Michael is recognized as one of the leading senior commercial litigators in Canada. In recent years, he has acted on some of the most significant litigation disputes in Canada for clients in various industries.
Michael has appeared at all levels of court in Canada, as well as at proceedings in the U.S. and England. He has represented clients in criminal jury trials, civil and constitutional appeals, and other cases that would be brought before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Benchmark Litigation wrote about him:
"Michael Barrack is a seasoned veteran litigator who has steadily received resounding praise from a staggering number of peers, many of whom reside well beyond the borders of his home province of Ontario. Of particular note is Michael's trial prowess, which has been called into service on many matters of a high-profile and high-stakes nature."
"When something looks like it's going to go all the way, Michael Barrack is someone you can count on to see it through. Even if it winds up settling on the courthouse steps, he is ready to walk up those steps at any time."
He is also noted as possessing "superior trial savvy, with a clinical, strategic approach that is never a bulldog-tantrum approach. It's more a street-fighter-meets-master-chess-player approach." On the strength of this collective acclaim, he was awarded "Trial Counsel of the Year".
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Michael was named Ontario Trial Lawyer of the Year (2017), Ontario Litigator of the Year (2016) and National Trial Lawyer of the Year (2015) in the Benchmark Canada Awards. He is also recognized as a leading litigator in the following publications:
The Legal 500 Canada 2019-2020 (Dispute Resolution - Leading Lawyer)
Chambers Canada: Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business - 2019-2020 (Litigation: General Commercial - Ontario)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2019-2020 (Class Action Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Director and Officer Liability Practice, Legal Malpractice Law and Securities Law)
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2019 (Litigation - Directors' & Officers' Liability; Litigation - Corporate Commercial; Insolvency & Financial Restructuring - Insolvency Litigation; Litigation - Securities; Class Actions)
Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business - 2017-2019 (Dispute Resolution)
The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada 2019 (Corporate Commercial Litigation and Directors' & Officers' Liability)
The 2018 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (Corporate Commercial Litigation and Directors' & Officers' Liability)
The Legal 500 Canada 2018 (Dispute Resolution)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2018 (Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Director and Officer Liability Practice; Legal Malpractice Law and Securities Law)
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2018 (Class Actions; Insolvency & Financial Restructuring - Insolvency Litigation; Litigation - Corporate Commercial; Litigation - Directors' & Officers' Liability; Litigation - Securities)
The 2017 Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-border Litigation Lawyers in Canada (Corporate Commercial; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring)
Chambers Canada: Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business 2017 (Dispute Resolution)
The Legal 500 Canada 2017 (Dispute Resolution - Ontario)
The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2017 (Dispute Resolution)
The 2017 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (Litigation - Corporate Commercial)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016 (Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Director and Officer Liability Practice; Legal Malpractice Law; Personal Injury Litigation - Medical Negligence; Securities Law - Litigation)
The Legal 500 Canada 2016 (Leading Lawyer - Dispute Resolution)
Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canada's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys - 2014 Edition (Local Litigation Star: Ontario - Civil Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Litigation and International Arbitration)
Legal Media Group's Guide to the World's Leading Litigation and Product Liability Lawyers 2014 (Litigation)