The Honorable David Doherty, K.C., is an arbitrator and mediator at Arbitration Place, offering his expertise in dispute resolution to individuals, corporations, and governmental bodies. As the longest-serving judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, he shaped Canadian law through more than 6,000 civil and criminal appeals over a 33-year tenure, with his decisions widely cited, including by the Supreme Court of Canada. Known for his integrity and legal brilliance, David’s contributions to both criminal and civil justice have left an indelible mark on Canadian law.
The Honorable, David Doherty, K.C. is an arbitrator and mediator.
Prior to joining the roster, Justice Doherty was the longest-serving judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and second-longest-serving appellate judge in Canadian history. When he retired, the Toronto Star described him as “the best judge on any court in the country,” further noting that “no one has been smarter, fairer, more insightful or articulate.”
On the Court of Appeal, Justice Doherty served in what his colleagues would call, the “Doherty Way,” leading by example, shaping the law, and being the most generous of colleagues. Over his distinguished 33-year tenure, he heard more than 6,000 civil and criminal appeals. His decisions are cited and relied upon in all appellate courts across the country, including in the Supreme Court of Canada. In one recent case, the Supreme Court of Canada cited five different Doherty J.A. decisions.
A top legal mind with an impeccable reputation for integrity, hard-work and fair mindedness, Justice Doherty has led the way as a jurist, trial and appellate counsel, and teacher, and made an indelible mark on the law of this country. While best known and admired for his expertise in criminal law and its impact on the administration of criminal justice, his contribution to the development of civil justice is just as strong. His decisions have touched at least 49 separate areas of civil law with leading decisions in privacy, oppression, abuse of process, issue estoppel, enforcement of foreign judgements, copyright and a host of others.
Throughout his career as a litigator, Justice Doherty handled a wide range of cases, first as a Crown Counsel and then in private practice including prosecuting complex commercial frauds; defending medical malpractice actions, commercial disputes, discipline proceedings and everything in between.
Justice Doherty also serves as counsel at Lenczner Slaght. In his role, Justice Doherty serves as a mentor and advisor as well as his dispute resolution expertise, to both firm members and external clients.
