Stephen A. Thiele

Stephen is the firm’s Director of Legal Research, working closely with the Litigation and Dispute Resolution lawyers to provide strategic advice, in-depth legal analysis, and research-based opinions on a wide range of litigation matters. He plays a key role in developing legal strategy and arguments for motions, trials, and appeals, and regularly prepares written submissions used by the firm’s litigation team.

In addition to supporting Gardiner Roberts’ lawyers, Stephen is frequently retained by private practitioners and corporate counsel to review and analyze complex legal issues on an outsourced basis. This work broadens his perspective and enhances the value he brings to both institutional and private clients.

Stephen is a prolific writer and thought leader. He has authored and co-authored numerous legal articles on legal research and high-profile areas of law, including defamation, political law, and sports law. He is the co-author of A Practical Guide to the Law of Defamation (LexisNexis, 2024) and the author of Heroes of the Game: A History of the Grey Cup (Moulin Publishing, 1997).

In recognition of his significant contributions to the legal profession and the broader community, Stephen received the Toronto Lawyers Association’s 2017 Honsberger Award. In April 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Governor General of Canada and the Government of Ontario for his profound and lasting contributions to Ontario and Canada. Stephen currently serves as a Trustee of the Law Foundation of Ontario, the province’s sole foundation dedicated to improving access to justice.

Expertise

Representative work

• Preparing written arguments for Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal for Ontario on multiple complex legal issues and topics, including professional liability and defamation matters, and for Integrity Commissioner investigations against provincial and municipal politicians
• Co-counsel in successful defence of defamation against now former Mayor of the City of Toronto
• Co-counsel in contested election case that was eventually determined by the Supreme Court of Canada