Eric Leinveer

Eric's legal prowess encompasses a broad spectrum, particularly shining in the realms of intricate commercial battles, class action defenses, and insurance quarrels. He brings a notable depth of knowledge to securities conflicts, injunctions, disputes surrounding real estate and leases, as well as issues in media and defamation, not to mention his adeptness in arbitration and mediation settings. His advocacy has been sought in various judicial arenas across Ontario, including the Federal Court and the Ontario Securities Commission, showcasing his versatility and dedication to client success.

Before his tenure at Blakes, Eric's foundational experiences included serving as a law clerk to the esteemed judges at the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, an experience that enriched his legal acumen.

His track record is impressive and diverse:

In Class Action Defense, Eric has been pivotal in defending a financial services entity against claims tied to investments in a deceptive scheme, a tech firm against worker misclassification allegations, a banking institution challenged over NSF fee practices, and a global hotel chain accused of misleading business practices.

In the insurance realm, Eric has successfully navigated a client through arbitration to secure a C$362-million award, contested in class actions regarding policy management, and arbitrated on reinsurance agreements, demonstrating his capability in high-stakes insurance matters.

His commercial litigation expertise has seen him advocate for a property management firm in a sale agreement dispute, an international sports company in contractual disagreements, and a fleet management entity in shareholder conflicts, among others. His experience extends to representing financial bodies in various commercial disputes and securing urgent injunctions for diverse entities.

Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2024 for his contributions to corporate and commercial litigation, Eric's legal talent is widely acknowledged.

Beyond the courtroom, Eric is an active member of the legal community, contributing to the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association, and the Advocates' Society. He also champions pro bono work, leading litigation group efforts on the Pro Bono Ontario Free Legal Advice Hotline and offering counsel to numerous public interest clients, underlining his commitment to justice and legal access for all.

Eric's education forms the foundation of his legal expertise, holding a JD and MA from the University of Toronto, alongside a BA from McGill University, credentials that speak to his intellectual rigor and dedication to the legal profession.