Lawyers
Monique Jilesen

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T416-865-2926

M416-407-5034

Emjilesen@litigate.com

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Expertise

Practice Areas:
Bar Admissions:
- Ontario (2000)
Education:
- Osgoode Hall Law School (1998) LLB
- Queen's University (1995) BA (Honours - Political Science)
- LawVision Group (2015) Legal Project Management

Details

Bio
Cases
Associations
Blog Posts
News & Media
Publications & Presentations
Recognition

Monique Jilesen (she/her)

is Managing Partner at Lenczner Slaght.

"She is very client-focused, personable and strategic." — Chambers Canada

Monique is one of Canada’s leading litigators who clients turn to for their toughest commercial disputes. Her practice focuses on class actions, contract and shareholder disputes, civil fraud cases, injunctions, professional liability, bankruptcy and insolvency matters, and securities and derivatives cases.

Monique is a fearless advocate, unafraid to take on tough, notable, and high-profile cases, even at a moment’s notice. She was counsel to the Ukrainian World Congress in an application for judicial review of Canada's decision to allow the delivery of turbines to Germany for use by a sanctioned Russian company. In Li v Barber, she successfully secured an unprecedented Mareva order freezing up to $20 million of assets and cryptocurrency of Freedom Convoy leaders. She also represented Douglas Cardinal in an injunction to restrain the use in Canada of the Cleveland baseball team's racist name and logo on human rights grounds.

Recognized for her exceptional work, Monique was awarded The Advocates’ Society’s prestigious Douglas K. Laidlaw Award for Excellence in Advocacy in 2017.

Monique is co-leader of the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice group and a member of the Commercial List Users’ Committee. In 2018, she developed commerciallist.com, an award-winning website that serves as a one-stop shop for all things Commercial List.

As the firm's Managing Partner, Monique is at the forefront of executing the firm’s strategy, building an innovative mindset across the firm, and nurturing its high-performing and inclusive culture.

Bilak et al v The Attorney General of Canada

Application for Judicial Review challenging the decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada to exempt turbines for the NordStream pipeline from Canada’s sanctions regime against Russia enacted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Minister’s exemption was cancelled following the commencement of the Judicial Review application.

Monique Jilesen, Lidiya Yermakova, Katelyn Leonard & Solomiya Zakharchuk | July 1, 2022

Li et al v Barber et al

Agent for class counsel in a class proceeding by residents, employees, and businesses in Ottawa against the Freedom Convoy organizers. Successfully obtained an ex parte Mareva order freezing donations made to Freedom Convoy organizers and preserving the funds for the benefit of Ottawa residents, employees, and businesses.

Monique Jilesen, Madison Robins, Sarah Bittman, Jessica Kras & Christina Shiels-Singh | February 20, 2022

2615975 Ontario Limited v Canopy Rivers Inc. (In the Matter of a Plan of Compromise or Arrangement of PharmHouse Inc.)

Counsel for Canopy Growth Corporation in an insolvency of PharmHouse Inc., a cannabis greenhouse joint venture.

Monique Jilesen, Brian Kolenda & Aoife Quinn | August 6, 2021

Barry Lacroix and Vincent Campbell v Walmart Canada Corporation et al and Gary Dussiaume v Walmart Canada Corporation et al

Counsel to Walmart in two proposed class actions (Ontario and British Columbia) relating to the manufacturing, supply and sale of Zantac Ranitidine.

Monique Jilesen, Jonathan Chen & Jessica Kras | January 1, 2021

In the Matter of the Receivership of Xela Enterprises Ltd

Counsel to the court-appointed receiver in an application to recover a judgment debt from Xela Enterprises Ltd., the parent company to several subsidiaries located primarily in Central America and the Caribbean.

Peter Griffin, Monique Jilesen, Derek Knoke & Christina Shiels-Singh | September 1, 2020

First Hamilton Holdings Inc et al v Laurentian Bank Securities et al

Counsel to the Respondent Laurentian Bank Securities in opposing an application for an interim injunction with respect to the Applicants’ margin accounts brought at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in North America.

