Partner

Jonathan Hale

Jonathan’s greatest strength is his calm, thoughtful and logical approach to all of his cases that has enabled him to resolve matters to his client’s advantage.

Which of your cases makes you proudest of the result?

I do not see individual results as standing out as my proudest moments. Instead, it is approaching all files with the plan to understand all details about the case, and uncovering information that we require in order to focus on the strengths of my client’s case. This can arise before discovery, during discovery, or at the hearing, depending on how the matter unfolds.

What do you think the most important factor is in resolving a file?

Information – knowing all details about the file, both the strengths and the weaknesses, allow us to approach the matters with more confidence about how we should proceed in a cost-effective way.

What’s the most valuable lesson that your professional experience has taught you?

People don’t respond well to aggressive, argumentative lawyers. That can often harm settlement discussions and create unnecessary delays. A more reasonable, logical approach can often help unravel the opposing side’s case. I have seen plaintiffs agree with my position and my arguments, even where it hurts their case. This can often help us bring matters to a quick resolution.

Background

Jonathan practices insurance litigation with a focus on automobile insurance (tort, accident benefits, priority disputes and loss transfer), disability insurance, occupiers’ liability, product liability and coverage disputes.

He was called to the Newfoundland Bar in 2003 and practiced law in St. John’s, Newfoundland before he moved back to Ontario in 2005. Jonathan graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in 1998 and from the Faculty of Law at the University of New Brunswick in 2001.

Jonathan is a member of The Ontario Bar Association and The Advocates’ Society. He was a speaker at the Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association Conference in 2005.

He is the author of a book entitled “Radiohead: From a Great Height”.

Education and Credentials

  • Called to the Ontario Bar, 2005
  • Called to the Newfoundland Bar, 2003
  • LL.B., University of New Brunswick, 2001
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Western Ontario, 1998

Mediation

Jonathan is now offering mediations, so please click on the following link so you can learn more information about mediations, and schedule your mediation by using his calendar.

Contact
Jonathan Hale
416-864-3310
jhale@martawatson.com

Law Clerk
Alexandra Zorzi
416-849-2585
azorzi@martawatson.com

Legal Assistant
Sue Chambers
416-849-2567
schambers@martawatson.com