Michael Watson

Michael Watson, a partner at Gowling WLG's Toronto branch, specializes in corporate and commercial litigation, administrative law, as well as employment and labour relations. His legal prowess extends across a diverse range of areas including commercial disputes, energy law, constitutional issues, and administrative proceedings. Watson's experience spans Ontario's various court levels, the Federal Court of Canada, and even the Supreme Court of Canada, along with trial and appellate courts in Alberta.

Watson has dedicated a significant portion of his career to advancing legal education within Ontario, especially in civil procedure and trial advocacy. Known as a leading figure in civil procedure, he frequently lectures Ontario Superior Court judges and participates in educational initiatives for The Law Society of Ontario, The Advocates' Society, Osgoode Hall Law School, and l'Université de Moncton.

Serving as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School since 1985, Watson imparts knowledge on advanced civil procedure topics to senior students. He has also been a mainstay as a senior instructor at the Intensive Advocacy Workshop at Osgoode Hall since 1984 and has been honored with the Law School's Adjunct Faculty Distinguished Service Award. His role as the provincial head of the Civil Litigation Section for the Law Society of Ontario's Bar Admission Course from 1994 to 2004 further underscores his commitment to legal education.

Watson contributes to the Ontario legal community as a part of the 4-member Civil Rules Secretariat, providing vital input to the Civil Rules Committee on updates to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Outside the courtroom and classroom, Watson's interests lie in the stars. An avid amateur astronomer and astrophotographer, he has been actively involved with The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, holding various executive roles and serving as its legal counsel.

His primary areas of practice include Employment, Labour & Equalities, and Commercial Litigation, reflecting his broad expertise and ability to handle complex legal challenges.

Watson's educational background is rooted in the University of Toronto, where he earned both his LLB in 1976 and his BA in 1973. His professional memberships include the Association of Trial Lawyers of North America, the International Bar Association's Business Law Section, and the Ontario Bar Association, showcasing his deep engagement with both the local and international legal communities.

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