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.
Latest News
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that our partner Andrew Lee has been named one of Post City Magazines and Streets Of Toronto’s Best Lawyers of 2024!
The list features over 300 lawyers across multiple practice areas. Lawyers in the directory are nominated by their peers for this prestigious honor.
To read the listing in the November edition of Bayview Post
Proud Moment for Bell Temple LLP!
We are thrilled to announce that Bell Temple LLP has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail. This award is a testament to our commitment to excellence, client
Congratulations to our Partner Ryan Truax on his recent success at the Court of Appeal.
The trial of Ali v. Irfan occurred in May of 2023. The sole issue at trial was whether the plaintiff had sustained a loss of competitive advantage in the workplace as a result of injuries
Each year on September 30th, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In commemoration of this day, Bell Temple LLP has made a donation to Woodland Cultural Centre.
Congratulations to our Partner Katherine E. Kolnhofer on being honoured as one of 2025 Best Lawyers (Insurance Law).
Congratulations to our Partner Trevor Buckley on his recent success at his trial under the Construction Act.
Trevor acted on behalf of the plaintiff, an electrical services contractor who performed improvements for a grocery store in Kitchener as part of a time and materials contract. Trevor was successful in obtaining
Welcome & Congratulations to our Newest Associates! (2024)
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that Matthew Murphy, Lanette Klettke, Owen Cromb, and Mark Wyatt have joined the firm as Associates upon their recent call to the Bar.
Bell Temple was proud to attend and support the Ecclesiastical Golden Jubilee Charity Golf Tournament
Bell Temple was proud to attend and support the Ecclesiastical Golden Jubilee Charity Golf Tournament in celebration of Ms. Jacinta Whyte’s 50th anniversary in the insurance industry. Not only was the day filled with
Lora Castellucci Genevieve Durigon were Honoured to be Invited to LawPRO’s® 3rd Annual Women’s Networking Event
Partner Lora Castellucci and Associate Genevieve Durigon were honoured to be invited to attend LawPRO’s® 2024 Women’s Preferred Counsel Networking Event held at the Advocates’ Society on June 14, 2024. This annual event—the
Congratulations to our Partners Hugh Brown, Kendall Cumming and Ryan Truax, on their respective successful trials.
Acknowledgement to our associates Brett Webster, Neema Nikzad and Angus Chalmers for their assistance on the trials.
Congratulations to our Partner Kendall Cumming and our Associate Angus Chalmers on their recent success following a three week long jury trial in Brampton.
The multimillion dollar judgment hinged on an implied consent issue vis a vis the owner and driver of the involved vehicle. All counsel involved fought fiercely in the courtroom, while showing true collegiality
Bell Temple Runs in the Toronto Marathon!
Yesterday Bell Temple participated in the Toronto Marathon.
It was a great day filled with fun and personal accomplishments.
Special thanks to our Associate, Anders Hoenisch, for organizing.
We will be making a donation in support
Katherine Kolnhofer will be speaking at this year’s NetDiligence on Top Data Breach Response Mistakes
Class Actions: COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Homes
Bell Temple LLP partners Lisa Hamilton and Andrew Lee, and associate, Tina Jian, successfully argued against certification on behalf of two independent homes involved in a class action lawsuit arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, after
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that our partner Andrew Lee has been named one of Post City Magazines and Streets Of Toronto’s Best Lawyers of 2023!
The list features over 300 lawyers across multiple practice areas. Lawyers in the directory are nominated by their peers for this prestigious honor.
To read the listing in the November edition of Bayview Post
Our Associate, Damien Van Vroenhoven, will be presenting top 10 LAT decisions at the CDL Annual Accident Benefits Fall Classic on November 23, 2023.
Register here:
https://www.cdlawyers.org/events/calendar.html/event-default/index/id/294
Bell Temple Rocks the YWL Gala Social
Happy Friday! Bell Temple rocked it at the YWL Gala Social last night – a fantastic event which included a riveting and unforgettable conversation with the distinguished Lisa LaFlamme! Big thank you to
Each Year on September 30th, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In commemoration of this day, Bell Temple LLP has made a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Bell Temple LLP is proud to support Vancestock XII taking place on Friday, September 29 in the TD Music Hall at the Allied Music Centre!
