Mark Shapiro

Mark S. Shapiro, a distinguished partner in the Toronto branch, brings a wealth of experience to the legal field, honed through years of education and practice. His academic journey saw him earn a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario in 1991, an LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1994, and further sharpen his skills in Alternate Dispute Resolution at the University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel University in 2003. Mark was called to the Ontario Bar in 1996, marking the beginning of a significant legal career.

Shapiro's legal expertise encompasses a wide range of practice areas, notably in accounts receivable and collections, appeals and advocacy, and a robust presence in litigation across Canada. He specializes in commercial and business litigation, creditor rights and bankruptcy litigation, insurance and insurance litigation, labor and employment issues, business breakups and owner disputes, product liability and personal injury, and the intricacies of Canada-U.S. legal matters.

His work predominantly focuses on guiding and representing clients through the complexities of business, contract, and shareholder litigation. This includes a specialization in employment law, where he crafts, reviews, and advises on employment agreements, confidentiality clauses, non-solicitation, and non-competition agreements. Mark's proficiency also extends to wrongful dismissal claims and breaches of restrictive covenants.

Shapiro has notable experience in real estate litigation, specifically in assisting institutional, syndicated, and private mortgage lenders with enforcing and realizing upon mortgage security through Ontario Court proceedings. His legal acumen also benefits the Sheriff of the City of Toronto, providing counsel in land sales under the Ontario Execution Act. Moreover, his representation of both domestic and foreign companies and collection agencies in debt collection underscores his versatility.

Mark's engagement in commercial and real estate matters showcases his adaptability and thorough understanding of various business needs. His litigation skills are particularly evident in disputes over insurance contract interpretations and in pursuing and defending against professional malpractice and personal injury claims.

Beyond the courtroom, Shapiro contributes to the legal profession through his membership in several associations, including the Law Society of Upper Canada, The Advocates Society, Ontario Bar Association, Metropolitan Toronto Lawyers Association, and Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. His insights into legal challenges and developments are shared through co-authored articles and presentations, covering topics from COVID-19-related employment law to business interruption insurance in Ontario, demonstrating his commitment to educating both the legal community and the public.

Mark's leadership and expertise were recognized when Dickinson Wright re-appointed him to lead its Canadian practice, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the firm and its clients. Through articles, industry alerts, and in-depth analyses, such as his exploration of the hearsay revolution in Canada, Shapiro continues to influence and shape legal practices and policies.

In essence, Mark S. Shapiro represents a blend of comprehensive legal knowledge, practical experience, and a deep commitment to his clients and the broader legal community. His career is a testament to the impact a dedicated legal professional can have across multiple areas of practice, contributing significantly to the legal landscape in Ontario and beyond.