Ryann Atkins

Ryann is a commercial litigator recognized for guiding clients through complex, high-stakes disputes where legal, business and reputational considerations converge. Her pragmatic, client-focused approach aligns litigation strategy with broader objectives and risk management.

Ryann has extensive experience in shareholder oppression claims, class actions, contract disputes, breach of trust claims, and cross-border litigation. She also advises clients on large-scale and sensitive investigations, privacy and cybersecurity incidents, and quality assurance reviews.

Ryann’s notable public-law mandates include acting for the Prime Minister of Canada in the historic Public Order Emergency Commission of Inquiry related to the convoy events of February 2022, and for the Government of Canada in the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions.

She has conducted numerous trials, arbitrations and appeals. Her practice is national in scope, having litigated in courts and tribunals across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

 

Representing a pharmaceutical company in an ongoing anti-trust class action

Representing a shared services organization in a data breach class action

Representing a land developer in a breach of trust case

Representing a capital pool company in a breach of trust case

Representing a general contractor in ongoing litigation around alleged deficiencies in the design and construction of a condominium tower.

Representing a large food import/export company in disputes with global food producers

Successfully obtained an injunction on behalf of a registered market dealer to protect sensitive client information (2023)

R v. Hills, 2023 SCC 2; R v. Hilbach, 2023 SCC 3: Represented the Canadian Civil Liberties Association in twin cases challenging mandatory minimum sentences.

Romana v. Canada (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission), 2022 FC 1455: Moved successfully to strike a claim for negligence and breach of the Television Broadcasting Regulations as an abuse of process

Successfully defended an oppression claim brought by a shareholder of a novel tech start-up against two co-founders (2022)

Hiess v. Zelnik, 2022 ONSC 484: successfully defended garnishee against $1.5 million claim

Successfully acted for a director enforcing his rights under a company stock option plan

Beijing Hehe Fengye Investment Co. Limited v. Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP, 2020 ONSC 934: brought successful motion challenging Ontario’s jurisdiction

Canadian Home Publishers Inc. v. Parker, 2019 ONCA 314: successfully represented appellant in first judicial consideration the default rights of the limited partner on dissolution

Successfully represented a major Canadian energy company in an insurance coverage dispute (2019)

Represented a manufacturer of cryogenic storage tanks in a product liability class action (2019)

Successfully represented a commercial real estate developer in an arbitration over the distribution of project profits (2018)

Reichmann v. Koplowitz et al., 2017 ONSC 4842: successfully defended a summary judgment motion over the limitation period applicable to a breach of fiduciary duty claim

Sleep Country Canada Inc. v. Sears Canada Inc., 2017 FC 148: successfully obtained an historic interlocutory injunction in a Federal trademark infringement case