About Christine
Christine Galea: Leading Class Action Defence Lawyer in Canada
Christine Galea is a highly respected and experienced legal professional specializing exclusively in the defense of complex class action proceedings. Recognized by Best Attorney USA as a leading lawyer in Insurance Law – a recognition she’s held since 2022 – Ms. Galea brings a strategic and meticulous approach to representing clients in a wide range of high-stakes litigation matters. Her comprehensive understanding of Canadian and international law, combined with her extensive trial experience, makes her a formidable advocate for her clients.
Prior to joining Dolden Wallace Folick LLP in 2017, she cultivated a successful practice at an established insurance defence boutique in Toronto, honing her skills in navigating intricate legal challenges. Early in her career, Ms. Galea gained invaluable experience as an associate lawyer within a full-service law firm, tackling a diverse portfolio of commercial, employment, and personal injury claims. This foundational experience equips her with a broad perspective and a practical understanding of litigation from inception to resolution.
Ms. Galea’s practice areas are meticulously focused, allowing her to dedicate her full attention to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. She is currently acting as defense and monitoring counsel in several high-profile class actions across multiple provinces, representing both Canadian and international clients in the defense of significant indemnity claims arising from class action settlements. As Co-Chair of the firm’s Class Action Practice Group, she plays a vital role in developing and implementing innovative defense strategies.
Key Practice Areas:
- Class Action Defence: Ms. Galea’s practice is almost entirely devoted to the defense of class action proceedings, providing her with unparalleled expertise in this specialized field. She leverages her experience to effectively manage complex litigation, advising clients through every stage of the process – from initial investigation and pleadings to settlement negotiations and trial.
- Product Liability: Ms. Galea represents clients involved in numerous product liability claims involving allegations of defective and unfit products, including motor vehicles, building materials, food products, and the component parts of mechanical and other items. Notably, she has been central to defending clients in the settlement of numerous Canadian and U.S. class actions surrounding allegations of defective Kitec products (cross-linked polyethylene piping). She also provided trial counsel in a recent claim alleging defects in roofing materials installed on a commercial building.
- Medical Malpractice: Recognizing the sensitive nature of medical malpractice claims, Ms. Galea provides compassionate and diligent representation to clients alleging negligence by doctors, hospitals, nurses, and other medical professionals. This includes a significant case involving allegations of sexual assault against a family physician.
- Complex Bodily Injury: Ms. Galea’s expertise extends to complex bodily injury claims involving occupiers' liability, liquor liability, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, and assaults. She consistently defends contractors and subcontractors facing negligence claims, and has handled benefits claims related to accident-related injuries through arbitration proceedings. A notable case involved defending against allegations of assault against a Peace Officer.
- Professional Liability: Ms. Galea represents clients in negligence claims involving professionals such as lawyers and financial advisors, demonstrating her broad understanding of professional negligence standards. She provided trial counsel in a case against a boarding facility for dogs, highlighting her ability to handle diverse legal challenges.
- Property Damage: She skillfully defends clients involved in nuisance and negligence claims related to property damage caused by water, dust, and smoke, offering comprehensive legal support and strategic counsel.
- Fraud Defence: Ms. Galea’s experience extends beyond litigation, as she served as counsel to an anti-fraud task force within the special investigations unit of a large insurer, demonstrating her commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting assets.
Education & Credentials:
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to the Bar of Ontario
- Awards & Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA as a leading lawyer in Insurance Law (since 2022). Previously recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada® as a leading lawyer in Insurance Law.
With a proven track record of success and a dedication to client advocacy, Christine Galea is a trusted and respected legal advisor for those facing complex litigation challenges. Her strategic approach, coupled with her deep understanding of the law, ensures that clients receive the strongest possible defense.
