Paul H. Starkman

Paul H. Starkman is a senior litigation lawyer with over 30 years of experience advising and representing clients in complex civil, commercial, and real estate disputes throughout Ontario. His practice is grounded in extensive courtroom experience, disciplined legal analysis, and a practical understanding of how disputes evolve from commencement through trial and appeal.

Paul regularly appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on contested motions and trials, and has experience before the Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal. His litigation practice frequently involves interlocutory disputes, summary judgment motions, injunctions, and cases where early procedural and strategic decisions materially affect the outcome.

Throughout his career, Paul has been trusted with matters involving entrenched disputes, contested facts, and high litigation risk. He is particularly experienced in cases involving contractual interpretation, credibility disputes, and procedurally complex litigation requiring careful framing of issues and evidentiary strategy.

Clients rely on Paul for candid advice, realistic assessments of risk, and advocacy that is firm, measured, and principled. His approach reflects a clear understanding that effective litigation is not simply procedural—it requires judgment, preparation, and the ability to navigate uncertainty under pressure.

A hallmark of Paul’s practice is sound litigation judgment—knowing when to advance matters decisively and when restraint better serves the client’s interests. He is particularly experienced in disputes where credibility conflicts, contractual interpretation, and procedural complexity require careful issue framing and strategic discipline.

Paul’s advocacy style is focused and measured. He prepares detailed evidentiary records, advances clear legal positions, and remains attentive to proportionality and risk at every stage of the litigation process. Judges and opposing counsel recognize him as a lawyer who is well prepared, principled in his submissions, and focused on the issues that matter.

Throughout his career, Paul has maintained a clear philosophy: litigation is not an academic exercise, nor is it merely procedural. It is about solving problems under pressure, protecting clients’ interests, and navigating uncertainty with discipline, experience, and sound judgment.

Career: Paul began his legal career practising litigation at some of Canada’s most respected law firms. He worked as a Litigation Associate at Torkin Manes LLP and later at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, where he acted on complex civil and commercial disputes. He subsequently practised at Stevensons LLP, continuing to build a broad litigation practice and regularly appearing in court. Following his experience in national and mid-sized firms, Paul established and grew his own litigation practice, ultimately serving as Senior Litigator at Starkman Barristers.

Affiliations: Paul H. Starkman is a member of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and adheres to the Rules of Professional Conduct. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994. He is also a member of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) and The Advocates’ Society.