Raffaele represents clients in commercial litigation matters involving business, contractual, debtor/creditor, bankruptcy, corporate, and commercial disputes. With approximately 20 years of litigation experience, he brings practical courtroom and tribunal advocacy to matters that require careful preparation, strategic dispute resolution, and strong representation before courts, boards, and tribunals.
Raffaele represents clients in commercial litigation matters involving business, contractual, debtor/creditor, bankruptcy, corporate, and commercial disputes. With approximately 20 years of litigation experience, he brings practical courtroom and tribunal advocacy to matters that require careful preparation, strategic dispute resolution, and strong representation before courts, boards, and tribunals.
Select an area below to see the types of matters Raffaele handles and where his experience is most relevant.
Commercial disputes often require a clear litigation strategy, careful preparation of court materials, and a practical assessment of risk before deciding whether to negotiate, proceed to a hearing, or take further court steps.
Raffaele works on commercial litigation matters involving contracts, corporate and commercial disputes, business relationships, and disputed obligations, helping clients move disputes forward with structured advocacy and experienced litigation judgment.
When payment, creditor rights, bankruptcy, or enforcement issues arise, clients often need to understand both their legal position and the practical steps available to recover funds, respond to a claim, or protect their interests.
Raffaele handles debtor/creditor, bankruptcy, and enforcement-related litigation, helping clients address disputed debts, creditor claims, and commercial recovery issues through negotiation or court proceedings where needed.
Litigation can involve appearances before courts, boards, tribunals, and other decision-makers, each with its own rules, deadlines, and advocacy requirements.
Raffaele has appeared before multiple levels of court and before administrative boards and tribunals, supporting clients in hearings, motions, applications, and other proceedings where strong preparation and clear advocacy are needed.
Raffaele’s reported litigation experience includes matters involving shareholder and business disputes, arbitration agreements, and disputes over jointly held investment properties. Selected examples include:
The case involved a failed restaurant business and a shareholder dispute where one party alleged he had been induced to enter into a shareholders’ agreement by misrepresentations. The litigation addressed whether the dispute should continue in court or be handled through the arbitration process set out in the agreement.
This matter reflects Raffaele’s experience with commercial litigation involving shareholder disputes, arbitration clauses, and the strategic question of whether a business dispute belongs in court or arbitration.
Source
Haas v. Gunasekaram, 2016 ONCA 744
The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, set aside the lower court’s order, and stayed the court action against two defendants so the dispute could proceed under the arbitration agreement.
The case involved a dispute between co-owners of multiple investment properties. One party sought the sale of the properties and payment of the proceeds into court while broader accounting and damages issues remained unresolved between the parties.
This matter reflects Raffaele’s experience with litigation involving jointly owned property, investment-property disputes, and court proceedings used to resolve ownership and sale issues.
Source
Brienza v. Brienza, 2014 ONSC 6942
The court granted the sale-related motion and related application, ordering the sale of the properties.
Raffaele’s commercial litigation practice is supported by approximately 20 years of experience at boutique commercial litigation firms, appearances before courts, boards, and tribunals, and bar admissions in Ontario and Alberta.
Since being called to the Bar in 2003, Raffaele has developed approximately 20 years of experience working at boutique commercial litigation law firms.
Raffaele has appeared before multiple levels of court, including the Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, Bankruptcy and Commercial Court, Estates Court, Federal Court, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal, as well as boards and tribunals.
Raffaele assists in mentoring and training summer students, articling students, and associates, including both new and senior associates.
Raffaele also provides pro bono advice and consultations to various referrals and clients.
