David Elman

Partner

Toronto
[email protected]
416.367.6031

David focuses on class actions and the defence of complex torts and commercial litigation. He specializes in cases alleging breach of consumer protection legislation, product liability, negligence, breach of contract and public authority liability.

David acts on behalf of large institutional clients, including:

  • financial institutions
  • telecom companies
  • municipalities
  • police services
  • manufacturers
  • educational institutions
  • insurers

He regularly appears on motions and appeals before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal.

David provides counsel on sensitive and high-profile issues to manage reputational risks and concerns. He also represents clients in mediation and arbitration.

Beyond our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Ontario Bar Associations
  • Member, The Advocates' Society
  • Committee Member, Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Member, Canadian Defence Lawyers
  • Subcommittee co-chair, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Mass Torts Litigation
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Ontario Bar Associations
  • Member, The Advocates' Society
  • Committee Member, Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Member, Canadian Defence Lawyers
  • Subcommittee co-chair, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Mass Torts Litigation

Community Involvement

  • Pro Bono Duty Counsel, Law Help Ontario
  • Pro Bono Duty Counsel, Law Help Ontario

Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada (Insurance Law), since 2024 (Personal Injury Litigation) and since 2022 in Product Liability Law.
  • Recognized in the 2023 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation
  • Recognized as a 2023 Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer
  • Awarded the Blake Cassels Graydon LLP prize in Business Organizations
  • Awarded the Catherine Helen McLean Prize in Labour Law
  • Osgoode Society Prize for Canadian Legal History
  • Recognized in the 2024 and 2023 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (Class Actions, Litigation - Commercial Insurance)

Bar Admission & Education

  • Ontario, 2007
  • LLB, University of Ottawa, 2006
  • BA (Hons.), University of Toronto, 2003