David E. Greenwood

Partner
He/Him
P: 416-596-2879
F: 416-594-2430
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  • Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2002
  • LL.B., Queen’s University
  • B.A., University of Western Ontario
David Greenwood Photo ©2021 Blaney McMurtry LLP
 Overview

David is a trusted advisor who is known for his unique ability to cut through the noise, develop an effective strategy and achieve the desired outcome.

No stranger to the courtroom, David has represented clients in numerous trials, applications, appeals, mediations and arbitrations.  Although he is respected for his willingness to “fight” when necessary, clients appreciate David’s ability to recognize when a negotiated resolution best serves their interests.

David’s practice is comprised of two areas: employment law and commercial litigation.

Employment Law

David is widely regarded as one of the most sought after counsel by both employees and employers.  He has represented clients in files involving wrongful dismissals, constructive dismissals, enforcement of restrictive covenants (non-competition & non-solicitation clauses), human rights complaints, pension issues, disability claims, allegations of employee fraud, theft of confidential and proprietary information, breach of fiduciary duties and misappropriation of corporate opportunities. Additionally, David is frequently consulted in respect of reorganizations and mass terminations and is routinely retained to draft or to negotiate employment agreements, employee policy manuals and other employment related contracts.

David’s extensive experience in the financial services area has led him to become one of the most frequently recommended lawyers, particularly amongst high income individuals and employers dealing with sensitive workplace issues.

Commercial Litigation

David has also developed a reputation as being a top commercial litigator.  He acts as general litigation counsel with an emphasis upon business disputes including: company, partnership and joint venture cases; investment cases; contract cases, particularly purchase and sale agreements; fraud, breach of trust and fiduciary duty claims; securities cases (civil and regulatory) and real estate litigation.

David is frequently retained as counsel on regulatory matters involving the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), the Ontario Securities Commission, Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association.

 Education
  • LL.B., Queen’s University
  • B.A., University of Western Ontario
 Practice Areas  Called to the Bar
  • Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2002
 Assistant  Experience
  • Successfully defended an employer against a $2,000,000 claim by a former employee for unpaid wages and a claim for entitlement to 1/3 of the business profit.

  • Obtained judgments totaling over $5,000,000 for a financial services company on claims made against former employees.

  • Represented employer in claim for theft of confidential information and unfair competition against former employee and the employee’s subsequent employer (who was the client’s chief competitor).

  • Negotiated $12,500,000 wrongful dismissal settlement on behalf of a dismissed employee.

  • Obtained judgment of $457,000 in favour of former pharmaceutical industry executive which included a raise during the notice period and bonus entitlements

  • Successfully opposed action by company to collect $1,600,000 from former employee.

  • Obtained order for specific performance requiring vendor to complete Agreement of Purchase and Sale in respect of an upscale home in Toronto’s Bridle Path neighbourhood.

  • Appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal in successful appeal of motion judge’s decision to dismiss parts of Plaintiff’s Statement of Claim.

  • Successfully defended former employees in action by employer for an injunction preventing them from establishing competitive business.

  • Represented a well-known private company and its majority shareholders in a shareholder dispute brought by a minority shareholder for oppression and allegations of bad faith conduct.

 Recognition

Recognition

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers® in Canada 2025 in the area of Labour and Employment Law
 News
 Memberships

Memberships

  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • The Advocates' Society

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