Since his call to the bar 44 years ago, Gavin MacKenzie’s practice has focused on commercial litigation, civil appeals, arbitrations, judicial review applications, and professional responsibility, liability, and discipline. He has appeared as counsel in over 200 reported cases, before all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada and before many tribunals. He was honoured by induction as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2000.
In recent years Mr. MacKenzie has repeatedly been approached to serve as an arbitrator of commercial and partnership disputes. He has served as both a sole arbitrator and as a member of a three-arbitrator panel. His experience as an arbitrator includes law firm partnership and costs disputes. He has consistently been listed in Best Lawyers™ in Canada in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Mr. MacKenzie was elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario for four consecutive four-year terms, and was elected as Treasurer, the highest position in the Society, on three occasions between 2006 and 2008. He has also served as a Director of the Advocates' Society, the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto, and the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice.
Denise has worked in both large and boutique firms, and is continually expanding on her knowledge of the court system and legal procedures. Denise’s experience incorporates many aspects of the litigation process from pleadings through to trial and appeals at various levels of court, including the Ontario Superior Court, Commercial List, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal.
Denise is well-versed in legal practice administration, including preparing correspondence and court documents, and liaising with the courts, process servers, and opposing counsel. She also has experience in conducting corporate searches and enforcement proceedings, has held managerial and staff training roles, and has successfully supervised several top-tier event planning assignments.
In her spare time, Denise enjoys participating in extreme sports and hiking with her Australian Shepherds.