You can’t write this stuff.
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As an insurance defence counsel over the course of my lengthy career, I had the opportunity of dealing with many opposing counsel in a wide variety of cases. Richard stood out as one of the very best. He was always consistently and thoroughly prepared, realistic, extremely capable, effective, principled and, at all times, fair. In a number of instances, Richard and I were brought in by other counsel in an effort to resolve a number of long-standing and apparently intractable disputes. Invariably we settled those complex cases in a single meeting. I would not hesitate to retain Richard to mediate or arbitrate any of my cases and to recommend him to my colleagues in the defence bar. In addition to his obvious professionalism, Richard is extraordinarily collegial in his dealings with opposing counsel - a necessary prerequisite to the role of an effective mediator or arbitrator. I couldn't recommend a mediator or arbitrator more highly.
Steve Stieber, founding partner Stieber Berlach LLP
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Hey Rick – really love this factum – it just gets better as it goes along, but you had me at “classic fact driven one-off”! – seriously, I wish more lawyers would do this – it’s incredibly effective.
Mr. Justice B.
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We will always be grateful to you.
A.K.
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Thank you for your thoughtful advice and compassion during a most difficult time. I’ll always remember your kindness. You are a Mensch.
L.F.
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He was incredible. Maybe one of the best I’ve heard. A truly talented litigator. I’m envious.
Bell Temple lawyer, responding to a conference presentation
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One thing is abundantly clear: when you joined the battle a couple of years ago you brought focus, direction, and dynamic execution skills to a floundering legal battle that had lost all of its cohesiveness and sense of direction… Thank you Richard for bringing this tired lawsuit to a successful conclusion that exceeded my expectations. It was exhilarating to watch you work.
A.B.
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You may have just written the essential guide to dealing with lay/expert witnesses. Nicely done.
K.M.
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I have not seen a case which has been better prepared or presented than this one. In addition to the very substantial success, a number of matters arose during trial which demonstrated to me the thorough, sophisticated and ingenious way in which all aspects of this case were prepared and direct and cross-examinations were conducted (by Richard Shekter).
Justice O'Brien Roberts v Morana (1997) 37. O.R. (3d) 342
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Richard, you never cease to amaze me. You find issues that others would easily pass over as not being central to the case or to the client’s liberty, or being just too tough or complex to address…and then you work them like no one else. It is a combination of art and science…and you are both an artist and a scientist. Well done and thank you.
Alan Direnfeld, Lawyer
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Mr. Shekter was extremely well-prepared throughout the trial and the success of his work is reflected in the jury verdict.
Madam Justice Darla A. Wilson, Gardner v. Hann 2012
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It was always comforting to know that we had you working in our ‘corner’.
M.S.
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My family and I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation on how you handled the litigation in the death of our son Michael… Your dedication and compassion were admirable. Even though we knew nothing could replace him or make the pain go away, you definitely helped us by removing the financial burden that accumulated with the loss of our son.
For that we are grateful and humbled to have had you and your firm represent our family.
A. & J. B.
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Thank you for everything Richard. I want you to see how you’ve helped my boys S.P. and B.P. purchase a home together. B.P. has accepted a spot in a Master’s program at Queen’s University so they’ve bought a house close to the university in Kingston. This has worked well because my other son S.P. is doing renos nearby and he'll spread that work to Kingston as well. Mom is happy because her boys continue to work together and will be living only about an hour and a half away. They'll be able to rent out a couple of rooms and make a few improvements down the road and they’ll have a nice nest egg. I just wanted you to see the outcome of the good work you do! Thanks for everything Richard.
A.P.
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I had the pleasure of working closely with Richard as our general legal counsel for almost twenty-five years. In addition to always providing us with sage counsel and advice on a variety of matters, Richard employed his considerable legal and interpersonal skills to mediate and bring to resolution a wide variety of College matters, both internal and external as well as litigious. I relied on his impartiality and insight through many challenging negotiations. He was widely respected by all who dealt with him, both within the College and even by opposing counsel with whom he always dealt courteously. At all times he was meticulous, fair, informed and effective. I am delighted to recommend him as an excellent mediator.
Deborah Worrad, Registrar of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
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We first met Richard Shekter approximately 9 years ago when my daughter was involved in a serious car accident that had left her with permanent injuries. As our attorney, Richard was exhaustive in his research for all details pertinent to the accident and thorough in his investigation of any information that continued to flow into his office.
Christine Pohl and Amanda Gardner
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I can’t tell you how nice it is to be enthusiastic about the law again and to practice with someone who is truly inspired. I’ve been told how important it is to work with someone who is a real human being. I didn’t know that that meant until now. So thanks.
Elizabeth Hall, B.Sc., LL.B., Executive Director, Ontario Bar Association
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You were so well prepared and presented your case extremely well. You presented yourselves as the classy people you are and it showed… P.S. You restored my faith in lawyers which up until now has been zero.
E.J.
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Just read the [Advocate Society] paper. Great work. You are good!
Mr. Justice A.