A partner in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group, and Chair of the firm’s Cannabis and Franchise Law Groups, Matt brings more than 17 years of experience combining a unique skillset that makes him an accomplished trial and appellate advocate to a wide range of clients, as well as a savvy business lawyer, negotiator and deal maker.
Within his litigation practice, Matt is an articulate and a detail-oriented advocate, acting for his business clients on a wide range of commercial disputes. Matt’s advocacy experience has yielded countless successful attendances before various levels of court in Ontario, as well as courts in both BC and Alberta. In addition to the public justice system, Matt frequently represents clients in both domestic and international arbitrations. He is equally as well known and respected amongst the bench as he is the bar.
Having built a robust multi-pronged practice, Matt applies his practical business and regulatory advice to counsel a wide range of cannabis industry stakeholders, including federal and provincial license holders, owners of businesses that provide ancillary services to the cannabis industry, entrepreneurs with start-up aspirations and foreign businesses who are looking to enter the Canadian market or enter into partnerships with established Canadian cannabis businesses. Given the ever-evolving cannabis landscape, Matt’s clients can rely on his proactive approach to keeping them abreast of all developing and predecessor legislation at the federal, provincial and municipal levels across the entire country, allowing him to capably service clients throughout Canada and internationally. His expertise has made him a sought-after lawyer in this area, leading him to be retained as trusted advisor to a number of American and international celebrities seeking advice on their relationships with Canadian cannabis companies.
Leveraging his sharp advocacy skills and business acumen, Matt acts for franchisors and franchisees, advising them on their corporate affairs and representing them in franchise litigation matters. Both franchisors and franchisees benefit from Matt’s knowledge on rights and obligations and his assistance in preparing franchise disclosure documents and other related franchise agreements.
A known thought leader, Matt contributes regularly to print and online media publications on issues pertaining to legal developments within the cannabis industry and corporate litigation. He is frequently sought out by Canadian media outlets to comment on matters pertaining to the cannabis industry and regularly speaks at industry conferences across the continent. Matt is also an editor of the Torkin Manes Cannabis Law Group blog.
Clients appreciate Matt’s ability to digest and comprehend all aspects of a given dispute or problem and quickly identify the most appropriate strategy to bring about the most effective result for his clients.