L. Russell Hatch

Partner
P: 416-593-3920
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  • Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2000
  • Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 1997
  • LL.B., (N.C.A.), University of Toronto, 1998
  • J.D., Southern Methodist University, 1997
  • B.A., Indiana University, 1992
L. Russell Hatch Photo ©2024 Blaney McMurtry LLP
 Overview

Russ articled at Blaney McMurtry in 1999 and has been with the firm ever since.  He became a partner in 2007 and is a member of the Insurance Litigation Group. His practice focuses on insurance defence and commercial litigation matters.

Russ has extensive experience in a wide range of tort matters including: personal injury, occupiers' and product liability, professional negligence, malicious prosecution, property damage and libel and slander. One of the firm’s most knowledgeable practitioners in the areas of automobile and transportation issues, Russ also defends clients with respect to motor vehicle accident claims, road liability, the Transport industry, charter issues and police pursuits.  

Russ has also developed expertise in representing police and security agencies as well as provincial and municipal government jurisdictions. He does public liability defence work with a particular focus on police defence issues. 

Russ also represents U.S.-based clients with respect to their business interests in Canada, and in enforcing U.S. judgments in Canada.

Over the years, Russ has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario including the Ontario Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal.  He has also been involved in countless mediations and other ADR hearings.

Russ grew up in Illinois and also lived in Indiana and Texas, before settling in Toronto. He is called to the Bar in both Ontario and in the State of Texas.

 Education
  • LL.B., (N.C.A.), University of Toronto, 1998
  • J.D., Southern Methodist University, 1997
  • B.A., Indiana University, 1992
 Practice Areas  Called to the Bar
  • Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2000
  • Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 1997
 Assistant  Experience
  • Defence counsel to public authorities and police forces in relation to wrongful arrest, assault, malicious prosecution and charter breach claims
  • Specialist in defending automobile, motorcycle and commercial transport claims
  • Class action experience in the Bre-x class action
  • Defence counsel to restaurants and taverns on assault and other occupier-based claims
  • Subrogating counsel and defence counsel in claims involving property loss by fire, water and other causes
  • Hunt v. Ontario, 2004 CarswellOnt 5456 -

    Obtained dismissal of malicious prosecution claim against the OPP in a two-week trial.

  • Orum v. Maksuta and Kent and Essex Mutual Insurance Company, 2021 ONSC, 2974 (Ont. SCJ) (Jurisdiction motion) -

    Successfully brought motion on behalf of defendant for a stay of proceedings in Ontario involving a motor vehicle accident which occurred in Michigan. View Decision here.

  • Litigation counsel for provincial, county and municipal governments in negligence and occupier claims
  • Defence counsel to owners and occupiers on complex injury claims

Recognition

 Memberships

Memberships

  • Law Society of Ontario
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Ontario Bar Association - Insurance Law Section (former section executive)
  • American Bar Association
  • The Advocates' Society
  • Canadian Defence Lawyers
  • Society of Public Insurance Administrators of Ontario
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