S. Michael Citak

Michael is a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at Gardiner Roberts. An experienced advocate, he has appeared before courts across Ontario and represented clients before administrative tribunals, including on judicial reviews of tribunal decisions. Michael is also well versed in alternative dispute resolution and has conducted numerous private arbitrations and mediations involving significant commercial matters.

Michael has a strong employment law practice, regularly advising corporations and senior executives on employment agreements and representing clients in wrongful dismissal claims, human rights matters, and occupational health and safety disputes. He works closely with management teams to provide strategic, forward-looking advice and training aimed at mitigating risk and resolving issues proactively.

In insolvency matters, Michael regularly appears before the Commercial Court on behalf of court appointed monitors and trustees, creditors, commercial landlords, and debtors. His practice has a particular focus on representing commercial landlords in large retail insolvency proceedings, and he also advises clients on business reorganizations and restructuring strategies.

Michael also advises and litigates on behalf of property developers and commercial landlords and tenants in property and commercial leasing matters, including disputes involving agreements of purchase and sale, power of sale and foreclosure proceedings, joint venture disputes, lease interpretation, rental rates, operating costs, realty taxes, defaults, and collections. In addition, he represents insurers in matters involving environmental claims, personal injury, property damage, subrogated claims, and coverage disputes, and regularly assists with the drafting of insurance policies and endorsements.

Michael approaches complex issues in a strategic manner, balancing clients’ business and commercial interests with their legal rights. A fierce advocate for the Firm’s clients, he prides himself on a practical and results-driven approach to the resolution of commercial disputes.

Expertise