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Michael C. Smith

Partner

Partner |

T: 416.777.5758

Toronto

Michael Smith
 
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events
  • Related Services

T: 416.777.5758


Toronto

  • Education
  • Bar Admissions
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events
  • Related Services
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events
  • Related Services

Experience in-house and experience collaborating to resolve some of the largest crises affecting global businesses are part of what make Michael Smith the trusted advisor that clients choose to help manage their risk, solve their big problems, and to recognize the “small” problems that can develop into big ones.

Michael has been there before. He has extensive experience handling global cases and provides clients with innovative, business-oriented solutions to the issues they may be facing.

Prior to joining Bennett Jones, Michael was Counsel to General Motors of Canada Company, where he managed or advised on litigation, regulatory and business matters including class actions, dealer/franchisee disputes, commercial litigation, product liability and warranty claims, autonomous and connected vehicles, vehicle sharing, eBikes, vehicle safety and emissions investigations and compliance, consumer product safety, recalls, warranties, advertising and marketing, competition law compliance, labour and employment matters, pension and benefits issues, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation, environmental matters, insurance, and, research and development. Michael also provided legal support to GM's Government Relations Department.

Michael worked closely with other executives and many different business units while at GM. He has a keen eye for solutions that exceed business objectives and for continuous process improvement.

Before joining General Motors, Michael was a partner at another national Canadian law firm where he enjoyed a broad and thriving litigation practice that included class actions, product liability and recalls, commercial litigation, crisis management and communications, transportation law (marine, aviation, trucking, freight forwarding, customs broking, and terminal operations), defamation, insurance law, municipal and police liability, and personal injury litigation (both plaintiff and defence).

The product brands that Michael has represented include:

Cadillac Mazda LG
Chevrolet Nissan Winchester Ammunition
GMC Maven Polaris
Buick Lyft Indian Motorcycle
Saab Ariv eBike Miracle Blade
Hummer Makita
Opel Ryobi
Volkswagen Dirt Devil
Audi Milwaukee
Porsche Whirlpool

 

Michael is a recognized leader in Class Actions and Product Liability, and received the Benchmark Litigation Product Liability Litigator of the Year award in 2016.

Michael is a Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Environmental and Toxic Torts Subcommittee and a guest lecturer in the Osgoode Hall Law School Class Actions Course.

Away from work, Michael is a pilot, adventure-seeker and an amateur musician.

Education

University of Windsor, LLB, 1996

Bar Admissions

Ontario, 1998

Recent Recognition

Benchmark Litigation Canada
Litigation Star

Insights, News & Events

Blog

Are Gun Manufacturers Liable for Mass Shootings?

March 01, 2021
       

Articles

Michael Smith on 5 Lists Every In-House Lawyer Can Keep

February 19, 2021
       

Speaking Engagements

Michael Smith on ABA Panel on Mass Torts and Product Liability

January 28, 2021
       

In the News

Bennett Jones in Law Times on Ideal Videoconferencing Design

July 21, 2020
       

Speaking Engagements

Michael Smith Joins Panel on Privilege: A Litigator's Guide

June 16, 2020
       

In the News

Michael Smith in Canadian Press on Pandemic Lawsuits

June 07, 2020
       

Announcements

Imagining the Ideal Video-Conferencing Solution

May 25, 2020
       

Blog

COVID-19 Class Actions Weekly Round-Up

May 20, 2020
       

Blog

COVID-19 Class Actions Weekly Round-Up

April 21, 2020
       

Blog

Further Business Tax Perks for Zero-Emission Vehicles

March 09, 2020
       

Speaking Engagements

Michael Smith on The High Stakes World of Emissions Litigation

January 29-31, 2020
       

Blog

Canada's Cabinet Mandate Letters Highlight Focus on Zero-Emission Vehicles

January 16, 2020
       

Blog

Quebec Government Launches Public Consultations on Consumer Protection

December 13, 2019
       

In the News

Law Times on Michael Smith Joining Bennett Jones

September 19, 2019
       

Announcements

Michael Smith Joins Bennett Jones as Partner

September 18, 2019
       

Related Services

Arbitration
Cannabis Law
Commercial Transactions
Product Liability
Retail, Consumer & Luxury Law
Automotive
Class Action Litigation
Defamation
Product Regulation
Technology, Media & Entertainment
Biotech, Pharma & Lifesciences
Commercial Litigation
Franchising
Energy Regulatory Law
Transportation

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