and construction disagreements. His client roster is broad, representing professionals from various fields, including engineering, architecture, real estate, and appraisal. Peter's trial experience is extensive, having advocated in all levels of Ontario courts and even in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Peter's commitment to the Nordic region extends beyond legal practice; he actively engages with the community through his directorship roles at the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce and the Finnish Credit Union in Toronto. His memberships with the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce in New York and the Finnish American Lawyers’ Association further underline his involvement. Peter's regular visits to Nordic countries are a testament to his dedication to understanding and meeting the legal and business needs of clients from this area. As the head of Miller Thomson's Nordic practice, he ensures that clients receive precise, efficient, and cost-effective legal services by coordinating with specialists across the firm.

His professional excellence is recognized with a BV Peer Review Rating from LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. In addition to his contributions to the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce, his affiliations include the Canadian Bar Association, the Advocates’ Society, and the Metropolitan Toronto Lawyers’ Association, reflecting his active participation in the legal community. Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1988, Peter's academic credentials include an LL.B. and a B.A. from Western University, marking the foundation of his distinguished career.