About Richard
Richard G. "Rick" Dearden: Leading Litigation Attorney Specializing in International Trade and Media Law
Richard G. "Rick" Dearden is a highly respected and accomplished litigation attorney, recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. As a senior litigation partner in the firm’s Ottawa office, Mr. Dearden specializes in complex cross-border disputes, investor-state arbitration, media and defamation law, freedom of information and administrative law, consistently delivering exceptional results for clients. His extensive experience and numerous accolades – including recognition in the Best Lawyers in Canada, Lexpert Guide, Benchmark Canada’s Guide, and Chambers Global Client’s Guide – establish him as a leading expert in his field.
Mr. Dearden’s career is characterized by a deep understanding of international legal frameworks and a tenacious commitment to protecting his clients’ interests. He has appeared as counsel before the Supreme Court of Canada, all levels of Courts in Ontario, the Federal Courts of Canada, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, and binational panels established under Chapter 19 of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). His expertise extends to providing strategic legal counsel regarding NAFTA and World Trade Organization issues, particularly intellectual property rights, making him a valuable asset in navigating increasingly complex global trade regulations.
A former Chapter 19 panellist and chair of one of the Softwood Lumber III panels, Mr. Dearden’s involvement in high-stakes international litigation demonstrates his ability to handle complex, multi-faceted disputes. He actively contributes to the legal community through teaching and professional affiliations, currently holding a position as an instructor for the Media and Libel Law Course at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law. He also serves as chair of the International Bar Association's Media Law Committee and as a member of the IBA’s Council for the General Practice Section.
Notably, Mr. Dearden's work in media and defamation law has been groundbreaking, culminating in his counsel for the Ottawa Citizen before the Supreme Court of Canada in the seminal cases of Cusson v. Quan and Grant v. Torstar. These cases established the crucial ‘public interest responsible communication’ defence to libel actions in Canada, a landmark achievement that continues to shape media law today. His commitment to investigative journalism is further evidenced by his receipt of the President’s Award from the Centre For Investigative Journalism for his contribution to the cause.
Practice Areas: Mr. Dearden's expertise encompasses a broad range of legal areas including: Administrative and Public Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Defamation and Media Law, International Arbitration, and International Trade and Finance Law.
Awards: Mr. Dearden’s legal accomplishments have garnered numerous prestigious awards, most notably: Lawyer of the Year: International Trade and Finance Law, Ottawa, Canada (2010), and recognition in Best Attorney USA since 2006, along with numerous other accolades consistently appearing in leading legal guides.
Education & Credentials: Mr. Dearden is a highly qualified legal professional with a proven track record of success. He possesses extensive knowledge of international law, trade regulations, and legal procedures.
- Bar Admissions: Canadian Bar Association
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006
City: Ottawa, State: Ontario, Country: Canada
