HARRISON GIOVANNETTI

ME Law represented a client in a contested estate involving undisclosed assets and an executor who withheld financial information. After launching a disclosure application and uncovering omitted assets through detailed review, our team negotiated a settlement that provided fair compensation and enforced financial transparency. The client received her rightful inheritance and peace of mind.

In this case, the Ontario Superior Court dealt with a motion to determine the applicable laws for alleged historical misconduct spanning multiple countries. The Defendant, represented by May (Mayissa) Elajami, sought to have the claims arising from events that occurred in one country adjudicated under that country’s laws, while the claims related to events in Canada would be governed by Canadian law. The Plaintiff argued that all claims should be treated under Ontario law, citing a continuous pattern of misconduct. The court, applying the lex loci delicti principle, ruled that the misconduct should be adjudicated under the respective laws of the countries where the events occurred, as the alleged acts were distinct in time and nature. The Defendant was awarded partial indemnity costs, ensuring a clear and structured approach for the upcoming trial.

In this matter, the judge was particularly attentive to the “without notice” aspect of the application, probing why notice could not be given and whether the evidence justified bypassing the usual requirement to alert the opposing party. May Elajami’s team successfully demonstrated that any delay — even minimal — would expose the startup to irreversible losses in the multi-million-dollar range, undermining its competitive position and future viability. The Court agreed that the risk of substantial and irreparable harm was credible and immediate, and that giving notice would endanger the very relief the applicant sought. As a result, the ex parte interim injunction was granted — halting the threatened conduct and preserving the status quo pending a full hearing.

In this case, ME Law successfully defended a client who was part of a lawsuit involving three defendants being sued for $2 million. Over the course of three years of litigation, including initial mediation and subsequent judicial mediation, ME Law effectively negotiated a settlement for less than $500,000. The resolution of this complex case highlighted the firm's strategic litigation management and ability to protect the client's financial interests while achieving a favorable outcome through creative legal strategies and effective mediation.

This case underscores the importance of thorough negotiation and legal expertise in resolving complex shareholder disputes, especially when personal conflicts threaten the business's stability. ME Law’s strategic approach facilitated a successful buyout of the opposing shareholder’s stake, securing the future of the newly established business. The resolution not only protected the company from potential litigation but also ensured that the business could continue to thrive in its industry. The use of an accountant to determine the value of the business and each shareholder's contribution was also pivotal in reaching a fair outcome.

In this estate litigation case, ME Law successfully represented a minor who was involved in a dispute over the validity of two wills. One was included the minor as a beneficiary, while the other excluded them entirely. Through skilled mediation, ME Law ensured that the minor received benefits from the estate. The settlement, which was in the best interest of the minor, was approved by the court, demonstrating ME Law's commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable parties in complex estate disputes.