Over 30 Years of Litigation Experience
Starkman & ZhangLawyers
Starkman & Zhang is a Toronto and Markham litigation firm specializing in commercial, construction, real estate, and shareholder disputes — with particular depth in China-Canada cross-border litigation and CIETAC arbitration enforcement. Founding partner Paul Starkman: 30+ years of Ontario trial and appellate experience. Partner Calvin Zhang: counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Verifiable courtroom record on CanLII.
Services in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Italian & Russian | 多语言法律服务
Where Can We Help You
Our Practice Areas
Starkman & Zhang Lawyers is a Toronto-based litigation firm with over 30 years of courtroom experience across Ontario.
China-Canada Cross-Border Disputes
CIETAC, ICC, HKIAC arbitration award enforcement in Ontario. Cross-border debt recovery, Mareva injunctions, shareholder disputes. Counsel for Chinese businesses operating in Canada.
Learn MoreCorporate & Commercial Litigation
Shareholder oppression, derivative actions, breach of contract, commercial fraud, injunctions, and partnership disputes. Experienced on the Commercial List and Ontario Superior Court.
Learn MoreConstruction Litigation & Liens
Lien preservation and enforcement under the Construction Act, delay and deficiency claims, trust claims, prompt payment disputes, and bonding claims.
Learn MoreReal Estate Litigation
Failed closings, specific performance, title disputes, APS breaches, deposit forfeiture, mortgage enforcement, and vendor-purchaser disputes.
Learn MoreLandlord & Tenant Litigation
Above-jurisdiction rental arrears in Superior Court, lease enforcement, damage claims exceeding Landlord and Tenant Board limits, and commercial eviction.
Learn MoreInternational Arbitration
Cross-border commercial arbitration, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention, CIETAC, ICC, and UNCITRAL Model Law proceedings.
Learn MoreAppeals — Court of Appeal & Divisional Court
Civil, commercial, construction, and administrative appeals before the Ontario Court of Appeal and Divisional Court — including stays pending appeal, security for costs on appeal, and judicial review.
Learn MoreJudicial Review & Administrative Tribunals
Applications for Judicial Review at Divisional Court, and representation before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, License Appeal Tribunal, and other administrative bodies.
Learn MorePre-Construction Condo Disputes
Buyer remedies for delayed delivery, builder cancellation, deposit recovery, and Tarion claims on Toronto pre-construction condominiums.
Learn MoreEmployment Law (Wrongful Dismissal)
Acting for employers and employees in termination disputes, discrimination complaints, wrongful dismissal actions, and employment contract injunctions.
Learn MoreReal Estate Fraud Litigation
Title fraud, mortgage fraud, fraudulent conveyance, certificates of pending litigation, and recovery of fraudulently transferred property in Ontario.
Learn MoreProfessional Negligence & Malpractice
Representing clients in actions against lawyers, health care professionals, engineers, and architects for professional negligence.
Learn MoreShareholder Disputes & Oppression
Oppression remedies, derivative actions, buy-out applications, and corporate deadlock litigation under the OBCA and CBCA in Ontario.
Learn MoreLearn About Our Firm
Starkman & Zhang Lawyers
Starkman & Zhang Lawyers represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial and civil litigation.
We resolve disputes efficiently and pragmatically, and assist clients with corporate transactions including purchase and sale, security documentation, and shareholder and partnership agreements.
30+
Years of Experience
20+
Types of Complex Civil Litigation
6
Languages Served
50+
Recent Victories
Why Clients Choose Us
Clear Strategy. Proven Results. Real Litigation Experience.
Risk Managed
Clear Strategy. No Surprises.
The biggest problem in litigation isn't winning or losing — it's uncertainty. We provide clear legal strategy, phased assessments, and honest risk evaluation so you always know what comes next.
Results Driven
Focused on Outcomes.
Litigation is not a process — it's a result. Every strategy we design is built around one core objective:
Maximize your gain. Minimize your loss.
Real Experience
Proven, Not Claimed.
Experience should be verifiable, not just described. Our published court decisions and real outcomes are on the record — look them up.
Our Difference
Why Choose a Trial-Focused Litigation Firm?
Trial-Focused Litigation Firm
We do not handle transactional work, corporate filings, or non-litigation matters. Courtroom advocacy is what we do every day — from motions and discoveries to multi-week trials and appeals.
30+ Years of Courtroom Experience
Founding partner Paul Starkman brings three decades of trials and appeals across Ontario courts — verifiable on CanLII. Partner Calvin Zhang was trained directly under Paul’s mentorship, inheriting deep strategic and trial skills.
Verifiable Case Record on CanLII
Experienced trial lawyers leave a trail of reported decisions. Search our lawyers’ names on CanLII to verify our courtroom track record — the most transparent proof of capability.
Multilingual: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Italian & Russian
Calvin Zhang is fluent in English and Mandarin, ensuring Chinese-speaking clients receive precise legal communication throughout the entire litigation process, from case analysis to courtroom submissions.
China-Canada Cross-Border Expertise
We specialize in China-Canada commercial disputes, international arbitration, and enforcement of foreign awards. Whether Chinese businesses in Canada or Canadian investors in China, we have the cross-border experience.
Ongoing Legal Knowledge Sharing
We regularly publish legal insights and case analyses on litigation developments — many written by our own lawyers.
How It Works
The Ontario Litigation Process
Our experienced Toronto litigation lawyers guide you through every stage of an Ontario lawsuit.
