At Black Sutherland LLP, we’ve always taken pride in going the extra mile for our clients—many of whom we’ve had the privilege of working with for years. Whether we’re in the courtroom or offering behind-the-scenes guidance, our focus is on protecting what matters most.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Bob Sutherland. Bob was a respected leader, a dedicated mentor, and an integral part of our firm’s history. His contributions to the legal community and the people he worked with have left a lasting legacy.

We are pleased to announce that Black Sutherland LLP will be relocating to a new office effective August 6, 2024. Our new address will be:

5000 Yonge Street, Suite 1504
North York, ON M2N 7E9

This move represents our commitment to providing enhanced services and a modern environment designed to support our team and clients.

We can’t believe it even has to be said, but yes, that is correct. Numerous reports of counsel vaping, smoking, reading the newspaper and wearing casual attire have emerged recently, highlighting the need for our courts to finally do something about it.

On January 31, 2022 ,O. Reg 18/22 was enacted to amend the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and forms. These amendments target pre-trial procedures and expert reports with the goal of ensuring parties and their counsel are ready for trial at an early stage.

As many professionals can relate, demanding hours and stressful work environments can have long-lasting detrimental effects on employees. At times, it may be next to impossible to balance managing stress and ‘penciling in time’ for self-care on a day-to-day basis.

We are pleased to announce that Bradley Gould and Ishara Fernando have joined Black Sutherland LLP as articling students at the firm. They will be exposed to various areas of litigation including insurance, commercial and administrative law.

Ishara Fernando
Direct Phone: 647-427-6821
Email: ifernando@blacksutherland.

The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal released a decision approving permanent Official Plan designations and zoning for the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte. Burl’s Creek is the annual site of the Boots and Hearts Country Music Festival and was chosen by the Rolling Stones as the only Canadian venue for its most recent tour.

Bob Sutherland’s recent trial verdict was featured recently in the Toronto Sun. The jury found McMaster University was not liable for the Plaintiff’s injuries. As a result of the verdict, the University was awarded $95,000 for legal costs incurred to defend the action.

David Merner was successful during what has been described as the longest trial in Ontario history. The Trial lasted an unprecedented 106 trial days, before Justice Edwards’ rendered his judgment on July 16, 2018. The Plaintiff had claimed $60 million dollars as a result of personal injuries allegedly suffered during a 1999 train derailment.

Lynn Turnbull led roundtable discussions on “Effective Self-Promotion” and “Practice Development and Profile Building” at the Women in Litigation Symposium on October 27, 2017.

In a decision issued on July 25, 2018, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal refused an appeal of the decision of Clarington Municipal Council to refuse a “Seasonal Event Venue” in a rural area of Clarington. Nick Macos of Black Sutherland was successful in defending Council’s decision.