Bio

S. Michael Citak is a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group at Gardiner Roberts LLP. An experienced litigation lawyer, Michael has appeared before various courts in Ontario and has represented clients before administrative tribunals and undertaken judicial reviews of tribunal decisions. He is experienced in alternative dispute resolution and has conducted a number of private arbitrations and mediations involving significant commercial matters. In the area of employment law, Michael regularly represents corporations and executive employees in negotiating and drafting employment agreements and commencing or defending claims alleging wrongful dismissal, breach of human rights and breach of health and safety legislation. He works closely with the management teams of his clients to provide pre-emptive strategic advice and training. In the area of insolvency law, Michael regularly attends the Commercial Court to seek relief for creditors, commercial landlords and debtors. His primary focus in this area is on behalf of commercial landlords in retail insolvency proceedings, such as Toys R Us, Target, Nine West, Rockport, HMV, Strellson, Jacob, Grafton-Fraser, Laura, Femme de Carrier and Comark. He also advises clients with respect to their reorganization needs. In the area of commercial leasing, Michael advises and litigates on behalf of landlords and tenants in matters involving the interpretation of leases, rental rates, operating cost and realty tax disputes, and lease defaults and collections. In the area of insurance law, Michael represents insurers in matters involving environmental claims, personal injury, property damage, subrogated claims and coverage disputes. He also regularly assists insurers in drafting policies and endorsements. Michael approaches complex issues in a strategic manner, balancing clients’ business and commercial interests with their legal rights. A fierce advocate for the Firm’s clients, he prides himself on a practical and results-driven approach to the resolution of commercial disputes.