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w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 7 45 PIA Law pialaw.ca This year, Canadian Lawyer recognizes the Personal Injury Alliance (PIA Law), three separate law firms that often collaborate in marketing and educational endeavours. As in every year that this survey has been conducted by Canadian Lawyer, the three firms — McLeish Orlando, Oatley Vigmond and Thomson Rogers — were selected in 2017 as top PI firms, individually, on their own merits. Here is the information on each of these three winners: Top Personal Injury Boutiques McLeish Orlando LLP, Toronto, with consultation offices in Barrie, Hamilton and Kitchener, Ont. mcleishorlando.com Thomson Rogers, Toronto thomsonrogers.com Oatley Vigmond LLP, Barrie, Toronto, Hamilton, North Bay, North York, Sudbury, Ont. oatleyvigmond.com McLeish Orlando LLP, a critical injury boutique firm, was established in 1999 by John McLeish and Dale Orlando. Soon after, they were joined by fellow principal partner Patrick Brown. All three are past presidents of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Associa- tion. Over the years, the partnership has expanded through the addition of six lawyers: Salvatore Shaw, Rikin Morzaria, Alison Burrison, Kate Mazzucco, Joseph Cescon and Josh Nisker. Lawyers at the firm have contributed to the publication of six books used by other lawyers across the province. The lawyers at McLeish Orlando work to ensure that their clients have access to the best rehabilitation and the highest level of legal expertise. In 2009, McLeish Orlando obtained the single highest personal injury judgment in Canada — more than $18 million for a teenage crash victim. "They go out of their way in their work for cli- ents; well organized and responsive." "Great team of professionals, fast, expert advice, big settlements, great customer service." Thomson Rogers is the largest firm on the list and has been voted a top personal injury firm in every year the poll has been conducted. Last year, the firm celebrated its 80th anniversary as a leading force in personal injury law. It now primarily helps people who have been catastrophically injured, usually as a result of a brain or spinal cord injury. Around 125 people are based at the firm's Toronto office, carrying out work for clients throughout the province and across Canada. The partners of the firm are proud to continue their long tradi- tion of exceptional advocacy. "They were amazing when they represented me. They always updated me, prepped me for meetings and eased my stress of the situation. They were totally professional and, at the same time, down to earth. I always felt respected." Oatley Vigmond was founded by Roger Oatley and Jim Vigmond in 2002. Today, the firm features seven partners, six of whom are Certified Specialists in Civil Litigation and are recognized as leaders in the field of personal injury law. Oatley Vigmond's skilled accident benefits specialists (former insurance adjusters) exemplify the firm's commitment to client service by managing their statutory accident ben- efits and arranging a first-rate rehabilitation team, permitting clients to focus on recovery. The firm is known to advocate for clients at all levels of the judi- cial system and has a long-standing history of going to court with tough cases and winning. "Their fierce advocacy on the part of injured plaintiffs plus their willingness to share their exper- tise with the rest of the plaintiff 's bar." "Their commitment to excellence and to their client's overall well-being. Their reputation in the community."

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