Commercial litigation
Contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, breach of fiduciary duty, and complex multi-party actions before Ontario Superior Court and the Court of Appeal.
Strategic legal representation for businesses and individuals facing complex commercial disputes, regulatory matters, and high-stakes transactions.
Focused expertise across commercial law — we take on fewer matters to give each client the attention their case demands.
Contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, breach of fiduciary duty, and complex multi-party actions before Ontario Superior Court and the Court of Appeal.
Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, corporate governance, and due diligence for mid-market deals.
Executive terminations, wrongful dismissal, restrictive covenants, workplace investigations, and HR policy advisory for employers and senior employees.
Securities compliance, professional discipline defence, regulatory investigations, and risk mitigation for regulated industries.
A focused 45-minute session to assess your matter, outline options, and provide a candid view of merits, risks, and estimated costs.
Consultation fee
$350
Credited toward retainer if you retain our firm within 30 days
Select a date and time. All inquiries are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Lawyer
Total 30.00 USD
Communications are confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege. Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship until a retainer agreement is signed.
We review facts, documents, and objectives. You receive an honest assessment — including whether we're the right firm for your matter.
A tailored legal strategy with clear milestones, budget parameters, and regular communication cadence agreed upfront.
Decisive action — negotiation, mediation, or litigation — with senior counsel directly involved throughout.
Senior Partner · LLB, Osgoode · Called 1998
James has spent nearly three decades litigating complex commercial disputes and advising boards on governance and risk. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario and represented clients in ICC arbitration proceedings.
Known for direct counsel and meticulous preparation, James leads the firm's litigation practice and personally oversees every matter the firm accepts. He believes clients deserve clarity — not jargon — about their options and costs.
When our acquisition hit a last-minute regulatory obstacle, James didn't panic — he had three solutions within 24 hours. That level of preparation and calm under pressure is why we retain Whitmore for every major transaction.— Managing Director, mid-market private equity firm
If you retain Whitmore & Associates within 30 days of your initial consultation, the $350 fee is credited in full toward your retainer. There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
Relevant contracts, correspondence, court documents, or regulatory notices. A brief written summary of the timeline is helpful. If documents are extensive, send them in advance and we'll review before meeting.
We offer hourly billing, fixed-fee arrangements for defined scopes, and contingency fees where appropriate and permitted by the Law Society. Fee estimates are provided in writing before work begins.
Yes. We appear before courts across Ontario and represent clients nationally in arbitration and regulatory matters. Initial consultations are available in person or via secure video conference.