Deborah Templer

Deborah Templer, a standout partner at McCarthy Tétrault's Litigation Group, has carved a niche for herself as a top-tier commercial and product liability litigator in Canada. Her practice spans a wide array of sectors, from pharmaceuticals and telecommunications to oil and gas, where her sharp judgment and litigation finesse come to the forefront. Deborah's litigation prowess is nationally recognized, as she skillfully handles cases before Provincial and Federal courts, tribunals, and arbitration panels, making her mark up to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Her reputation as a leading litigator is solidified by accolades from The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers in Canada, and Benchmark Litigation – Canada, where she is celebrated for her commercial litigation and product liability expertise. Deborah's knack for dissecting complex contractual disputes, economic torts, and shareholder issues, especially those involving oppression remedy, has proven invaluable to clients across key industries.

Deborah's prominence in product liability litigation is unmatched, thanks to her years of defending manufacturers and their global counterparts against daunting claims. Her strategic advice has been crucial for clients facing multi-jurisdictional class actions and health care cost recovery actions, making her a go-to advisor for some of the largest names in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

Her courtroom achievements extend to patent disputes in the Federal Court of Canada, where her deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and consumer products sectors has led to significant victories in Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) proceedings. Chambers and Partners have lauded Deborah for her exceptional litigation skills, emphasizing her likability, intelligence, and unique perspective.

Deborah's notable cases include defending Rothmans, Benson & Hedges in groundbreaking product liability and CCAA proceedings, representing Endo Pharmaceuticals against opioid product liability class actions, and safeguarding JUUL Labs from claims of deceptive marketing. In the commercial realm, she has defended Bell Canada in multi-million dollar breach of contract and misrepresentation claims, showcasing her adeptness in high-stakes litigation.

Her academic background, with an LLB from the University of Ottawa where she excelled in Trial Advocacy and Human Rights Law, sets a solid foundation for her litigation career. Beyond the courtroom, Deborah's commitment to pro bono work shines, notably in her launch of a medical-legal clinic at Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, for which she received the Canadian Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Pro Bono Award.

Deborah's influence extends to the Supreme Court of Canada, where she represented The Advocates’ Society in the landmark Groia v. Law Society of Ontario case, underscoring her dedication to ethical litigation practices. Her leadership roles in community organizations, such as Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke, demonstrate her commitment to societal betterment.

An acclaimed speaker and educator, Deborah shares her knowledge on trial advocacy, professional responsibility, and ethics across various legal forums. Her roles in the American Bar Association and contributions to legal education, including teaching at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, highlight her dedication to nurturing the next generation of lawyers.

Deborah's awards and recognitions, including being named a Leading Lawyer in litigation by Chambers Canada and receiving the Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada, affirm her stature in the legal community. Her insightful publications, such as "Inventory Litigation Of Mass Torts In Canada," further contribute to the discourse on complex legal challenges.

In summary, Deborah Templer's distinguished career, marked by high-profile litigation victories, educational contributions, and unwavering dedication to pro bono work, makes her an invaluable asset to the legal profession and a beacon of excellence in commercial and product liability litigation.