Commercial Litigation/Securities Litigation

Partner

Rob's practice focuses on complex commercial and securities litigation, securities regulation and class actions. He has extensive experience in Canadian and cross-border securities regulatory and enforcement matters, class actions, takeover bid litigation, foreign corrupt practices, appraisal and share valuation remedies, derivative actions, arrangements and the oppression remedy. Rob regularly advises corporations, Boards of Directors, Audit Committees and Special Committees in connection with internal and regulatory investigations and in connection with transactions. Rob has a broad trial and appellate practice in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal, Federal Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. He has appeared before the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions. Rob also has a robust pro bono practice, including in significant constitutional cases. Rob is listed in Chambers Global as one of the world's leading lawyers for dispute resolution. In 2015, Chambers Global quoted a source saying, "I have absolute trust in him. I want him representing my interests - he's smart and knows the law inside out. He can step into a situation and provide very clear, direct advice that is correct. He's a problem solver." In its 2014 directory, Rob was commended as "a brilliant lawyer – he's a real strategist, has the ability to see the big picture, and does a superb job… in court". In its 2012 directory, Chambers Global said Rob "earns praise for his skilled handling of complex cases", and that he "is absolutely first rate at examining and cross-examining witnesses". In 2011, Chambers Global commended Rob for his "excellent courtroom presence" and his ability to provide "practical and concise advice." In 2010, Chambers Global described Rob as "a masterful strategic thinker and a very proactive and determined advocate" and, in 2009, as "an extremely able, tactical lawyer who always knows cases inside-out." In both 2014 and 2015, Legal Media Group's Benchmark Canada, which has consistently recognized Rob in its rankings in securities litigation and class actions, conferred on Rob Benchmark's award as Canada's Securities Litigator of the Year. Rob is recognized by The Canadian Legal Expert Directory in the securities litigation, corporate and commercial litigation and directors' and officers' liability litigation categories. He is repeatedly recognized in the Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada in the securities litigation and corporate commercial litigation categories. Rob has served as a member of the board of directors of The Advocates' Society.

University of Toronto, LLB, 1985