Michael Zalev

Michael is a skilled and strategic litigator, negotiator, and problem solver who provides tactical, sensible, and proactive advice to his clients. He meticulously prepares clients for mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, taking the necessary time to explain the finer details of each case. He is experienced in dealing with cases at all levels of court, including the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

As a partner at Epstein Cole, Michael’s practice focuses on family law and the defence of professional negligence claims against family law lawyers as Preferred Counsel for the lawyer's insurer, LawPRO. He regularly deals with complex family law parenting and financial issues involving appeals, contested facts, inter-jurisdictional matters, abduction, parent-child contact problems, stock options, private businesses, pensions, bankruptcy, and more. Michael works to minimize conflict, focusing on problem solving, loss prevention, and repairs, often working on behalf of LawPRO, lawyers, and other professionals.

Michael has been recognized by Best Lawyers as 2023 Lawyer of the Year in Family Law - Toronto.

Michael is an Associate Editor of the Reports of Family Law, and the co-author of "Franks & Zalev, This Week in Family Law", a weekly family law newsletter published in FamilySource by WestlawNext Canada.  He has been appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.  He regularly presents at continuing legal education programs about family law and professional negligence issues.

Michael’s previous work as a clerk for the Judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has given him unique insight into how contentious decisions are made in court and this experience has positively shaped how he approaches all legal matters. For Michael, the first step is determining how best to set up the case, build a factual record, and synthesize it all without sacrificing quality. He is quick to assess the state of any legal matter, effectively evaluating how to achieve the most desirable outcome for his clients.