Monique Jilesen, Shara N. Roy, Christopher Trivisonno & Jacqueline Chan | April 1, 2020

Reddy v 1945086 Ontario Inc

Counsel to the Vendors of a multi-tower condominium project in a claim alleging breach of contract.

Scott Rollwagen, Monique Jilesen, Derek Knoke & Melissa Baur | April 29, 2019

Chelin v Carr

Counsel to the defendant accounting firm in a claim alleging negligence and breach of trust against a former partner of the firm.

Monique Jilesen, Brian Kolenda & Delna Contractor | March 31, 2019

GCT Canada Limited Partnership v Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Attorney General of Canada

Counsel to Global Container Terminals in a judicial review of a decision of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority refusing to consider Global Container Terminal’s proposed port expansion project.

Peter Griffin, Monique Jilesen, Matthew B. Lerner, Scott Rollwagen, Christopher Yung, Margaret Robbins & Christina Shiels-Singh | March 1, 2019

Re Essar Steel Algoma Inc

Counsel to the GIP Primus, LP in oppression proceedings brought by the Monitor in the context of Algoma's CCAA proceeding.

Peter Griffin, Monique Jilesen, Matthew B. Lerner, Kim Nusbaum, Robert Trenker, Christopher Trivisonno, Christina Shiels-Singh & Megan Bradt | February 1, 2019

Re Air Canada

Counsel to the monitor in a complex insolvency proceeding involving a myriad of cross-border issues and over 100 interlocutory motions and other contested matters. Lenczner Slaght managed the creditor claims process, which involved the administration and coordination of the adjudication of hundreds of proven claims against Air Canada, with an aggregate value of CAD $8 billion.

Monique Jilesen | April 1, 2005

Re Poseidon Concepts Corp

Counsel to the underwriters in connection with a securities class action and CCAA proceedings relating to Poseidon Concepts. The class proceeding was resolved in the context of the CCAA process.

Tom Curry, Monique Jilesen, Shara N. Roy & Kelly Hayden | July 21, 2001

Vallourec Canada Inc v AM Castle &Co

Counsel to the plaintiff in an action for breach of contract relating to the sale of industrial pipe.

Monique Jilesen | July 20, 2001

Tan-Jen Ltd v De Pede

Counsel to the responding parties in contempt proceedings arising from an action relating to custom-built moulds for concrete pre-cast.

Monique Jilesen & Margaret Robbins | July 1, 2001

Schenk v Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc

Counsel to Valeant in a breach of contract action in respect of a pharmaceutical product.

Monique Jilesen, Jonathan Chen, Ian MacLeod, Samantha Hale & Laurel D. Hogg | April 23, 2001

Re ACE Aviation Holdings Inc

Counsel to the Ernst & Young Inc in the liquidation of ACE Aviation Holdings Inc.

Monique Jilesen & Matthew B. Lerner | April 6, 2001

Ontario Power Authority

Counsel to the Ontario Power Authority in relation to the review of the construction and relocation of two gas plants by the Ontario legislature's Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

Tom Curry, Monique Jilesen, Andrew Parley & Christina Shiels-Singh | April 1, 2001

Royal Bank of Canada v A-1 Asphalt Maintenance Ltd

Counsel for a bonding company in a bankruptcy of a construction company.

Monique Jilesen & J. Gwendolyn Ward | March 30, 2001

East Guardian v Mazur

Counsel to the applicant lender. Successful in obtaining a Mareva injunction and receivership over the respondent, a guarantor of the loans.

Monique Jilesen, Chris Kinnear Hunter & Grace Tsakas | March 29, 2001

Ramsay v Panasonic Corporation

Counsel to a defendant electronics company in a proposed British Columbia class action relating to allegations of price-fixing in the market for capacitors.

