Geoffrey Hunnisett

Geoff, with his exceptional skills in corporate-commercial litigation and arbitration, has made a significant impact across various industries, from automotive to mining and beyond. Since being admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2009, Geoff's journey through the legal landscape has been marked by his adept handling of both domestic and international arbitrations, alongside his expertise in class actions and tax litigation.

His academic credentials from Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Guelph have laid a solid foundation for his career, allowing him to navigate complex legal challenges with ease. Geoff's ability to articulate in English enhances his effectiveness in representing clients and communicating complex legal strategies.

Geoff's reputation for strong advocacy and negotiation is well-founded, with a track record of securing favorable outcomes for his clients in high-stakes disputes. His pragmatic approach to assessing litigation risk and his knack for providing business-savvy solutions to legal problems are highly valued by clients seeking to minimize litigation and arbitration exposure.

Notably, Geoff's experience includes secondments to the legal departments of The Bank of Nova Scotia and General Motors of Canada Limited, further enriching his understanding of client perspectives and business needs.

His involvement in significant cases underscores his proficiency in the field. Geoff successfully represented a global mining company in a landmark International Chamber of Commerce arbitration in Tokyo, dealing with nearly $1 billion in dispute following the Tōhoku earthquake. His defense of Goldcorp Inc. against claims related to the El Morro mining project and his role in safeguarding General Motors of Canada Limited from a billion-dollar class action highlight his capacity to handle complex, high-value disputes.

Geoff's expertise extends to efficiently resolving tax disputes, managing construction arbitrations for mega projects, and defending against force majeure claims amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to secure expedited awards in international arbitrations, as seen in the quick service restaurant group's case, demonstrates his effectiveness in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

Recognition of Geoff's talents in dispute resolution comes from Benchmark Litigation Canada, affirming his status as a future star in the field. His contributions to legal scholarship, including co-authoring a guidebook on Canadian and international arbitration, and his active participation in speaking engagements reflect his commitment to advancing legal knowledge and practice.

Geoff's affiliations with prominent legal organizations, such as the Canadian and American Bar Associations and the Law Society of Ontario, among others, signify his active engagement with the legal community and his dedication to professional excellence.

In summary, Geoff's career is distinguished by his adept handling of complex disputes, innovative legal solutions, and a client-focused approach, making him a standout legal professional in the realms of arbitration and litigation.