James Yousif
Lawyer
Services
Litigation
Litigation & Advocacy
Representing clients in civil, commercial, and real estate development disputes before courts, tribunals, and in arbitration.
I act for individuals, businesses, and developers in a broad range of litigation matters, providing clear advice and effective advocacy at every stage of a dispute.
My litigation work includes:
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Commercial and corporate litigation
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Contractual and business disputes
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Real estate development litigation
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Municipal and planning matters
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Professional negligence claims
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Defamation
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Intentional torts
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Injunctions and equitable relief
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Mediation and arbitration advocacy
Legal Strategy
Providing clear, practical guidance to help clients navigate complex legal, commercial, and regulatory challenges.
I assist clients in assessing risk, understanding their legal position, and developing effective strategies for resolving disputes or avoiding them altogether.
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Litigation strategy and risk analysis
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Negotiation planning and resolution pathways
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Mediation and the use of ADR where appropriate
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Statutory and regulatory interpretation
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Commercial and transactional dispute assessment
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Strategic advice for matters involving government processes or administrative decision-making
Regulatory
Experience in government, regulatory work, and administrative decision-making strengthens my practice.
I have held senior roles within the Government of Canada, advising on legislation, regulatory frameworks, and program implementation—experience that provides a practical understanding of how government and tribunals operate. I have also served as a Board Member at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, presiding over hearings and issuing written decisions.
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Administrative and regulatory matters
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Tribunal hearings and related processes
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Advice on statutory frameworks and compliance
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Issues involving government action, decision-making, or review
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Selected Experience
Commercial Litigation:
• A commercial arbitration concerning the enforceability of restrictive covenants in a franchise agreement, and related injunction proceedings.
• Multi-party litigation arising from a share-purchase transaction in which a vendor take-back mortgage interest was improperly subordinated to an institutional lender, contrary to the parties’ agreement.
• Litigation involving diverted funds across multiple jurisdictions, requiring consideration of the enforceability of Ontario Superior Court interlocutory orders in Hong Kong.
Securities Litigation:
• Litigation arising from regulatory proceedings affecting an investment advisor’s ability to conduct business, requiring judicial determination of the client’s remaining entitlements.
• An action involving significant losses across several investment portfolios resulting from investments made in excess of the clients’ stated risk tolerances.
Real Estate & Development Litigation:
• A claim for unjust enrichment relating to oversized sewer infrastructure installed to accommodate neighbouring future developments, including issues under the Development Charges Act.
• Litigation against the Province of Ontario following a land sale in which a structure intended for demolition was later found to contain environmental contamination.
• Litigation arising from a failed Ontario Municipal Board appeal involving a proposed lot severance and the creation of a multi-unit residential property in central Toronto.
Contact
If you would like to discuss a potential matter or request further information, please get in touch.
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18 King St. E., Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1C4
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T. (437) 318-9927