Vancestock is an annual charity fundraiser supporting Trails Youth Initiative. Trails takes inner-city, at-risk youth at age 12 and provides a transformative experience. 90% of the youth complete the program at age 16
Bell Temple LLP is proud to support the 1st Annual Golf Tournament and Fundraiser for Adult Autism and Tony’s Place.
This event provides an opportunity to bring awareness to Adults with Autism and their families and to help support this special cause.
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to support the Young Women in Law 12th Annual Charity Gala which will take place on October 5, 2023, at the Toronto Board of Trade. We wish YWL much success with this year’s Gala and thank YWL for the work it does in our legal community.
Congratulations to our Partner Katherine E. Kolnhofer on being honoured as one of 2024 Best Lawyers (Insurance Law).
Court orders defendant substantial indemnity costs for beating offer.
CITATION:Grotz v. 1392275 Ontario Inc. o/a Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Markham
2023 ONSC 4542
COURT FILE NO.: CV-14-120827
DATE: 20230808
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE – ONTARIO
RE: Brent Grotz, Plaintiff
AND:
1392275 Ontario Inc. o/a Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Markham and Pileggi
Genevieve Durigon was Honoured to be Invited to LawPRO’s® 2nd Annual Women’s Networking Event
9th June 2023
Our associate Genevieve Durigon was honoured to be invited to attend LawPRO’s® 2023 Women’s Preferred Counsel Networking Event held at the Advocates’ Society on June 9, 2023. This annual event—the second of its
Congratulations to our Partners Hugh Brown, Lora Castellucci and Ryan Truax, on their respective trial wins.
Acknowledgement to our associate, Neema Nikzad, and student, Angus Chalmers, for their assistance on the trials.
Applications are open for the 2024 Articling Student Program!
Bell Temple LLP is a top insurance and commercial litigation boutique located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Having been established in 1945, we have grown to a dynamic team of 35 lawyers
Bell Temple LLP is a proud sponsor of NetDiligence® Cyber Risk Summit 2023 in Toronto
Bell Temple LLP is a proud sponsor of NetDiligence® Cyber Risk Summit 2023 in Toronto. Our very own Katherine Kolnhofer will be discussing Disclosure in Incident Response on March 28! We look forward to connecting
Bell Temple LLP is honoured to be recognized once again as one of the Top 10 Insurance Litigation Boutiques by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.
Our firm takes great pride in being acknowledged as a Top 10 Insurance Defense Boutique by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. We are thankful for the support of our colleagues, peers, and most importantly, our
Bell Temple LLP was honored to participate in the 2022 Blakes Law Firm Challenge to support the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Bell Temple LLP was honored to participate in the 2022 Blakes Law Firm Challenge to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, the Daily Bread Food Bank is able to
Joseph Baldanza, Lora Castellucci, Genevieve Durigon and Damien Van Vroenhoven were honoured to attend the LawPRO® Preferred Counsel Lunch
November 18, 2022
Our lawyers Joseph Baldanza, Lora Castellucci, Genevieve Durigon and Damien Van Vroenhoven were honoured to be invited to LawPRO’s Preferred Counsel Lunch held at the Omni King Edward Hotel on November 18, 2022.
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that our partner Andrew Lee has been named one of Post City Magazines and Streets Of Toronto’s Best Lawyers of 2022!
November 17, 2022
The list features over 300 lawyers across multiple practice areas. Lawyers in the directory are nominated by their peers for this prestigious honor.
To read the listing in the November edition of Bayview Post –https://lnkd.in/gwaWNijJ
Congratulations to our Partner Steven Carlstrom in his recent success at the Superior Court of Ontario!
October 25, 2022
“Congratulations to our Partner Steven Carlstrom in his recent success at the Superior Court of Ontario!
The plaintiffs brought a motion pursuant to Rule 21 of the Rules of Civil Procedure to determine whether
Bell Temple participated in the 11th Annual Young Women in Law Charity Gala
October 6, 2022
Bell Temple participated in the 11th Annual Young Women in Law Charity Gala to support the Pro Bono Inmate Appeal Program (PIAP), which provides free and high-quality legal assistance to unrepresented appellants with
Congratulations to our Partner Ryan Truax on his recent success in opposing the Plaintiff’s motion to amend her claim to transfer the action to Simplified Procedure and strike the Defendant’s Jury Notice.
