After obtaining his law degree from Queen’s University, Kingston, in 1989, and articling with the Ministry of Attorney General, Charles practiced commercial litigation at a major Toronto law firm, before moving to Fogler, Rubinoff LLP in 1996, where he continues to advise clients concerning the legal dynamics of construction and commercial disputes.
Charles’ litigation practice covers a broad range of commercial and construction disputes, with an emphasis on construction liens, building contracts, professional liability, insurance defence, estate litigation, insolvency, shareholder disputes, remedies, injunctions, and general commercial advocacy, including Federal Court of Canada and Tax Court applications and appeals.
Charles obtained his Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M) (Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution) from Osgoode Hall, York University in 1998, specializing in construction litigation issues. Charles attended Harvard Law School in 2000 for formal PIL Negotiation training to better assist the clients he deals with on a regular basis – including business owners, contractors, and suppliers to the construction industry. Charles has been an active member of the Toronto Construction Association, delivering a number of papers and seminars through the Education Committee for the membership of the TCA and the Ontario General Contractors Association.
With experience in estates and trust matters, Charles has acted for institutions, trustees and beneficiaries in estate litigation, and is a member of the CBAO Wills & Estates Section. Charles works closely with our Estate Practice Group in regards to issues of testamentary capacity, Will challenges, trustee negligence, and various estate administration matters.
Although a veteran of a number of hearings, arbitrations, trials, and proceedings, Charles’ general approach – to avoid the costs of litigation for clients wherever possible – is captured in the motto: Litigation if necessary, but not necessarily litigation.
Charles keeps a collection of hard hats in his office, as tokens of his service to many of Ontario’s major players in the construction law arena.
Outside the office, in addition to handling two young boys of his own, Charles is active in the community, having been a “Big Brother of the Year” for Metropolitan Toronto and recently served with the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club as Chair of their Building Committee, and received the Community Service Award from the Kiwanis Club of Toronto.
Civil Litigation
Construction Law and Real Estate Law
