Michael A. Wilson

First Year of Call
2013 Ontario

Areas of Practice
Corporate & Commercial Law

Description
Michael Wilson is a partner at Goodmans.

Michael acts as lead counsel in matters involving corporate governance and shareholder disputes, director and officer liability claims, and employment and commercial issues. Given his extensive experience advising decision-makers in the federal and provincial governments, he is regularly called upon to advise and represent clients in administrative and regulatory matters, including to develop legislative and regulatory proposals that respond to complex and urgent policy challenges.

Michael previously served as the chief of staff to the Attorney General of Ontario. Providing strategic counsel to two successive Attorneys General, Michael led the development and implementation of substantial legislative reform, including the modernization of legislation related to Ontario’s crown liability, class actions, civil forfeiture, and construction. He routinely advised on policy development related to regulated professions and industries, including those regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (alcohol, gaming, and cannabis). In 2023, Michael was designated by the Government of Ontario as King’s Counsel in recognition of his commitment to the pursuit of legal excellence in service to the Crown, the public and his community.

Michael has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada, and international and domestic arbitration panels.

Michael is recognized as a “Future Star” by Benchmark Litigation Canada and as “One to Watch” by The Best Lawyers in Canada. He is also recognized as “Leading Lawyers to Watch” by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Litigation – Corporate Commercial. Michael was included in the 2024 and 2023 editions of Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under List – Canada, and has also been recommended by The Legal 500 Canada in the area of Dispute Resolution: Ontario.