Sheldon is an experienced litigator focusing on insurance litigation and defamation actions.
When called on for sensitive and often highly charged defamation claims, Sheldon walks the tightrope between free speech and the importance of reputation. He provides pre-publication advice and, when necessary, guides his clients through the litigation process, whether they are plaintiffs or defendants. He fights for his client’s right to speak the truth – and protects their reputation from those who don’t. Sheldon has had significant success with anti-SLAPP motions.
In insurance litigation, Sheldon is known for his expertise in handling claims for professional negligence, breach of contract, directors and officers liability, product liability, occupier’s liability, defamation and copyright infringement. He has successfully represented municipalities, corporations, professional associations, not-for-profits, public institutions, insurance companies, authors, politicians and private citizens.
Sheldon joined Blaney McMurtry after an extensive career in the film and television industry. The skills he developed on high stress movie sets serve Sheldon well in the practice of law. Sheldon knows how to read people, and how to deal with difficult personalities. He thinks outside the box, and presents the evidence in a compelling way. His patience and insight make him particularly adept at handling vexatious litigants and complicated fact situations.
Sheldon regularly appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He has been successful at trial, on appeal to the Divisional Court, and on appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal (five times). He has also successfully opposed applications for leave to the Supreme Court of Canada.