Insurance Litigation
Bell Temple LLP provides a wide range of litigation services to some of Canada’s leading insurers and their policyholders. This includes being appointed as counsel in some of the highest profile and precedent setting cases in the country.
Privacy and Cybersecurity
We provide a full range of legal advisory services, from planning and risk management to post-breach coaching and partner with reputable Forensic consultants. Our team leverages their knowledge of national and international legislation and regulatory frameworks to implement cost-effective and strategic plans to assist businesses with data protection and breach response.
Commercial and General Litigation
At Bell Temple LLP, our strength lies in the capabilities of our lawyers. Long-tenured and innovative in their approach, our Partners are recognized as being highly skilled trial counsel with the experience to handle even the most complex disputes, including multi-party litigation.
Medical Malpractice, Health Discipline, Sex Abuse
Bell Temple’s Health Disciplines Unit represents regulated health professionals with discipline proceedings from the complaint stage through to hearings, reviews at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, and with defence services in the event of malpractice litigation.
Estates Litigation
Bell Temple LLP is well aware of the stress that people undergo when dealing with complicated and protracted estates matters. Our lawyers are here to help clients navigate the legal issues involved. We strive for practical and confidential solutions, that are expeditious and cost-effective.
Latest News
Congratulations to David Tompkins, Trevor Buckley and Mark Borgo for their recent success at the Supreme Court of Canada!
The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) released its decision in the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (“TLABC”) v. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”), with our David Tompkins, Trevor
Bell Temple is proud to support the Black Law Students Association at Osgoode Hall
Several of our BT lawyers were honoured to attend the recent External Mentorship Launch initiative of the Black Law Students Association at Osgoode. The mentorship program will provide an opportunity for Black students
Congratulations to our partner Hugh Brown on his recent successful motion for summary judgment!
In an endorsement dated October 19, 2021 in the action of Shi v. Zhao et al (ONSC Court File No. CV-20-641798), Her Honour Justice P. Tamara Sugunasiri dismissed the plaintiff’s action on the
Bell Temple marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - today honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. We take time to commemorate this tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools #WeWearOrange
Congratulations to our partner Andrew Lee on his recent success in the Ontario Court of Appeal!
In its recently released decision of OZ Merchandising Inc. v. Canadian Professional Soccer League Inc., 2021 ONCA 520 the Court of Appeal dismissed the plaintiff’s appeal of the decision of the Trial
Managing Mental Health in Trying Times - Bell Temple welcomes speaker Marla Warner
Bell Temple was pleased to have Marla Warner join us for a Zoom webinar on June 28, 2021 where she focused on managing mental health in the context of the pandemic.
Marla is a
Congratulations to our 2020 / 2021 articling students - Anja Perc, Maryam Younes and Brett Webster, on their call to the Bar. Anja, Maryam and Brett will be returning as associates and we look forward to having them back!
Bell Temple welcomes new associates Jillian Beaulieu, Dylan Bal and Taras Kuper!
Katherine Kolnhofer will be moderating at NetDiligence on April 26, 2021 11:45 am - Cyber Claims and Losses Trends and Updates
Bell Temple honoured to again be named as a Top Ten Insurance Litigation Boutique by Canadian Lawyer Magazine
We are proud to once again be named a Top 10 Insurance Defence Boutique by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Thank you to our colleagues and peers, and most of all our clients. We are proud
*Update - Amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act came into effect January 29, 2021
Our associate Genevieve Durigon with comment:
A bill to amend the Occupiers’ Liability Act to add a requirement of written notice for claims arising from injuries caused by snow and ice was given assent.
2021 Firm Update - we are pleased to announce that Brenda Lockwood and Adrian Serpa have joined the partnership. Also, Lora Castellucci has been appointed as our new managing partner. We thank Andrew Lee for his years of service in that role and congratulations to Brenda, Adrian and Lora!
