With a strong background in civil litigation, William (Will) Totzke approaches environmental dispute resolution with a practical, results-oriented approach. Will understands that no two environmental legal disputes are alike, and that clients require creative thinking and tailored solutions.
Will has extensive experience representing clients in environmental, civil, and judicial review matters at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (including on the Commercial List), the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Federal Court. Will works with clients on environmental litigation, including contaminated land and environmental nuisances. He assists clients throughout all stages of the dispute-resolution process, from initial case assessment to the disposal of any appeals. Will works with clients across several industry sectors to identify and achieve their best-case outcomes. Will has represented clients in civil, prosecution, and regulatory and tribunal hearings.
Will also has experience conducting environmental due diligence and drafting environmental terms in commercial transactions, and navigating the complex Canadian environmental regulatory space.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario (2022)
J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University (2021)
B.E.S. (Honours), Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo (2017)
Organizations
Canadian Bar Association (CBA)—member
Ontario Bar Association (OBA)—member
The Advocates’ Society—member
Work Highlights
Representing a broad range of corporate clients
Prior to joining the firm, Will completed his articles and practiced as an associate with the litigation and environmental groups at a prominent national firm. Representing a broad range of corporate clients, Will acted as litigation counsel on a variety of matters including complex tort and contract disputes, class action defence, product liability defence, insurance claims, and regulatory proceedings. As environmental counsel, he advised clients on large-scale M&A deals in the natural resource, energy, and industrial manufacturing sectors, property contamination disputes, and regulatory compliance matters.
