Mike Schafler, FCIArb, QArb

Mike Schafler, FCIArb, QArb, is a Partner in the firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, based in the Toronto office, practicing in Arbitration and Mediation. He has nearly 30 years' experience handling complex commercial cases both as counsel and arbitrator, with particular expertise in energy, natural resources (mining and forestry), professional liability, shareholder disputes, and securities litigation.

Mr. Schafler has represented clients in high-profile matters including successfully representing Lions Gate Entertainment in its separation of its traditional studios business and Starz by way of a contested plan of arrangement (three BCSC decisions in four weeks), advising a confidential mining client in a CA$500 million international arbitration relating to a royalty buyback dispute, and successfully enforcing a US$3 million arbitration award under the New York Convention. He also advised on a CA$1.6 billion acquisition of Wind Mobile by Shaw Communications, defended Nissan in privacy class actions, and represented Expedia in a proposed national class action. He has appeared before all Ontario courts, the British Columbia Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

He holds an LLB from Dalhousie Law School (1995) and a BA (Hons) from Queen's University (1987). He previously served in the Royal Canadian Navy navigating Destroyers (1983-1992). Mike is President of The ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. since 2023, a member of the Firm's global arbitration steering group, and previously co-led the global and national Litigation and Dispute Resolution groups. He served as an elected member and Chair of the Firm's National Management Board (2017-2025).

He has been consistently recognized by Chambers Global in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, The Best Lawyers in Canada in Alternative Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration, and Benchmark Litigation as a Litigation Star. He holds the FCIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) and QArb (ADRIC) designations.