Our partner Lora Castellucci will be presenting on the Top 10 Accident Benefit cases of 2020 at the upcoming Accident Benefits Fall Classic on December 3, 2020
Date: December 3, 2020 Length: Half Day 9 am – 12:00 pm EST
Where: Live Online
Cost: CDL Members $226.00 Non-Members $310.75
Claims Managers and Adjusters Special Rate: $163.85
Contact [email protected] to register
Accreditation: Approx 3
Steven Carlstrom will be presenting to the Property and Casualty Underwriting Club this coming Thursday, October 29, 2020 (see link below)
Belated congratulations to Danielle Tavernese, Norman Yallen and Sean Frankland on their hireback to the firm at the conclusion of their articles!
Katherine Kolnhofer will be speaking on Cyber Risk Management from a legal and operational perspective at the Big Data & AI virtual conference on September 29 at 4 pm - register to join!
Bell Temple welcomes new associates Jaspal Sangha and Raymond Ashurov!
Bell Temple welcomes our 2020 / 2021 articling students Anja Perc, Maryam Younes and Brett Webster!
Katherine Kolnhofer speaking on Operational and Cyber Risk Management and the Impact of COVID 19
On August 26, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. EST Katherine will be participating in a webcast discussion titled “Operational and Cyber Risk Management | Transportation Sector – Impact of COVID -19.”
The transportation sector has
The Ongoing Impact of COVID on Litigation - Practical Advice on How to Navigate a Global Pandemic
The last few months have been unprecedented for all persons in Canada. Governments and businesses have been forced to alter, adapt, and in many cases, cease operations in order to respond to the
* Bell Temple Updated COVID-19 Response *
As most are aware, the Province has now declared a state of emergency and has ordered the closure of non-essential services. Lawyers are exempt as an essential service. At Bell Temple, we are fortunate
Congrats to Ryan Truax on his recent decision pertaining to partial summary judgment #litigators
Medeiros v. Petopia Ltd. et al 2020 ONSC 1562 is one of the few cases that addresses partial summary judgment in the context of when some, but not all, defendants are released from
* Bell Temple's COVID-19 Response *
Our firm measures in regards to COVID-19
To our valued clients and colleagues,
As you all know, the spread of the novel Coronavirus which causes COVID-19 has been categorized as a pandemic by the World
Bell Temple (once again) named one of Canada's Top 10 Insurance Boutiques
We are pleased to announce that the firm has again been named by Canadian Lawyer magazine as a Top 10 Insurance Defence Litigation Boutique for 2020 – 2021. As always, the rankings were
Join our Katherine Kolnhofer to get an update on Breach Reporting, Investigation and Enforcement Activity on February 21 @NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit!
Our partner Katherine Kolnhofer presented on Cyber Crime and best practice in dealing with this ever-changing threat at the recent #OIAA conference in Toronto
We are pleased to announce that Trevor Buckley has been made Partner at the firm, effective January 1, 2020
Katherine Kolnhofer will be presenting on Cyber Crime at the OIAA Conference on January 22, 2020
Kendall Cumming becomes an Equity Partner, effective 2020
Bell Temple LLP attends IBAO Convention
Kendall, Ryan and Steve would like to thank our friends at the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario for having us at their hospitality night at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto, on October 24, 2019. We had
Congrats to Derek Abreu and Mark Borgo for their victory at the Court of Appeal, in a case involving an insurer taking an off-coverage position due to a policy violation.
Congrats to Derek Abreu and Trevor Buckley for their victory at the Court of Appeal, upholding the dismissal of a plaintiff's action.
In Erland v. R.W. Tomlinson Ltd. et al., the plaintiff claim’s for injunctive relief and damages for the flooding of his land was initially dismissed for delay at a status hearing
Congrats to Andrew Lee for a shut out verdict, after a 9-week commercial litigation trial in Ottawa.
Bell Temple welcomes 4 articling students for 2019-2020
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to welcome to the firm the following articling students for 2019-2020: Sean Frankland, Danielle Tavernese, Adin Wagner and Norman Yallen.
