Mediation and Arbitration Services in Toronto

Alternative Dispute Resolution Services and Representation Across Ontario

Mediation Services

Not every legal dispute requires a courtroom. Mediation offers a confidential, cost-effective, and efficient path to resolution — one where the parties retain control over the outcome rather than leaving it in the hands of a judge. At Ken Wise & Associates, we provide skilled mediation services for civil, commercial, family, and estate disputes throughout Ontario.

Our mediators facilitate productive dialogue between disputing parties, helping them identify common ground and craft mutually acceptable solutions. We create a structured yet flexible environment where each side can be heard, interests can be explored, and creative resolutions can emerge — often preserving relationships that litigation would destroy.

Whether you are dealing with a partnership dispute, a contract disagreement, a family conflict, or a workplace issue, mediation can often achieve in hours or days what litigation takes months or years to resolve.

Arbitration Services

When parties want a binding decision without the delays and formality of court, arbitration provides a private and efficient alternative. Ken Wise & Associates offers arbitration services for commercial, contractual, employment, and other civil disputes where the parties have agreed — or are required — to resolve their matter outside the courts.

Our arbitrators bring deep legal knowledge and practical experience to every proceeding. We conduct fair, thorough hearings and render well-reasoned awards grounded in the applicable law and the evidence presented. Our arbitration process is designed to save time and costs while observing due process and procedural fairness for all parties.

We handle both simple single-issue arbitrations and complex multi-party disputes, applying the Ontario Arbitration Act, 1991 and any applicable arbitration agreements or institutional rules.

Representation in Mediation

If you are a party attending mediation, having experienced legal counsel at your side can make the difference between a favourable settlement and a missed opportunity. Ken Wise & Associates represents clients in mediations of all types, advancing your interests throughout the process.

We prepare thoroughly for every mediation — analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your case, developing negotiation strategies, and anticipating the other side's positions. During the mediation itself, we advocate firmly on your behalf while remaining open to creative solutions that serve your long-term interests.

Representation in Arbitration

Arbitration may be less formal than court, but the stakes are just as high — and the decisions are binding. Ken Wise & Associates provides comprehensive representation in arbitration proceedings, from preliminary motions through to the hearing and any subsequent enforcement or appeal of the award.

We handle every aspect of the arbitration process: drafting and responding to claims, conducting document production, preparing witnesses, making legal submissions, and presenting evidence. Our goal is to present your case as persuasively and efficiently as possible within the arbitral framework.

Mandatory Mediation Program

In Ontario, many civil cases filed in Ottawa, Toronto, and the County of Essex are subject to mandatory mediation under Rule 24.1 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. This requires parties to attend mediation within 180 days of the first defence being filed. Ken Wise & Associates helps clients navigate this mandatory process effectively.

We attend to the procedural requirements, prepare comprehensive mediation briefs, and represent clients at mandatory mediation sessions with the goal of achieving early resolution. Even in cases where settlement is not immediately reached, a well-conducted mandatory mediation can narrow the issues, reduce costs, and lay the groundwork for future resolution.

Med-Arb and Other Hybrid Processes

Some disputes benefit from a hybrid approach that combines mediation and arbitration — known as "Med-Arb." In this process, the parties first attempt to resolve their dispute through mediation. If mediation does not result in a complete settlement, the unresolved issues proceed to arbitration for a binding decision.

Ken Wise & Associates is experienced in Med-Arb and other hybrid ADR processes. We help clients understand the advantages and risks of each approach, draft appropriate process agreements, and provide skilled representation or neutral services throughout the combined proceedings.

Facing a dispute? Let Ken Wise & Associates help you find the most effective path to resolution — whether through mediation, arbitration, or a combination of both.

info@kenwiseandassociates.ca | (647) 288-5531

Speak With Ken Wise

Ken Wise has practised law in Ontario for more than 40 years and appears before all levels of court in the province, as well as before administrative tribunals. The firm acts for clients throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, and works remotely with clients across Ontario.

We offer a free introductory email consultation. Send a short summary of your situation to info@kenwiseandassociates.ca and Ken will tell you, at no charge, whether he can help. You can also call (647) 288-5531.

The information on this page is general information only and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create a solicitor-client relationship.