As national managing partner and CEO of BLG, David Di Paolo is building the law firm of the future: agile, innovative and delivering exceptional work with unmatched efficiency. He combines the discipline of a highly ranked litigator with the vision of a transformational leader, testing new ideas, investing in talent and setting new standards for performance.
Over more than two decades, David has acted for leading financial institutions, public companies, regulators and professionals in some of the country’s most complex commercial, securities and class action matters, including before the Supreme Court of Canada. Clients trust him to manage risk, protect reputation and deliver clarity when it counts. Before becoming national managing partner, he co-led BLG’s 400-member disputes group and served on the firm’s partnership board.
A lifelong resident of Hamilton — a city known for its industrial grit and creative resurgence — David is a decisive, pragmatic and open-minded leader who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He built his nationally respected career at BLG because of the meaningful work, distinguished mentors and a culture that rewards initiative and collaboration. As national managing partner, he’s focused on what matters most to organizations facing complex challenges and pursuing transformative opportunities: strengthening systems, setting expectations and fostering a culture that inspires BLG’s teams to deliver consistent value across practices, industries and offices.
David is ranked among Canada’s top litigators by Chambers Canada, Legal 500, Lexpert, Benchmark Canada and Best Lawyers. In 2025, he was named Securities Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation.
He invites conversations with clients, peers and other innovators who are rethinking how legal work gets done and what high performance looks like. Contact him by email or on LinkedIn to exchange ideas and collaborate on initiatives.
Experience
- Fischer v. AIC et al. – represents one of the fund companies in a securities class action regarding alleged market timing activities.Pozgaj v. Mackenzie Financial Corporation et al: acting for Mackenzie Financial in a class action alleging prospectus misrepresentation and breach of trust related to trailing fees paid by mutual funds.
- Clarus Securities Inc. et al v. Aphria Inc.: acting for a syndicate of underwriters in a class action alleging prospectus misrepresentation and secondary market misrepresentation.
- Pardhan v. Bank of Montreal and Kherani v. Bank of Montreal: acting for BMO in a class action concerning a fraud committed by a BMO customer.
- Carrie Eklund v. Goodlife Fitness Centres Inc. – acting for Goodlife, the largest fitness chain in Canada, in an unpaid wages and overtime Class Action claim related to its club locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
- Fulawka v. Bank of Nova Scotia – represented the Bank of Nova Scotia in an overtime class action.
- Represents Handa Student Travel in a wages class action.
- Wrzesnewskyj v. A. G. – represented Elections Canada in a contested election application in Etobicoke Centre both at the application and before the Supreme Court of Canada.
- Gould v. Western Coal – represented one of the defendant directors in successfully defeating certification in a securities class action.
- Represented Parrish & Heimbecker in successfully setting aside a shareholder's rights plan before the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).
- French v. Karas et al. – represented the dealer in defence of a class action proceeding.
- Franmed Consultants (1993) Inc., et al v. Medcan Health Management Inc. et al - represented the Chairman of the Board in defending an action in oppression.
- Dawson v. Rx Drug Mart Inc. et al – representing the company in its response to an oppression application and claim in wrongful termination.
- Acted for a number of institutional shareholders before the OSC and the court in opposing Magna's proposal to eliminate its dual class share structure.
- Research in Motion – represented senior executive in options back-dating regulatory investigation and settlement.
- YBM Magnex International Inc. et al. – represented one of the respondents in defending an OSC proceeding and in defending a class action proceeding.
- Fischer v. AIC et al. – represents one of the fund companies in a securities class action regarding alleged market timing activities.Pozgaj v. Mackenzie Financial Corporation et al: acting for Mackenzie Financial in a class action alleging prospectus misrepresentation and breach of trust related to trailing fees paid by mutual funds.
- Clarus Securities Inc. et al v. Aphria Inc.: acting for a syndicate of underwriters in a class action alleging prospectus misrepresentation and secondary market misrepresentation.
- Pardhan v. Bank of Montreal and Kherani v. Bank of Montreal: acting for BMO in a class action concerning a fraud committed by a BMO customer.
- Carrie Eklund v. Goodlife Fitness Centres Inc. – acting for Goodlife, the largest fitness chain in Canada, in an unpaid wages and overtime Class Action claim related to its club locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
- Fulawka v. Bank of Nova Scotia – represented the Bank of Nova Scotia in an overtime class action.
- Represents Handa Student Travel in a wages class action.
- Wrzesnewskyj v. A. G. – represented Elections Canada in a contested election application in Etobicoke Centre both at the application and before the Supreme Court of Canada.
- Gould v. Western Coal – represented one of the defendant directors in successfully defeating certification in a securities class action.
- Represented Parrish & Heimbecker in successfully setting aside a shareholder's rights plan before the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).
- French v. Karas et al. – represented the dealer in defence of a class action proceeding.
- Franmed Consultants (1993) Inc., et al v. Medcan Health Management Inc. et al - represented the Chairman of the Board in defending an action in oppression.
- Dawson v. Rx Drug Mart Inc. et al – representing the company in its response to an oppression application and claim in wrongful termination.
- Acted for a number of institutional shareholders before the OSC and the court in opposing Magna's proposal to eliminate its dual class share structure.
- Research in Motion – represented senior executive in options back-dating regulatory investigation and settlement.
- YBM Magnex International Inc. et al. – represented one of the respondents in defending an OSC proceeding and in defending a class action proceeding.
