About Justin
Justin W. de Vries: Leading Litigation and Estate Planning Attorney in Toronto
Justin W. de Vries is a highly respected and experienced litigation and estate planning attorney, recognized as a leader in his field. As the Principal of de VRIES LITIGATION LLP, Mr. de Vries brings a wealth of expertise to complex legal matters, consistently earning recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada/Trusts & Estates. His career spans decades of dedicated service, handling a diverse range of disputes and legal matters with strategic precision and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Mr. de Vries’s background is truly exceptional, combining a robust legal education with extensive experience across multiple jurisdictions and legal disciplines. He began his legal journey with an American law degree from the University of Detroit/Mercy School of Law, complemented by an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto and a French language diploma from Aix-Marseille Université in France. His pursuit of excellence continued with a Fox Scholar designation at the Inns of Court in London, England, further solidifying his understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Practice Areas
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Mr. de Vries specializes in a broad spectrum of litigation, including contested wills and will interpretations, the passing of trustees’ and executors’ accounts, estate administration and probate applications, and complex trustee disputes and variations of trusts. He routinely appears before all levels of the Ontario Court and the Federal Court, demonstrating his courtroom prowess.
- Estate & Trust Matters: A cornerstone of his practice is advising clients on estate planning, succession planning, and trust administration. This includes handling powers of attorney and guardianship disputes, ensuring clarity and protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mr. de Vries is adept at facilitating resolutions through mediation, offering a less adversarial approach to resolving disputes.
Education & Credentials
- LL.B.: Completed LL.B.
- American Law Degree: University of Detroit/Mercy School of Law
- Honours B.A.: University of Toronto
- French Language Diploma: Aix-Marseille Université, France
- Fox Scholar: Inns of Court, London, England
Professional Affiliations & Recognition
Mr. de Vries’s commitment to professional excellence is reflected in his numerous affiliations and accolades. He is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the Advocates’ Society, the Estate Planning Council of Toronto, and the Estate Planners’ Council of Halton. He has been repeatedly recommended by Lexpert, most recently as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada 2017 and the Best Attorneys in Ontario 2017. His contributions extend beyond his practice, including long-time instruction at the Ontario Bar Admission Course, and frequent speaking engagements at Law Society of Upper Canada and OBA programs concerning estate, trust, and capacity matters. He has acted as a court-appointed pre-trial judge and, pro bono, as disciplinary counsel for the Law Society of Upper Canada. For 15 years, he served as a contributing editor to Ontario Civil Practice, a leading text on the Rules of Civil Procedure. Currently, he serves as counsel to the Oakville Community Foundation.
Mr. de Vries’s client base reflects his wide-ranging expertise, encompassing individuals, private banking groups, trust companies, estate trustees, private trusts, charities, and foundations. He is renowned for his strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal challenges. His dedication to his clients and his sustained track record of success have established him as a trusted and highly sought-after legal advisor.
