Toronto dispute resolution boutique Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP houses a specialist insurance litigation practice that is ‘laser-focused on achieving client objectives’. Particularly active on behalf of policyholder clients, the team handles high-stakes claims in the cyber, D&O, E&O, life insurance and environmental liability areas, among others. Department head Hovsep Afarian is widely lauded as ’one of the most capable policyholder-side lawyers in Canada’. Other key litigators include Crawford Smith and new counsel Dennis Ong, who joined in January 2025 from Aviva Trial Lawyers.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Lawyers stand out for their excellent work, outside-the-box solutions and ability to work closely with clients. In particularly, Dennis Ong stands out for his comprehensive opinions, high-quality work and excellent client relations.’
‘Hovsep Afarian is one of the most capable policyholder-side lawyers in Canada. As an insurer-side coverage counsel, I look forward to files with him as I know he will understand nuance and suggest solutions.’
‘This team is known for its fierce approach to litigation and its deep understanding of complex coverage issues. It has a growing insurance group, which is comprised of lawyers from various backgrounds.’
‘Dennis Ong is a stand-out lawyer. He is relentless in his work ethic and an exceptional advocate. He brings together a talent for understanding complex insurance matters with the ability to stand up in a courtroom and make submissions on the matter.’
‘The firm has a very strong policyholder-side insurance practice, which marries up exceptional expertise on coverage law and a well-earned reputation as a first-class litigation boutique. The practice is strategic and laser-focused on achieving client objectives efficiently and effectively.’
‘Hovsep Afarian is a thorough, thoughtful, articulate and technically proficient expert on insurance coverage law. Andrew Winton is a seasoned litigator with a practical approach and a reliable feel for what courts will find most persuasive.’
Key clients
- Vale entities, including Vale Canada
- Southbridge entities that are part of the Southbridge Care Homes family of companies
- Nordik Windows, Real Food for Real Kids, and Hangar 9
- Arlanxeo Canada and related Arlanxeo entities across the world
- Ivanhoe Cambridge & Hines
- Spectra Aluminium Products and Spectra Hi-Tech Anodizing
Work highlights
Recovered $445m for a catastrophic property damage and business interruption claim.
Settled a long-tail environmental liability coverage claims against 13 insurers.
Represented a manufacturer in an international dispute against over 20 insurers for losses arising from a failed compressor, achieving a successful result.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Hovsep Afarian
Other key lawyers
Crawford Smith; Dennis Ong; Andrew Winton; Rahool Agarwal