Alex Payne

An experienced trial lawyer, Alex takes a practical approach to litigation—he aligns legal strategy with his clients’ broader business objectives to target the most efficient route to an appropriate resolution, whether through negotiated settlement or formidable advocacy before courts and tribunals.

Alex advises clients on a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters—including highly contentious insolvency disputes, real-time shareholder oppression proceedings, contractual disputes, fraud and asset recovery, as well as financial crimes and professional negligence. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, the Supreme Court of British Columbia and assisted on cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. With extensive experience in motions, applications, trials and appeals, Alex frequently appears before the Commercial List of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He also supports clients in internal investigations and disputes involving fraud and employee misconduct, collaborating with regulators and law enforcement when necessary.

Complementing his general commercial litigation work, Alex is uniquely positioned to deliver targeted counsel in:

• Construction Law: Alex advises owners, contractors and subcontractors in respect of construction lien litigation and interim adjudication commenced as part of the Ontario Dispute Adjudication for Construction Contracts (ODACC).
• Class Actions and Mass Torts: With a focus on the biotech, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, Alex represents manufacturers and distributors of drugs, medical devices and consumer products. His work often spans international jurisdictions, and he is adept at managing and coordinating Canadian litigation within broader global proceedings.

Alex has been repeatedly recognized as “One to Watch” in Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada, first being recognized in 2021 after acting as counsel on a complex, multi-billion-dollar fully electronic four-month trial on the Commercial List of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Prior to joining Bennett Jones, Alex completed his JD at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he won several awards for oral advocacy. Alex is a member of the Toronto Lawyers Association, the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association and the Advocates' Society.