June 2, 2022
The Plaintiff commenced an action on January 28, 2019 in the ordinary procedure alleging injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The Defendant delivered a statement of defence and jury notice on April
Katherine E. Kolnhofer talks about Cyber - Maritime Industry
June 18, 2022
On June 18, our partner Katherine E. Kolnhofer had the opportunity to present at the Canadian Maritime Law Association.
Genevieve Durigon and Lora Castellucci were honoured to attend LawPRO® Women’s Networking Event
June 15, 2022
Our Genevieve Durigon and Lora Castellucci were honoured to attend the inaugural LawPRO® Women’s Networking Evening held at the Advocates’ Society on June 15, 2022. This event brought LawPRO® professionals together with counsel
Welcome & Congratulations to our Newest Associates!
Bell Temple LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew Garabedian, Marcus Rozsa and Neema Nikzad have joined the firm as Associates upon their recent call to the Bar.
Congratulations to our Andrew K. Lee on his recent success at the Supreme Court of Canada!
The plaintiff OZ Merchandising Inc. commenced an action seeking damages for negligence and intentional interference with its economic interests against the numerous defendants. The action proceeded to trial over a 9-week period against
Bell Temple is proud to support the Osgoode Women’s Network
Bell Temple was proud to support the 2022 “OWN Your Career” event presented by the Osgoode Women’s Network (“OWN”) on March 8, 2022—International Women’s Day. This event—attended by our associate, Genevieve Durigon—brought women-identifying
Congratulations to Lisa E. Hamilton and Genevieve Durigon on their recent success in challenging an appeal of a Master’s order that required the plaintiff to produce the family law lawyer’s litigation file
In the tort action of Veneris v. Parker et. al. (ONSC Court File No. CV-19-00614403-0000), the plaintiff claims in part that he suffered increased legal fees as a result of the alleged misconduct
Our Genevieve Durigon comments on changes to the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure concerning pre-trials, evidence at trial and other matters
Reg 18/22—filed under the Courts of Justice Act on January 21, 2022—introduces various changes to the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure with respect to pre-trials, evidence at trial and other matters.
Evidence at Trial
Now,
Congratulations to our partner Katherine Kolnhofer for her recent Osgoode Certification in Blockchain Law!
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 Judge following a
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 hours CPD (to
Steven Carlstrom will be presenting to the Property and Casualty Underwriting Club this coming Thursday, October 29, 2020 (see link below)
https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/events/riding-the-waves-of-covid-19-insurance-coverages/
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
January 1, 2020
Bell Temple LLP attends IBAO Convention
October 24, 2019
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.
October 7, 2019
Bradfield v. Royal & SunAlliance Ins. Co., 2019 ONCA 800
Congrats to Derek Abreu and Trevor Buckley for their victory at the Court of Appeal, upholding the dismissal of a plaintiff's action.
September 5, 2019
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 by Justice
Congrats to Andrew Lee for a shut out verdict, after a 9-week commercial litigation trial in Ottawa.
August 27, 2019
OZ Merchandising v. Canadian Soccer Association – Reasons for Judgment – Released August 27 2019
Bell Temple welcomes 4 articling students for 2019-2020
August 6, 2019
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.
August 3, 2019
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 general liability policy in
Congratulations to Tina Jian-Ahmadi on her Call to the Bar, and on being Hired Back.
June 26, 2019
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
June 21, 2019
Bell Temple attends Bay of Quinte Mutual Ins. Charity Golf Tournament.
June 19, 2019
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, in Brighton,
Bell Temple sponsors the WICC Gala 2019.
May 8, 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.
April 22, 2019
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
April 10, 2019
link to interview
Katherine Kolnhofer panelist at NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit #cybersecurity #netdiligence
April 3, 2019
Katherine Kolnhofer panelist at NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit
https://netdiligence.com/conferences/cyber-risk-summit-toronto-2019
Cam Godden retires from Bell Temple LLP.
March 25, 2019
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 went on
James Hirsh and Victoria Locs join Bell Temple LLP as new Associates.
March 11, 2019
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!
January 1, 2019
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 obtained through
Ryan Truax is made a Partner at the firm.
January 1, 2019
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
November 15, 2018
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!
August 20, 2018
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.
