STEWART GILLIS

Stewart Gillis received his formal legal education at Osgoode Hall, Toronto (LLB, 1975; called to the Ontario Bar 1977), and initially practiced law as a personal injury insurance defence lawyer in Toronto. His insurance defence work centered on personal injury files and medical and hospital malpractice matters.

Since 1986, Stewart has been practicing in Peel Region. His main office is located in Brampton, Ont., but he also works from the Richmond Hill office. He continues to focus on serious personal injury litigation and wrongful death on behalf of victims of negligence in motor vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice matters.

Stewart's experience also extends to personal injury arising from faulty consumer goods, elevators, amusement rides and devices, unsafe watercraft, and other negligence and products liability matters.

Stewart has served as a director of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA), and he has lectured extensively on topics ranging from motor vehicle litigation and insurance matters to "bad faith" claims against insurers.

He has been an instructor for the Law Society of Upper Canada, and taught students-at-law at the Toronto Bar Admission Courses at Osgoode Hall. Stewart is also a Deputy Judge of the Superior Court of Ontario, and a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation.

In his spare time Stewart likes to practice and play the bagpipes. He has had the pleasure of performing for Queen Elizabeth II.

RICHARD ZAGO

Richard Zago graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor in 1984. He embarked on his law practice by working for insurance companies, and he continues to have a good working relationship with many adjusters and other representatives in that industry.

Richard continues to practice in the area of personal injury law. His cases involve motor vehicle accident injuries, slips and falls, and other related personal injury litigations. Richard also handles disputes regarding long-term disability (LTD) benefits and entitlements. He is an experienced negotiator and often mediates claims for an early resolution.

Richard is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Canadian Bar Association, and American Trial Lawyers Association.

In his spare time, Richard likes to collect modern art, including abstract paintings and glass work.

MICHAEL S. BROWN

Michael S. Brown graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor in 1976. He was called to the Bar in 1978 and received extensive personal injury training in the course of his Articles.

Michael has practiced personal injury law for both plaintiffs (claimants), and as counsel for insurance companies. In the last fifteen years Michael has devoted himself exclusively to the representation of victims (plaintiffs) in their recovery of tort (negligence) claims.

Michael has appeared in personal injury trials before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He has also appeared as counsel before administrative tribunals, the Ontario Divisional Court, and Ontario Court of Appeal. He has extensive experience in dispute resolution, including formal mediation and settlement of clients' claims.

Michael is a well-known and respected trial lawyer in the Greater Toronto area, with particular focus on the Regional Municipality of York and its Central East Region Court House at Newmarket, Ontario.

Michael likes to collect lithographs, especially Salvador Dali. He is also an avid gardener and bridge player.

APURVA SHAH

Apurva Shah received his formal legal education at Wayne State University Law School in the city of Detroit. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2007 and to the Ontario Bar in 2011. Mr. Shah practiced law at a national bankruptcy law firm in the city of Chicago before joining Gillis Zago P.C.

Apurva's experience includes work in both accident benefits and tort personal injury matters.

In his spare time, Apurva enjoys working out, listening to music, and participating in sports.

SUPPORT STAFF

Gillis Zago operates with talented staff members in diverse positions, ranging from receptionists to legal secretaries. With hectic schedules and stressful working conditions, our attorneys never forget just how important their staff is to the success of the firm. Without each staffer's contribution, delivering efficient and top-notch results to clients would be much more difficult, if not impossible.