Cheryl M. Woodin

Partner  •  Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department

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Summarize
Cheryl Woodin delivers strategic, practical advocacy in complex, high-stakes litigation. She has developed market-wide recognition for her ability to build and execute litigation strategies that best reflect a client’s strongest positions.

Overview

Commercial & Regulatory Litigation

As Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department, Cheryl is a client-centered problem solver and trusted advocate for high-impact cases. With both jury and non-jury trial experience and appearances at all levels of court in Canada, Cheryl represents some of Canada’s largest companies in their most significant legal disputes, shaping legal outcomes with precision.

Cheryl’s experience in the courtroom has resulted in her recognition as one of Benchmark's Top 50 Trial Lawyers in Canada for 2024. 

Cheryl Woodin acted as a lead counsel in Workman Optometry Professional Corporation v. Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, recognized as one of Lexpert’s Top Ten Business Decisions of 2022–2023. Bennett Jones represented The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company in this business interruption coverage dispute arising out of industry wide claims for pandemic losses pursued in class proceedings.  The claim was successfully defended on its merits at trial. The Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal.

Product Liability & Class Actions

Cheryl is at the forefront of class action claims and multi-jurisdictional disputes in Canada, known for her precedent-setting work in consumer claims and product liability. She has been recognized as Class Action Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada and named the Toronto Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Law by Best Lawyers in Canada.

Cheryl’s extensive experience spans a variety of industries—including automotive, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, consumer products, and financial services, among others. It also includes a variety of areas of law, including consumer protection laws of all kinds, competition issues, securities and environmental regulation.

Industry Leadership & Involvement

Cheryl is a highly engaged leader in the legal profession and beyond, actively shaping its future through thought leadership, mentorship, and service. She is a member of The Advocates' Society, including by serving on its Board, the Ontario Bar Association, and the International Association of Defence Counsel. She is also an enthusiastic corporate fundraising committee member for the Guts & Glory event at Covenant House. Cheryl has been adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and served as Co-Chair of the University of Toronto’s University Tribunal, Trial Division for many years, ending in 2025.

A sought-after speaker and recognized authority on litigation strategy, trial advocacy and class action defense, Cheryl regularly presents on civil litigation, risk management and regulatory developments. She clerked for Justice Allen Linden of the Federal Court of Appeal.

,,An exceptionally strong practitioner. Practical, business savvy and client focused.,,

What Clients Say

Client Work

Adventus Mining Corporation in its C$200-million acquisition by Silvercorp Metals by way of plan of arrangement
Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, in its successful defence of a class action alleging violations of the Ontario Securities Act in relation to cryptocurrency products at the trial level and before the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Directors of Katanga Mining Limited in defence of a proposed representative action commenced on behalf of minority shareholders of Katanga for alleged oppression in relation to Katanga's $7.6 billion rights offering and go-private transaction.
Pharmascience in its successful summary judgment motion dismissing a proposed multi-billion-dollar class action, and in defence of multiple class actions in jurisdictions across the country involving allegations regarding the presence of nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceutical products
Apotex in defence of a class action relating to allegations regarding the presence of nitrosamine impurities in recalled drugs.
Hyundai and Kia in defence of class actions relating to allegations of engine and air bag defects.

Recognitions & Awards

Chambers Canada

Ranked Band 1, Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)
Ranked Band 1, Litigation: Product Liability

Benchmark Litigation: Canada

Recognized as a Litigation Star
Recognized as one of the Top 50 Trial Lawyers
Recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Litigation

Benchmark Canada Awards

Class Action Litigator of the Year, 2024
Class Action Litigator of the Year, 2018

The Legal 500 Canada

Leading Lawyer, Dispute Resolution: Ontario

Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

Most Frequently Recommended, Class Actions; Litigation - Product Liability
Consistently Recommended, ESG
Repeatedly Recommended, Litigation - Corporate Commercial; Life Sciences & Health
Lexpert's Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40: Past Recipient - Leading Lawyer Under 40

Lexpert's Leading 500 Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada

Recognized as a leading Class Action lawyer  

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

  • Queen's University, BA, 1993
  • University of Toronto, LLB, 1996

Bar Admissions

  • Ontario, 1998
  • British Columbia, 2022

Insights

Fintech in Canada Q3 2024Blog

Fintech in Canada Q3 2024

November 7, 2024
Matthew FlynnSimon GrantKim Lawton
& 3 more
Statutory Amendments to Certification Test Banman v Ontario 2023 ONSC 6187Blog

Statutory Amendments to Certification Test: Banman v Ontario, 2023 ONSC 6187

August 22, 2024
Cheryl M. WoodinSidney (Sid) Brejak
Cheryl M. Woodin & Sidney (Sid) Brejak
Class Actions Looking Forward 2024Update

Class Actions: Looking Forward 2024

August 22, 2024
Cheryl M. WoodinMichael A. Eizenga L.S.M.Pascale Dionne-Bourassa
& 14 more

News, Events & Speaking Engagements

PlaceholderSpeaking Engagement

Consumer Product Liability Claims

August 24, 2023
Cheryl M. Woodin
Cheryl M. Woodin
PlaceholderSpeaking Engagement

Cheryl Woodin on Cross-Border Mass Torts Litigation

January 22, 2020
Cheryl M. Woodin
Cheryl M. Woodin
PlaceholderIn The News

Law Times on Ontario's Bill 161

January 8, 2020
Cheryl M. Woodin
Cheryl M. Woodin