A partner with more than 30 years of litigation and mediation experience, Christopher Reil joined Williams Litigation Lawyers in 2003. Devoting his practice to civil litigation, he has represented diverse institutional and individual clients—both as plaintiffs and defendants—always balancing risk management with a focus on results.
Other counsel often refer clients to Chris due to his expertise and his unique experience having worked as in-house legal counsel with a major insurance company. He is respected for his ability to isolate the key facts in a case and apply relevant law to resolve disputes. He also possesses the crucial ability to synthesize large amounts of information, a skill that helps him communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and the Court.
As team-oriented critical thinker, Chris prepares intensively for every case and inspires others with his energetic approach to tackling complex problems.
Chris Reil successfully represented the plaintiffs in this action against a cleaning company after a break-enter-and-theft was facilitated by a former employee of the defendant. The Court held the defendant was negligent in hiring an employee with an extensive criminal record without performing a proper background check, and for failing to warn the plaintiffs after discovering her criminal background.
Chris Reil represented the landlord and obtained a summary judgment against the defaulting tenant for both arrears of rent and the present value of the future rent to the end of the term. The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Chris Reil served as co-counsel defending the insurer in this arson claim, satisfying the court that the fire in question was incendiary and had been arranged by the insured. The court found the insured's failure to deliver a proof of loss was fatal to his claim, rendering him not entitled to relief. The action was dismissed.
In this dispute between two insurers arguing over which was responsible for providing primary coverage for damages arising from a serious motor vehicle accident, Chris Reil acted as co-counsel for the defendant insurer—and helped lead the case to successful dismissal.
This case involved a novel issue involving the law of restitution. Chris Reil successfully represented the bank, which the court held was entitled to recover monies it had paid out to a customer’s creditor under a mistake of fact.
The Advocates’ Society has just announced that Eric R. Williams of Williams Litigation Lawyers LLP, is the 2024 recipient of The John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy. The award is presented to an advocate from Ottawa and the surrounding region who exemplifies excellence in advocacy. The award will be
