Dante Capannelli

Dante is a Partner at Levitt LLP.  With extensive experience as counsel to two leading international companies and a strong background in complex, challenging, high-stakes litigation, client advocacy, and dispute resolution, Dante brings the expertise and interpersonal skills needed to serve and represent the firm’s clients with distinction. He is a trusted advocate, mentor, and advisor and is recognized by his peers to be civil and fair-minded.

A member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, Dante has over 29 years of combined private practice and in-house counsel experience spanning commercial, construction, employment, real property, insurance (plaintiff and defence), and bankruptcy and insolvency litigation. He has represented a broad range of domestic and international clients in complex, high-stake matters at every stage of the litigation process.  A former prosecutor, Dante has appeared as lead counsel before arbitrators, adjudicators, mediators, the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (jury and non-jury trials), and administrative tribunals across the province of Ontario. 

Dante’s proficiency in English and French, combined with his ability to navigate both common law and civil law, has allowed him to successfully lead litigation efforts and manage diverse legal matters across Ontario and Quebec.

Dante is called upon daily to lead with resilience, demonstrate creativity, discernment and good judgment, drive change, and navigate high-pressure environments.  He effectively manages risk, complex relationships, and stakeholder dynamics, while liaising with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and legal counsel to deliver positive outcomes and achieve strategic objectives.

A Certified Specialist in Construction Law and Certified In-House Counsel – Canada, Dante possesses considerable business and governance acumen and has actively contributed to policy development and legislative reform affecting Ontarians. Dante is an executive member of the Board for the Ontario Bar Association and currently serves as Audit Committee Chair and Chair of Sections, where he creates opportunities for idea-exchange, support, leadership and connection within and across practice areas and affinity groups. Dante regularly writes, speaks, and teaches on topics related to civil, commercial, and construction law.

Building strong stakeholder relationships is central to Dante’s approach. Through thought leadership, proactive communication, skilled negotiation, and collaboration, he fosters trust and alignment among diverse parties – including industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, agencies, boards, and all levels of government (municipal, provincial, and federal). This enables him to navigate complex challenges effectively and deliver beneficial outcomes.

Outside the firm and the practice of law, Dante is an avid distance runner and triathlete. He has completed numerous half marathons, three Abbott World Marathon Majors, and three Half Ironmans. In 2026, Dante aims to complete the Tokyo Marathon and the Ironman Italy Emilia Romagna.

Areas of practice

• Labour and Employment
• Civil and Commercial Litigation
• Construction Law
• Insurance

Education + Credentials

• Called to the Ontario Bar, 1996
• Université Laval, BCL, 1993
• The University of Western Ontario, LL.B., 1994

Recognition

Dante is recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with a BV Distinguished peer review rating.