Philip Underwood

Philip Underwood

T416 645 5078

punderwood@lolg.ca

  • “He is exceptional. He's very bright and efficient and he punches well above his weight.” 
    (Chambers Canada)

Bio

Recognized by clients for his technical expertise and professionalism, Phil has broad experience in corporate and commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes, oppression claims, insolvency proceedings, regulatory matters, and commercial arbitrations. Phil has a deep understanding of the shifting dynamics of specialized industries. He has counselled a variety of clients in the retail, real estate, energy, insurance, financial services, and telecommunications sectors. 

Phil has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court and Court of Appeal, the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has been part of the legal teams in some of the largest and most high-profile commercial litigation matters in Canada of the past several years.

Phil previously practised at the New York office of a leading international law firm where he acted on large regulatory investigations, antitrust matters, bankruptcy proceedings, and international commercial arbitrations.

Select Representative Mandates

  • Stronach v. Stronach et al., 2024 ONSC 4524

    Secured a settlement in the action brought by Selena Stronach against Belinda Stronach and other members of the Stronach family over control of and rights to the family wealth.

  • PACE Credit Union v. Smith

    Acted for a credit union in an action to recover tens of millions of dollars from former executives, directors, officers, and third parties.

  • Sears Canada Insolvency

    Appointed to investigate potential claims on behalf of Sears Canada and its creditors to increase assets within the estate and to review payments made to Sears Canada shareholders.

  • Del Grande v. Toronto Catholic District School Board, 2024 ONCA 769

    Successfully represented TDSCB in Ontario Court of Appeal, jurisdiction to enforce code of conduct and discipline trustees, application of constitutional protection to trustees speech.

  • Leavens et al. v Schwartz

    Successful in enforcing a buy/sell clause in a USA before the Commercial List.

  • Hitachi Energy Canada

    Successfully resolved claim regarding engineering design defects in structural foundations on a large infrastructure project.

  • Hockey Canada

    Representing Hockey Canada in connection with litigation, investigation, and Parliamentary hearings regarding sexual misconduct allegations and with respect to corporate governance issues.

  • Bell Canada v. British Columbia Broadband Association, 2020 FCA 140

    Acted for the CNOC in responding to two appeals brought by large telephone and cable companies from a CRTC decision which lowered the rates for wholesale high-speed internet access.

  • Pella v. City of Toronto

    Acted for the TCDSB and the successful candidate in an October 2022 Toronto school board trustee election in responding to a recount application under the Ontario Municipal Elections Act.

  • Multicultural Consultancy Canada et al. v. FSRA et al.

    Successfully represented the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario against a $50 million tort claim.

More mandates

Recognitions

Chambers

  • Chambers Canada 2025: Up & Coming - Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)
  • Chambers Canada 2024: Associates to Watch - Litigation: General Commercial (Ontario)

Best Lawyers

  • The Best Lawyers™ in Canada: Ones to Watch, 2024-2025: Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law
  • The Best Lawyers™ In Canada: Ones to Watch, 2023: Corporate and Commercial Litigation

Credentials

  • Called to the Ontario Bar, 2017
  • Admitted to the New York Bar, 2015
  • J.D. (cum laude), Harvard Law School, 2014
  • B.A. (with honours, Phi Beta Kappa), University of Chicago, 2010