Tom Curry, Monique Jilesen & Paul-Erik Veel | March 10, 2001

Re Northstar Aerospace Inc

Counsel to General Electric Canada in connection with the CCAA restructuring of Northstar Aerospace concerning claims of historical environmental contamination

Monique Jilesen | February 8, 2001

Eppich v Boiron Canada Inc

Counsel to Boiron, a Quebec based company, in a class action alleging misrepresentations in the marketing of a homeopathic medicine product.

Tom Curry & Monique Jilesen | February 2, 2001

Ault v Canada (Attorney General)

Counsel to the Attorney General of Canada in a negligent misrepresentation action relating to pension benefits. Successful appeal of the trial judge's apportionment of damages.

William C. McDowell & Monique Jilesen | September 26, 2000

Canadian National Railway Company v Google Inc

Counsel to CN Railway in a successful proceeding for an order removing a defamatory blog.

Monique Jilesen | September 3, 2000

Canada v Granitile Inc

Counsel to the Government of Canada in an action to set aside a trial judgment on the grounds of the fraud of the plaintiff in obtaining the judgment. Judgment successfully set aside at trial.

Ronald G. Slaght & Monique Jilesen | August 27, 2000

Re First Waste Utilities Canada Limited

Counsel to Canadian National Railways in successfully responding to an appeal of an order approved transaction in a bankruptcy.

Monique Jilesen | August 26, 2000

Vale v Roland

Successful motion by the defendants for an order quashing notices of examination and a motion to set aside a consent order on the grounds that the notices and motion were frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of process.

Ronald G. Slaght & Monique Jilesen | August 9, 2000

Canadian National Railway Company v Holmes

Counsel to CN in a complex dispute involving employee fraud, accounting of profits, abuse of process, defamation and negligent exercise of statutory dispute. In the course of the proceedings, obtained Anton Pillar and Mareva injunctions in order to protect evidence and assets related to the alleged employee fraud.

Peter Griffin, Monique Jilesen, Rebecca Jones, Brendan F. Morrison, Jenn Power, Laura Robinson & Grace Tsakas | July 12, 2000

Re Calpine Corporation

Canadian counsel to Calpine Corporation in the complex, cross-border Calpine insolvency proceeding which included CCAA proceedings in Alberta and simultaneous Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. At the time of filing, Calpine was the sixth largest case to file Chapter 11 in U.S. restructuring history and one of the largest CCAA proceedings in Canadian restructuring history.

Monique Jilesen | June 26, 2000

Oakville (Town) v Birchgrove Estates Inc

Counsel in an appeal of a decision of the Municipal Board rescinding appointment of a member of the Conservation Review Board to the Municipal Board and decision directing the Town to permit relocation of two heritage buildings.

Alan J. Lenczner & Monique Jilesen | June 20, 2000

Catalyst Fund General Partner I Inc v Hollinger Inc

Counsel to the Court-appointed inspector, Ernst & Young, in proceedings relating to Hollinger Inc. Included a successful motion and appeal to examine a witness under oath, in face of an argument that it violated constitutional rights which protected self-incrimination.

Monique Jilesen | June 6, 2000

Ice Gardens at York University Inc v Parmalat Dairy and Bakery Inc

Counsel for the plaintiff successful trial of an action by the Ice Gardens for breach of contract for failing to pay for naming rights.

Monique Jilesen | June 5, 2000

Motion Picture Distribution Inc v Loewy

Counsel for the plaintiff on a motion for injunctive relief enjoining defendant from using confidential information, competing with or soliciting employees from the plaintiff.

Alan J. Lenczner & Monique Jilesen | June 4, 2000

Mega Blow Moulding Ltd v Sarantos

Counsel to a defendant in a commercial dispute. Successfully moved for an order to dismiss the action because it was commenced without proper authority.

Monique Jilesen | June 2, 2000

Adair Estate v Hamilton Health Sciences Corp

Counsel to the defendant physicians in a medical negligence claim alleging a failure to diagnose a bowel obstruction in a timely fashion.

Glenn Smith & Monique Jilesen | May 31, 2000

Horton Plaza Inc v Richtree Inc

Counsel for the defendant in an action for breach of a lease.

