David Sterns
Partner
David’s practice focuses on complex, multi-party and class proceedings such as those related to competition, price fixing and breach of privacy. David also provides experienced counsel to automotive manufacturers and dealers, and has particular experience in arbitrations under the National Automotive Dealer Arbitration Process. He is a bilingual lawyer committed to representing clients in English and French. As a past president of the Ontario Bar Association, David speaks regularly at legal conferences and is quoted frequently in the media on civil justice issues.
Practice Areas
LitigationMore About David
I am motivated to use the litigation process to solve difficult problems for entrepreneurs. Franchising lawsuits are often challenging because of the power imbalance in the franchise relationship. Being successful in this field requires a thorough understanding of many different subject areas of the law and a full command of litigation strategies and techniques. A well thought-out legal strategy, backed by the experience and reputation we have achieved in this area, can often deliver excellent results for our clients quickly and efficiently.
When we have to go the distance in court, we aim to establish precedents that will move the law forward.
Quebec, 1992
Ontario, 1994
B.C.L., LL.B, McGill University, 1991
B.A. (Econ.), McGill University, 1987
- Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2016 – 2020)
- Ranked in Chambers Canada – Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Plaintiff) (2016 – 2025)
- Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Franchise Law (2012 – 2022)
- Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition – Franchise Law (2016 – 2021)
- Listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Class Action Litigation (2022 – 2025)
- Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition – Class Action Litigation (2022 – 2023)
- Listed as Leading Litigation Lawyer in LEXPERT Special Edition – Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers (2019 – 2023)
- Listed in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (2004 – 2021)
- Listed as “Consistently Recommended” in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Class Actions (2018 – 2023)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Canada: Franchise (2014 – 2022)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide – Franchise (2016 – 2022)
- Co-Recipient OBA’s Markus Cohen, Q.C. Memorial Award for Excellence in Franchise Law (2011)
- Past President of Ontario Bar Association (OBA) (2016-2017)
- Past Member of Toronto Regional Senior Justice Bench and Bar Committee
- Past Member of Board of Directors of OBA and Canadian Bar Association
- Past Chair of Public Affairs of OBA
- Past Co-Chair, Judicial Mediation Taskforce of OBA
- Chair of Civil Litigation Section of OBA (2010-2011)
- Past Vice-Chair of Class Actions and Private Enforcement Sub-committee of Canadian Bar Association Competition Law Section
- American Bar Association (Member of Class Actions and Derivatives Suits Committee)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Ontario