Case Assessment
Our litigation lawyers assess the facts, legal merits, and prospects of success to develop the optimal strategy. Call 905-477-3110 to schedule a consultation.
Pleadings
We draft the Statement of Claim or Defence and serve it in accordance with Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
Discovery
Both sides exchange relevant documents and conduct oral examinations under oath. Our lawyers are skilled at identifying weaknesses in the opposing case during discovery.
Mediation & Settlement
Ontario law requires mandatory mediation in most civil cases. Our litigators are experienced negotiators who work to achieve the best possible settlement terms at the lowest cost.
Trial
If the case cannot be resolved through mediation, Paul Starkman and Calvin Zhang will represent you at trial before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice — presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering closing arguments.
Appeal & Enforcement
If an appeal is necessary, or if a judgment needs to be enforced through garnishment, seizure, or asset freezing, we continue to provide legal support until the matter is fully resolved.
中文法律服务
专业多语言法律服务
Starkman & Zhang 位于多伦多Markham，专注诉讼30余年。创始人Paul Starkman律师在安大略省高等法院和上诉法院代理过数百起复杂案件；合伙人张律师（Calvin Zhang）独立处理各类诉讼，精通多种语言，深入理解华人客户的法律需求。团队多名成员持有中国律师执照，具备中加双重法律背景，能够精准理解两国法律体系差异，为涉及中国业务的客户提供更深入、更高效的法律代理。
Years Experience 诉讼经验
Types of Litigation 类复杂民事诉讼
Languages 多语服务
Recent Victories 近期胜诉案例
Our Team
Our team regularly appears before Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Commercial List, Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Small Claims Court, the Landlord and Tenant Board, and various regulatory bodies and arbitration tribunals.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Toronto litigation lawyers charge for their services?
Ontario litigation lawyers typically charge hourly rates based on experience and case complexity. Some cases may use fixed fees or contingency arrangements. During your initial consultation, we will provide a clear fee estimate for your specific matter.
How can I tell if a lawyer actually has trial experience?
In Canada, a key measure of a litigation lawyer’s courtroom experience is their record on CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute). CanLII publishes court decisions from all levels — if a lawyer regularly appears in court, their name appears in these reported decisions. Search for Paul Starkman or Calvin Zhang on CanLII to verify our trial record.
How long does litigation take in Toronto?
Timelines vary by complexity. Simple civil matters may resolve in 6–12 months. Complex commercial disputes can take 2–3 years or longer. Many cases settle through mediation before trial, significantly shortening the timeline. We provide realistic time estimates during your initial consultation.
What is the limitation period for civil claims in Ontario?
Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, most civil claims must be commenced within 2 years of discovering the cause of action. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim. Some cases have different limitation rules, so consult a litigation lawyer early to protect your rights.
Why choose a multilingual litigation firm?
For Chinese-speaking clients, a multilingual firm means you can communicate case details in your native language without risking misunderstandings. Starkman & Zhang’s unique advantage: Paul Starkman provides 30+ years of deep litigation expertise, while Calvin Zhang handles cases independently and ensures accurate Chinese communication. Together, they deliver the strongest legal representation for Chinese-speaking clients.
Where can I learn more about your cases and legal expertise?
We regularly publish legal analyses and case studies on our website. Visit our Legal Insights section for in-depth articles, or check Recent Cases to see our latest matters. These real case records demonstrate our litigation strength and professional depth.
What types of disputes does Starkman & Zhang Lawyers handle?
We are a trial-focused litigation firm in Toronto handling commercial litigation (breach of contract, partnership/shareholder disputes, fraud, oppression remedy, Mareva injunctions), construction litigation (Construction Act liens, payment disputes, delay claims), real estate litigation (failed transactions, title disputes, specific performance), landlord & tenant disputes (large unpaid rent, eviction), pre-construction condo disputes, international arbitration (CIETAC / ICC / HKIAC enforcement under the New York Convention), judicial review and appeals before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
How much does it cost to hire a Toronto litigation lawyer?
Hourly rates for Toronto litigation lawyers typically range from $400 to $700 CAD depending on the lawyer's seniority and case complexity. A straightforward civil claim might resolve for $25,000–$50,000 in legal fees; complex commercial litigation involving multiple parties, expert witnesses and motions can run $150,000 and up. Ontario follows a 'loser pays' costs rule under Rule 57, so the prevailing party typically recovers a portion of their legal fees. We provide a transparent fee estimate during the initial consultation.
Can a foreign court judgment or arbitration award be enforced in Ontario?
Yes. Foreign arbitration awards (CIETAC, ICC, HKIAC, SIAC) can be recognized and enforced in Ontario under the New York Convention via an application to the Ontario Superior Court. Foreign court judgments (including Chinese court judgments) are enforced under common law principles requiring proof of the foreign court's jurisdiction, finality, and that recognition does not offend Canadian public policy. Calvin Zhang has acted on multi-million-dollar cross-border enforcement matters, including the CIETAC award enforcement of $1,571,971 in China Yantai Friction v. Novalex.
Do you handle litigation matters outside downtown Toronto?
Yes. While our office is in Markham, we represent clients across the Greater Toronto Area — Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington — and province-wide in matters before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal. Most pre-trial steps are conducted by motion and video conference, so geographic distance is rarely a barrier to representation.
Speak to a Litigation Lawyer Today
Get clarity on your legal position before making your next move.
Book a ConsultationServing Toronto, Markham & All of Ontario
Our office is located in Markham, and we represent clients across the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Ontario in civil and commercial litigation matters.
We serve clients province-wide. Contact us to discuss your matter.