About Michael
Michael Zalev: Strategic Family Law Attorney in Toronto
Michael Zalev is a highly respected and experienced litigator, negotiator, and problem-solver dedicated to providing strategic, proactive advice to his clients. He meticulously prepares individuals and families for mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, ensuring a thorough understanding of the complex details inherent in each case. With a distinguished career spanning diverse legal matters, including complex family law disputes and professional negligence defense, Mr. Zalev possesses a unique ability to minimize conflict and achieve the most favorable outcomes for his clients.
As a partner at Epstein Cole, Mr. Zalev’s practice is deeply rooted in family law, consistently addressing intricate issues concerning parenting, financial settlements, and the protection of assets. He is a Preferred Counsel for LawPRO, the lawyer’s insurer, where he specializes in the defense of professional negligence claims against family law lawyers – a testament to his deep understanding of ethical and legal standards within the profession. Mr. Zalev routinely handles highly contested cases involving significant assets, complex financial arrangements, and significant legal challenges, often extending across multiple jurisdictions.
His expertise extends to all levels of court, including the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada, demonstrating a mastery of legal strategy and procedure. He skillfully navigates challenging situations, including inter-jurisdictional matters, abduction, parent-child contact disputes, and complex stock option and business valuations. Furthermore, he possesses significant experience with issues relating to pensions, bankruptcy, and estate litigation, providing comprehensive legal solutions for a broad range of family law concerns.
Mr. Zalev’s commitment to his clients goes beyond simply presenting legal arguments; he actively works to prevent conflict, focusing on loss prevention and repairs. This approach is particularly evident in his role as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, and as the co-chair of the annual Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition, organized by the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. He is also a respected 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, reflecting his ongoing commitment to disseminating crucial legal updates and insights within the family law community.
His prior experience as a clerk for the Judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has profoundly shaped his approach to legal matters. This unique perspective provides him with invaluable insight into the reasoning behind contentious decisions, enabling him to anticipate challenges and strategically prepare his clients. For Mr. Zalev, the initial focus is always on establishing the optimal case structure, building a robust factual record, and synthesizing the information effectively – all without compromising the quality of legal representation.
Mr. Zalev’s ability to quickly assess the state of any legal matter and effectively evaluate how to achieve the most desirable outcome for his clients is a cornerstone of his success. He is renowned for his meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and dedication to achieving the best possible results for his clients, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Practice Areas
- Family Law
- Professional Negligence Defense (Family Law Lawyers)
- Parenting Disputes
- Financial Settlements
- Abduction & Child Custody
- Stock Options & Business Valuations
- Pensions & Estate Litigation
- Bankruptcy
Education & Credentials
- **Lawyer of the Year: Family Law, Toronto, Canada (2023)**
- Recognized: Family Law
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2020
- Dispute Resolution Officer, Superior Court of Justice, Toronto
- Co-Chair, Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition
- Associate Editor, *Reports of Family Law*
- Co-author, “Franks & Zalev, This Week in Family Law”
Bar Admissions
- Ontario Bar
City: Toronto, State: Ontario, Country: Canada