Congrats to David Tompkins and Trevor Buckley for their victory at the Court of Appeal, resulting in the dismissal of a plaintiff's actions.
In Marvelous Mario’s Inc. v. St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co., 2019 ONCA 635, the plaintiffs commenced two separate actions to claim for insurance proceeds under a commercial
Congratulations to Tina Jian-Ahmadi on her Call to the Bar, and on being Hired Back.
Congratulations to Tina Jian-Ahmadi on her Call to the Bar at the Law Society of Ontario, on June 26, 2019. Tina started at Bell Temple LLP as an articling student in July 2018,
Congrats to Derek Abreu for a shut out jury verdict in an Occupiers Liability case. #belltemple #litigators
Bell Temple attends Bay of Quinte Mutual Ins. Charity Golf Tournament.
Bell Temple LLP wants to thank its friends at Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance for a great day at its Annual Charity Golf Tournament, recently held at Timber Ridge Golf Course,
Bell Temple sponsors the WICC Gala 2019.
Bell Temple LLP is proud to have joined the fight against cancer by being a sponsor and supporter of the WICC Gala 2019. A wonderful evening of entertainment and camaraderie with other industry
Anna Iourina joins Bell Temple as a new Associate.
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to welcome Anna Iourina (2016 call) as a new Associate at the firm. Anna brings a wealth of experience in working on complex files, and will be a
Ryan Coughlin representing Radiohead at Coroner's Inquest interviewed by Global News
Katherine Kolnhofer panelist at NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit #cybersecurity #netdiligence
Katherine Kolnhofer panelist at NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit
https://netdiligence.com/conferences/cyber-risk-summit-toronto-2019
Cam Godden retires from Bell Temple LLP.
Cam Godden retired from Bell Temple in March 2019, after having been the face of the firm for over 45 years. He started at Bell Temple as an articling student, and
James Hirsh and Victoria Locs join Bell Temple LLP as new Associates.
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to welcome James Hirsh (2015 call) and Victoria Locs (2017 call) as new Associates at the firm. They will be valuable additions to our expanding team of lawyers,
Bell Temple Named One of Canada’s Top 10 Insurance Defence Boutiques!
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that the firm has been named by Canadian Lawyer magazine as a Top 10 Insurance Defence litigation boutique for 2019-2020. The magazine’s rankings were
Ryan Truax is made a Partner at the firm.
Congratulations to Ryan Truax, who was made a Partner at Bell Temple LLP effective January 2019. Since starting his career at Bell Temple as an articling student, Ryan has proven to be a
Katherine E. Kolnhofer talks Cyber at Toronto Police Headquarters
On November 15, Katherine presented on BREACH READINESS & REPORTING IN CANADA @ the InfoSecTo Executive Seminar Series at Toronto Police Headquarters. #education #cyber #protection #litigation #regulations #techlaw
Congratulations to Sean Frankland, Danielle Tavernese and Adin Wagner on being hired as articling students for 2019-2020!
Welcome to Bell Temple LLP
Bell Temple LLP was founded in 1945, and is one of the leading litigation law firms in Canada. Based out of our office in downtown Toronto, we specialize in providing litigation services to corporations, associations, institutions, insurers and their policyholders.
At Bell Temple LLP, our strength lies in the capabilities of our lawyers. Long-tenured and innovative in their approach, our Partners are recognized as being highly skilled trial counsel with the experience to handle even the most complex multi-party disputes and actions. Our lawyers rely on the depth of their litigation knowledge to achieve excellent results for our clients, in a cost-effective and timely manner. It is our skill, conviction and professionalism in the courtroom that sets our lawyers apart.
Lawyers at Bell Temple LLP are recognized as industry leaders and are regularly retained in high profile, precedent setting cases. We are proud to be preferred litigation counsel for some of the largest corporations, banks, national and multi-national insurers, construction companies, restaurant and grocery store chains, and health professional associations across the country.