Monique Jilesen | May 30, 2000

Kurek v Brown

Counsel for the defendant physician in a civil action. Successful motion and appeal, dismissing a third party claim on the grounds that it was statute barred.

Monique Jilesen | May 29, 2000

Coopers & Lybrand Ltd v Richter & Associés Inc

Counsel for Richter in an appeal of a refusal to set aside a default judgment.

Monique Jilesen | May 28, 2000

Re Muscletech Research and Development Inc

Counsel on motion by a creditor in CCAA proceedings to be included in court ordered mediation process.

Monique Jilesen | May 12, 2000

Kelebay v Petruck

Counsel for the applicant in a successful application for a declaration that the applicant was the sole shareholder of a company.

Monique Jilesen | April 2, 2000

Peterson v Ontario (Securities Commission)

Counsel in an application to quash the notice of hearing of the Ontario Securities Commission on the grounds of bias.

Alan J. Lenczner & Monique Jilesen | March 20, 2000

Re YBM

Counsel to director of YBM in Ontario Securities Commission proceedings relating to disclosure obligations and securities class action proceedings.

Monique Jilesen | March 1, 2000

Re Hemosol Corp

Counsel on a successful motion for payment of a success fee to an investment advisor for conducting a marketing process undertaken by the Receiver.

Monique Jilesen | February 26, 2000

Larry v Triple M Metal Inc

Counsel for the defendant at trial of wrongful dismissal claim. Successfully defended claim for portion of profit sharing plan.

Monique Jilesen | February 25, 2000

CSAE Inc v Air Service SA

Successful defence of motion to stay or dismiss application on the basis that it was not commenced with the authority of the applicant and on the basis of forum non conveniens.

Monique Jilesen | February 24, 2000

Ostroff v Ramnarine

Counsel to successful defendant in a trial of an action for the repayment of an advance of funds put into a business venture.

Monique Jilesen | February 23, 2000

Brantford (City) v Montour

Counsel as amicus to the Superior Court in an application brought by The Corporation of the City of Brantford for an interlocutory injunction to prevent work stoppages on municipal sites within the City, and a motion brought by the respondents, First Nations' individuals, seeking to set aside two by-laws passed by the applicant prohibiting the blockage and disruption.

William C. McDowell & Monique Jilesen | February 6, 2000

Michael L Goguen v Amber Laurel Baptiste

Counsel to the plaintiff commencing an action to enforce a foreign judgement and obtaining a Mareva injunction in support of the action, ensuring that the defendants do not sell or dissipate any of their assets in Canada.

Monique Jilesen & Sahar Talebi

Select Committee on Financial Transparency

Counsel to corporate witnesses testifying at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Select Committee on Financial Transparency.

Tom Curry, Monique Jilesen, Rebecca Jones, Jessica Roher & Chloe Boubalos

The Law Foundation of Ontario - Member, Class Proceedings Committee
Commercial List Users’ Committee - Member
The Advocates' Society - Former Chair of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group
Canadian Bar Association
Ontario Bar Association
International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
Women's White Collar Defense Association
Turnaround Management Association
United Way Greater Toronto - Member, 2022 Major Individual Giving (MIG) Cabinet and Women United
Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Moot - Former Coach, Osgoode Hall Law School
Osgoode Hall Law School - Former Adjunct Professor
Gale Cup Moot Committee - Past Chair

The LCO’s Class Actions Final Report: The Defence Perspective

As has now been widely reported, the Law Commission of Ontario has released its final report on class actions which makes recommendations to improve the system of class actions in Ontario. Our colleagues, Brian Kolenda and Derek Knoke, commented on those that will be of interest to plaintiffs in their blog post here. We provide the defence counsel perspective here.

