Ian W. Thompson

Ian Thompson helps clients navigate commercial disputes with candid, strategic and results-oriented advice.

Ian is a commercial litigator focused on complex corporate and commercial disputes, including contractual claims, shareholder oppression, fraud, class actions, competition matters, business combinations and municipal and regulatory issues. He has experience leading and conducting internal investigations, and acts for clients in a broad range of industries, including energy, mining, real estate, financial services, technology and agriculture.

Ian has motion, application, trial and appellate experience before all levels of courts in Ontario (including the Commercial List in Toronto) and has appeared before the Federal Court of Canada. He also represents clients in confidential mediations and arbitrations and regularly acts for clients involved in cross-border disputes in jurisdictions that include the United States, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean, coordinating strategy and evidence across borders with foreign counsel and experts.

Ian plays a leading role at every stage of a proceeding — developing case theory, driving written and oral advocacy and working closely with clients, witnesses and experts to prepare cases for hearings and trial. He leverages technology-assisted review and other emerging tools to manage large evidentiary records, reducing costs and producing faster results for his clients.

In addition to active litigation, Ian advises clients on dispute risk, procedural strategy and early-stage positioning, including assessing claims and defences, structuring litigation plans and evaluating resolution and settlement opportunities. Clients rely on Ian for his strong work ethic, clear judgment and practical, business-oriented advice.