Paul Fruitman
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(Client)
“He orchestrates the team and is incredibly responsive. He provides real-time pragmatic advice and is able to break down complex litigation into parts.”
Bio
Lauded by clients for his ‘superb intellect’ and ‘spot-on advice’, Paul carries a practice of complex disputes that demand subject-matter experience and understanding. He has expertise in contract disputes, infrastructure and construction disputes, health law, employment law, shareholder disputes, oppression claims, professional negligence, and product liability matters.
An experienced commercial litigator and trial lawyer, Paul has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, including as trial counsel in jury and non-jury matters, at the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, and in a range of administrative and arbitral tribunals.
Paul frequently authors in legal publications, including The Advocates' Journal and the Annual Review of Civil Litigation. He is a regular speaker at seminars and an instructor at the Osgoode Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop.
Select Representative Mandates
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Ruparell v. J.H. Cochrane Investments Inc. et al., 2021 ONCA 880
Obtained a $5 million judgment for breach of an oral contract for the purchase and sale of a Volkswagen dealership and surrounding land in Markham, Ontario.
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Precedent-setting constitutional challenge of law in returning Greenbelt lands
Counsel to large landowner in proceedings against the Ontario government regarding the inclusion of land inside the Greenbelt.
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University of Toronto (Governing Council) v. Doe et al., 2024 ONSC 3755
Counsel to student organization in successfully intervening in motion for injunction regarding protest encampment at the University of Toronto.
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Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto v. The Joseph Lebovic Charitable Foundation
Counsel to charity in disputes with donor, including striking application to declare the charity a bankrupt, and defending injunction that would have prevented charitable distribution.
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University Health Network v. Asa and Ezzat
Counsel to large multi-hospital network in multifaceted litigation involving a pair of physicians.
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Singh v. Trump, 2018 ONSC 4649
Counsel to Donald Trump and two Trump corporations in 20 different claims brought by purchasers of units in the former Trump International Hotel Toronto.
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Schickedanz v. Wagema Holdings Ltd., 2022 ONSC 5315
Successfully defended motion to quash an appeal of an arbitral costs award on jurisdictional grounds.
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Tyler Corbiere v. E. Corbiere & Sons Contracting, 2020 ONSC 4363
Successfully defended an injunction motion for interim payments in the context of a partnership dispute involving one of Canada’s largest First Nations-owned companies.
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Singh v. Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, 2018 ONSC 203 (Div. Ct.)
Obtained an injunction against a candidate for a riding nomination who filed a transcript of a confidential settlement meeting and provided it to the press. Successfully defended appeal at the Divisio…
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GDL Solutions Inc. v. Walker et al., 2012 ONSC 4378
Successfully represented employer in injunctive proceeding to prevent use of confidential information and breach of restrictive covenants.
Recognitions
Legal 500
- The Legal 500 Canada, 2025: Leading Partner - Dispute Resolution, Ontario
- The Legal 500 Canada, 2021-2024: Next Generation Partner - Dispute Resolution, Ontario
Benchmark Litigation
- Benchmark Litigation, 2024-2025: Litigation Star - Commercial Litigation; Product Liability
- Benchmark Litigation, 2020-2023: Future Star
Lexpert
- Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory, 2021-2025: Litigation - Corporate Commercial
Best Lawyers
- The Best Lawyers™ in Canada, 2025: Administrative and Public Law; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Health Care Law; Medical Negligence; Professional Malpractice Law
- The Best Lawyers™ in Canada, 2022-2024: Administrative and Public Law; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Professional Malpractice Law
- The Best Lawyers™ in Canada, 2021: Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Professional Malpractice Law
- The Best Lawyers™ in Canada, 2020: Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Credentials
- Called to the Ontario Bar, 2006
- LL.B., University of Windsor, 2005
- B.A.A. in Journalism, Ryerson University, 2000
- B.A. in Philosophy, University of Western Ontario, 1997
Memberships
- Ontario Bar Association’s Alternative Business Structures Working Group, Member
- Canadian Bar Association’s working group for Solicitor-Client Privilege Claims at the Canadian border, Member