Monique Jilesen & Paul-Erik Veel | July 29, 2019

The Rules of Evidence Still Apply in PMNOC Section 8 Cases

It’s no surprise to litigators that some courts tend to be relaxed with the rules of evidence in civil cases. In many contexts, courts are prepared to admit inadmissible hearsay evidence and simply address evidentiary concerns by noting that such evidence may be given less weight. That type of approach was often taken in cases under section 8 of the Patented Medicine (Notice of Compliance) Regulations.

Monique Jilesen & Paul-Erik Veel | June 7, 2016

The weight of the corporate veil: It will be lifted with only the strongest tools

The "corporate veil" is an old and well-establish concept. Corporations are separate legal entities under the law and, generally, liability will not flow through the corporation and onto the owners and directors. This is why a corporate bankruptcy doesn't result in a flurry of debt collectors knocking on the door of every shareholder.

Monique Jilesen | March 2, 2015

Lexpert Recognizes Lenczner Slaght’s Litigation Strength

An increasing number of our expert litigators continue to be recognized as the foremost lawyers in their fields by peers and senior members of the legal profession.

November 23, 2023

Inside Toronto Life’s Most Influential Party

Monique Jilesen, our Managing Partner, was honored as "Canada's top litigator" at Toronto Life's annual celebration of the city’s Top 50 Most Influential. Monique is recognized alongside leaders in politics, tech, media, sports, culture, and real estate.

Monique Jilesen | November 17, 2023

Lenczner Slaght Stands Out as a Top-Tier Litigation Firm in Legal 500 Canada

Canada’s leading litigation firm is once again recognized as a “litigation powerhouse” according to Legal 500 Canada.

November 17, 2023

Monique Jilesen Named in Toronto Life’s Top 50 Most Influential of 2023

Toronto Life recognizes our Managing Partner as “Canada’s top litigator” in their prestigious Top 50 Most Influential of 2023 list, an exclusive ranking of the people who represent Toronto on a world stage and whose bravery, smarts and influence are changing the world.

Monique Jilesen | November 16, 2023

Chambers Canada Recognizes Lenczner Slaght as a Top-Tier Litigation Firm

Canada’s leading litigation firm and its expert litigators continue to be recognized by world-renowned directory, Chambers & Partners.

September 28, 2023

Lenczner Slaght Litigators Recognized as Best Lawyers in Canada

In the latest edition of Best Lawyers in Canada, 41 of our expert litigators are recognized for their expertise across 24 practice areas. The following lawyers have also been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for receiving the highest overall peer-feedback in their practice areas in Toronto.

August 24, 2023

Canadian Law Awards Celebrates Lenczner Slaght’s Litigation Excellence

Following extensive research and assessment by industry leaders across Canada, this year’s Canadian Law Awards honoured Lenczner Slaght in two categories.

Monique Jilesen | May 12, 2023

Lenczner Slaght’s Litigation Excellence Recognized in 2023 Lexpert Directory

Following comprehensive peer review surveys and interviews with senior members in the legal profession, the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has recognized 31 of the firm’s expert litigators for their experience, knowledge, and precision, with 108 rankings spanning 17 practice areas.

March 1, 2023

Lenczner Slaght’s 22nd Year at the Centre of the Lexpert Bull’s Eye

The 2023 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada continues to recognize Lenczner Slaght as the #1 firm in Toronto for Litigation and Commercial Litigation.

January 11, 2023

Lenczner Slaght Recognized Among Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers

Following an in-depth peer review process, the 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers guide recognizes 15 Lenczner Slaght lawyers for their extensive courtroom experience and subject-matter expertise. We know courts, and courts know and trust us. That is why clients turn to us to solve their most complex legal problems.

November 23, 2022

Fall Convention 2023

Monique Jilesen was invited to present at The Advocates' Society's Fall Convention. Monique will participate on the panel discussion "Things You Were Afraid to Say".

Monique Jilesen | November 4, 2023

Evidence for Litigators 2023

Monique Jilesen was invited to share her expertise at The Advocates' Society's annual program on Evidence for Litigators. Monique participated on the panel Arguing Hearsay Exceptions and Other Objections.

