At Gilbert’s LLP, we believe that law can be a force for good. We don’t see ourselves as just lawyers, but as citizens and members of the community. Whenever the opportunity arises, we can help address issues of public interest both through the court system and through alternative advocacy, such as engagement with community groups, mediation, media, and public policy. We have dealt with issues relating to community rights, property occupation, environmental concerns, and more. If you believe you have a matter of public interest, please find one of us to see if we can help.
Examples of our public interest work include:
- Osgoode Hall Tree Removal: represented the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) to make submissions on the duty to consult under aboriginal law, in emergency court proceedings in 2023 relating to the cutting down of trees at Osgoode Hall by Metrolinx for the planned subway station under Queen St in Toronto—obtained an interim injunction pausing tree removal for a period of time for the court to determine appropriate measures (see CBC article here).
- Occupy Toronto Mediation: served as a mediator and advisor on the Occupy Toronto movement in 2011 which saw a number of clashes between community organizers and police—resulting in meaningful engagement and dialogue and peaceful disassembly of the protest area (see Maclean’s article here).
- Stanley Cup Ownership Dispute: represented a community hockey organization to address the potential award of the Stanley Cup during the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout to an alternative organization—resulted in a negotiated settlement acknowledging that the Stanley Cup is owned by a group of independent trustees and an agreement by the NHL to make monetary donations to support the development of women’s hockey and for underprivileged children.