Appellate Advocacy

In every court or government decision, there will be winners and there will be losers. Appealing a decision or defending against an appeal is a procedurally complicated, time-sensitive, and highly strategic matter. Whatever side you are on, having effective and experienced counsel is key.

From precedent-setting wins at the Supreme Court of Canada to preserving victory in high-stakes litigation, the specialized knowledge and depth of expertise offered at Levitt Sheikh is unmatched – and we have the results to prove it. Our team has appeared before appellate courts from coast-to-coast, including in British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario. Led by Howard Levitt, our lawyers have also appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on three separate occasions, each resulting in unanimous wins for our clients. In our most recent Supreme Court of Canada victory, Matthews v Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd., our efforts culminated in the recovery of a $1.1 million bonus for our client.

On top of our decades of combined experience, our success is rooted in an uncompromising approach to the review of lower-level decisions. Whether we are preparing a defence or an appeal, our lawyers have the procedural knowledge and advocacy style that is critical to attacking or defending decisions at all levels, from labour arbitrations to civil court matters. We act for both appellants and respondents. Whether it is:

  • providing opinions on complex appellate issues,
  • acting for clients in references and judicial reviews,
  • overturning adverse decisions,
  • preserving appeal rights at first instance,
  • advancing and opposing applications for leave, or
  • determining the feasibility of appeals,

our lawyers provide reliable and skilled counsel with a proven track record for success.

Our vigorous approach to advocacy is enhanced by a commitment to meaningfully recognizing the needs of each client. Throughout the appeal process we work tirelessly to understand our clients’ industry, business structures, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Each situation is unique, so talk with one of our lawyers about how we can help.