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When he speaks, the judge listens.

Chambers Canada

The best appellate lawyer in Ontario.

Chambers Canada

Universally admired as a leading litigator in the practice.

Chambers Canada

Reputation earned.

Paul has been consistently recognized as one of the foremost appellate advocates in Ontario and a leading litigator nationally, known for exceptional legal analysis, strategic judgment, and persuasive advocacy. Clients repeatedly describe him as an outstanding, first-rate litigator whose oral advocacy commands the court’s attention and whose submissions are both pragmatic and results-oriented.


Paul’s formidable reputation has been built over decades of practice, during which he has taken on some of the most difficult and challenging appeals across a broad range of complex commercial disputes. His expertise spans contentious business matters, including corporate, class action, securities, and professional negligence litigation, with particular distinction in appellate work. Universally respected by clients and peers alike, he is frequently characterized as a legendary figure at the Bar, a “go-to” appellate lawyer, and one of the most highly regarded advocates in the province.


Here is what Chambers Canada has published about Paul:


Chambers Canada 2026: "Paul Pape is a genius"; "he is experienced, persuasive and has impeccable judgement"; and "he is known and respected by the court."


Chambers Canada 2024: "He is a terrific advocate and one of the most highly regarded appellate advocates in our province."


Chambers Canada 2023: "Paul is one of the premier appellate counsels in Ontario and is a very effective advocate."


Chambers Canada 2022: "Paul Pape is an excellent appellate lawyer and a great member of the Bar. He is an excellent litigator who takes on very difficult and challenging appeals."


Chambers Canada 2021: "Sources are quick to highlight Paul Pape as an “outstanding lawyer” whose “legal analysis is remarkable.” He possesses a formidable reputation as a commercial litigator which he has fashioned over decades of practice. He enjoys particular renown for his handling of appellate cases, and is recognised as a “first-rate appeals lawyer.” "


Chambers Canada 2020: "Sources describe Paul as a “pragmatic and thoughtful, results-oriented barrister.” "


Chambers Canada 2018: "The “excellent” Paul Pape boasts considerable expertise in contentious business matters and is especially well versed in appellate litigation across corporate, class action, securities and professional negligence disputes."


Chambers Canada 2017: "Founding partner Paul Pape is renowned for his skills in appellate advocacy. He is described by sources as “a huge name” who is “legendary and very well respected.” Pape is widely acknowledged as “one of the go-to appeals lawyers in the city.” "


Chambers Canada 2016: "Paul Pape is universally admired as a leading litigator in the province. “He is the best appellate lawyer in Ontario,” one client enthused, while another added: “His oral advocacy is supreme – when he speaks, the judge listens.” "

Bar Admissions

Law Society of Upper Canada  (1971)

Education
  • L.L.M. King’s College, University of London, England (1972)

  • L.L.B. Osgoode Hall Law School (1969)

  • B.A. English University of Toronto (1966)

Partner

Paul Pape

Publications
  • Pape, "Advocacy in the Court of Appeal: One lawyer's perspective" (2009) December; The Advocates’ Journal.

  • Pape, "Written Advocacy in the Court of Appeal: One lawyer's perspective" (2009) July; The Litigator.

CONTACT

416-364-8765

416-364-8855 (Fax)

Recognition & Awards
  • Lexpert Zenith Award as an Agent of Change (2012)

  • Lexpert/ALM Guide to the top 500 lawyers in Canada

  • Benchmark Canada: Top 50 Trial Lawyers in Canada; Litigation Star (2017/2018)

  • Best Lawyers; Lawyer of the Year for Appellate Law in Toronto (2013/2019/2024), and for Legal Malpractice Law in Toronto (2021)

  • Lexpert’s top 100 creative lawyers in Canada (2016)

  • Canadian Lexpert Directory: Recommended for Litigation - Corporate Commercial, Professional Liability, and Medical Negligence (annually)

  • Gold Key Award in Achievement, Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni (2019)

Professional Associations
  • The American College of Trial Lawyers (fellow)

  • The International Academy of Trial Lawyers (fellow)

  • Litigation Counsel of America (fellow)

  • The Commercial Bar of England (Combar) honorary member

  • The Advocates' Society

Presentations & Appearances


  • Paul was a presenter at LSO’s Causation on Trial: Making Sense of Causation in the Most Difficult Cases on February 26, 2021

  • Paul was a presenter at Recent Key Developments in Contract Law, an Ontario Bar Association Program, May 14, 2020

  • Paul was selected as a recipient of the 2019 Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Gold Key Award in the Achievement Category

Professional Activities
  • The Advocates’ Society

  • Canadian Bar Association

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