NEWS & PUBLICATIONS

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.

At the beginning of 2025, our firm marked a significant milestone as we bid farewell to a remarkable legal mind and an exceptional leader. Bob Sutherland, a name synonymous with integrity, advocacy, and mentorship, has officially retired from the practice of law.

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.

Black Sutherland is pleased with another Summary Judgment success; this time, on a limitation period issue.

The Honourable Mr. Justice H.K. O’Connell ruled that where the claims of an injured party were discoverable within the two-year limitation period, a claim brought outside that time frame is statue-barred.

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.

In light of the continued spread of COVID-19 and more recently, the global pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization, we at Black Sutherland LLP have been taking various precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our employees, families, clients and the greater community.
We have asked our lawyers and staff to work remotely and to limit office attendances to once per week to reduce the risk of exposure while travelling to and from the office. We have high level technology in place that enables us to work remotely in an efficient and completely secure manner.

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.