Monique Jilesen | October 24, 2023

Developing Personal Style; The Judges Weigh In

Monique Jilesen presented at The Advocates' Society's program Cross-Examination: Building Block Series Block Two: Conducting an Effective Cross. Monique discussed how she developed her personal style for cross-examinations and how you can too.

Monique Jilesen | April 4, 2023

10th Annual Professionalism Issues for Business Lawyers

Monique Jilesen was invited to share her expertise at the OBA's 10th Annual Professionalism Issues for Business Lawyers program. Monique will discuss "Issues of Good Faith and Mistakes in Contractual Negotiations".

Monique Jilesen | March 27, 2023

Arbitration Place Invitational Pre-Moot

Monique Jilesen was invited to share her expertise at the Arbitration Place Invitational Pre-Moot for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

Monique Jilesen | March 4, 2023

Your First Civil Trial

Monique Jilesen will present at the OBA's Young Lawyers Division program Your First Civil Trial. Monique will share her expertise on the pannel "Introducing Evidence at Trial".

Monique Jilesen | March 3, 2023

The Yunusov Question: A Conversation with Monique Jilesen

Featured on The Yunusov Question Podcast, Monique Jilesen talks about her path to law, her litigation practice, her day-to-day as Managing Partner, and everything in between.

Monique Jilesen | February 17, 2023

The Fearless Advocate: Litigating Polarizing Legal Issues

Monique Jilesen was invited to present at The Advocates' Society's program titled "The Fearless Advocate: Litigating Polarizing Legal Issues". Monique will speak on the panel Best Practices for Handling Media, New and Old.

Monique Jilesen | April 20, 2022

Rethinking the Rules of Civil Evidence

In the March 2022 edition of The Advocates' Journal, Monique Jilesen and Jessica Kras provided a practical refresher on the evidentiary principles that govern the use and admissibility of documents to refresh a witness’s memory.

Monique Jilesen & Jessica Kras | March 14, 2022

Ottawa and the Emergencies Act: A Big Round Table

Monique participated in a roundtable presented by Osgoode Hall Law School on how the Emergencies Act’s invocation and measures relate to associated developments, particularly the Ottawa residents’ class action lawsuit against the Freedom Convoy protesters and the resulting injunctions.

Monique Jilesen | February 23, 2022

Toronto Life’s Top 50 Most Influential (2023)

Canada's Top Litigator

Douglas K. Laidlaw Medal for Excellence in Advocacy (2017)

International Academy of Trial Lawyers (2017)

Fellow

Chambers Canada (2019-2024)

Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)

Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (2014-2023)

Class Actions, Insolvency & Financial Restructuring, Litigation - Corporate Commercial, Litigation - Directors' & Officers' Liability, Litigation - Securities

Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (2016-2023)

Corporate Commercial Litigation

Lexpert Special Edition: Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers (2014-2023)

Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada (2013-2019)

Dispute Resolution, Corporate Commercial Litigation, Litigation Lawyer to Watch (2013)

Lexpert Special Edition: Canada's Leading Technology Lawyers (2021)

Lexpert Zenith Award (2018)

Mid-Career Excellence in Corporate Commercial Litigation

Lexpert Rising Stars (2012)

Leading Lawyers Under 40

The Legal 500 Canada (2019-2024)

Dispute Resolution (Leading Lawyer), Insolvency and Restructuring (Recommended Lawyer)

Benchmark Canada (2017-2023)

Litigation Star – Class Action, Commercial, Insolvency, Securities; Top 100 Women in Litigation; Top 50 Trial Lawyer in Canada (2021)

Benchmark Litigation (2017-2019)

Top 25 Women in Canadian Litigation

Who’s Who Legal: Canada (2020-2023)

Litigation, Restructuring & Insolvency

Best Lawyers in Canada (2016-2024)

Class Action Litigation, Corporate & Commercial Litigation, Director & Officer Liability, Insolvency & Financial Restructuring, Labour and Employment, Securities

Canadian Law Awards (2023)

Litigator of the Year