Chris Reed is a founding partner at Laishley Reed LLP. He has practised commercial litigation for over twenty-five years. He provides practical, precise, and effective representation both on the merits of legal disputes and on the best way to navigate the litigation maze. Clients value his excellent written materials, persuasive arguments, and focus on cost-effective final results. He possesses an outstanding reputation with the bench.

Mr. Reed has significant expertise in bankruptcy and creditors’ rights litigation and in real estate litigation. However, his experience is not limited to these topics – he has handled a diverse range of matters including shareholders’ oppression rights, intellectual property rights, entertainment law, estate litigation, contract disputes, interlocutory injunctions (especially Mareva and Anton Piller orders) and collection matters. He has extensive experience with matters on the Commercial List, as well as matters in the Superior Court and Court of Appeal and at commercial arbitrations.

Mr. Reed has participated in major restructurings, receiverships and reorganizations for debtors, creditors, trustees and monitors. He has an extensive practice in financial restructuring, proposal and bankruptcy needs for individuals who have had a high net worth. He is frequently retained by guardian trustees appointed by the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and is intimately familiar with the discipline and conservatory powers of the Superintendent.

Prior to founding Laishley Reed LLP in 2000, Mr. Reed was a partner at a mid-size Bay Street firm for five years. He was previously an associate at the same firm and at a full-service national law firm. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1988.

Sample Retainers (further examples available on request)

• Argued at arbitrations concerning rental rates and occupancy costs in large commercial tenancies with successful results for clients, whether landlords or tenants.
• Brought a summary judgment motion to dismiss an oppression remedy claim advanced by shareholders of a failed start-up company.
• Served as counsel to the company and the trustee in an attempt to restructure one of Canada’s leading optical retailers, Public Optical.
• Assisted director of a bankrupt mid-sized company to manage his exposure and make a successful proposal to his creditors, enabling a fresh start to his career.
• Acted on construction lien litigation that helped clarify Ontario law concerning the definition of “owner” in the Construction Lien Act.
• Successfully pursued collection actions against Canadian debtors on behalf of trustees in the U.S.A.

Professional Memberships

• Canadian Bar Association (Insolvency Section)
• The Advocates’ Society

Education

• University of Toronto (LL.B., 1986)
• University of Toronto (B.A., Hons., 1983)

Laishley Reed LLP is committed to excellence in serving
all clients including people with disabilities.