Marta Watson LLP
8 lawyers · City of Toronto
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 202 handling Insurance Law.
About Marta Watson LLP
Marta Watson LLP is a Toronto law firm built around insurance litigation, acting for insurance company clients in automobile, disability, property, and liability claims. Founding partner Barry Marta was called to the Ontario bar in 1983, and partner Kathryn Watson was called to the bar in 1997. Associate Sandi Smith was called to the bar in 1998. The firm has eight lawyers in total. The firm describes itself as representing a new model for litigation: leaner, more responsive, more collaborative, and built around the evolving needs of insurance companies rather than a traditional law firm structure.
The firm pairs senior and junior lawyers on each file and says it has learned to use technology to minimize time-consuming processes, aiming to keep files moving without losing sight of the bigger picture. Its practice covers automobile litigation, License Appeal Tribunal hearings, commercial general liability, occupiers' liability, property and fire losses, disability and life insurance disputes, subrogation, coverage opinions, municipal liability, WSIB claims, tavern and social host liability, and products liability. Associate Diana Oliveira, an executive board member of the Portuguese Canadian Lawyers Association, practices in Portuguese, and associate William Lewer is fluent in French, giving clients access to services beyond English.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Founding partner Barry Marta was called to the Ontario bar in 1983 after earning an LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario in 1981, and has been listed as a recommended practitioner representing defendants in personal injury litigation by Lexpert and recognized by Best Lawyers.
- Partner Kathryn Watson was called to the Ontario bar in 1997, holding an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and a business and psychology degree from the University of Waterloo, and has presented continuing legal education programs for the Ontario Bar Association and The Advocates' Society.
- Associate Sandi Smith was called to the Ontario bar in 1998 after attending the University of Waterloo and Osgoode Hall Law School, and is a member of the Advocates' Society and Canadian Defence Lawyers.
In the community
- Associate Diana Oliveira is an executive board member of the Portuguese Canadian Lawyers Association and serves on the board of directors of the Working Women Community Centre.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessibleLawyers 8
Andrew Cottreau
Associate Lawyer
Insurance LawPersonal Injury
Barry Marta
Partner
Insurance LawPersonal Injury
Diana Oliveira
Lawyer
Insurance Law
Joseph Hogan
Lawyer
Insurance Law
Kathryn Watson
Partner
Insurance LawCivil Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Sandi Smith
Partner
Insurance LawPersonal Injury
Taylor Cawley
Lawyer
William Lewer
Lawyer
Insurance LawPersonal Injury
This firm’s lawyers at a glance
- Called to the bar
- 1983–2023 · median 14 years in practice 7 of 8 lawyers
- Law schools
- Osgoode Hall Law School (3), University of Western Ontario (2), Queen's University Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa 7 of 8 lawyers
- Languages on the roster
- English, French, Portuguese
Who handles what
The neighbourhood
Marta Watson's office is in a 20-storey tower at 438 University Avenue, built in 1991 and directly connected to the St. Patrick subway station on the University line. That stretch of University Avenue is known for its concentration of financial and insurance company offices, as well as for Osgoode Hall and the Toronto Courthouse at 361 University Avenue, both along the same street. Locals also call the northern end of the avenue Hospital Row for its cluster of teaching hospitals. For a firm built around insurance defence litigation, sitting within walking distance of both the courts where its files are argued and the industry it represents is a practical fit.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Marta Watson represent injured people, or does it act for insurance companies?
- Marta Watson LLP is an insurance defence firm. Its practice is built around the needs of insurance companies, and it represents insurers rather than plaintiffs in litigation.
- What kinds of insurance claims does Marta Watson handle?
- The firm's practice covers automobile litigation, License Appeal Tribunal hearings, commercial general liability, occupiers' liability, property and fire losses, disability and life insurance disputes, subrogation, coverage opinions, municipal liability, WSIB claims, tavern and social host liability, and products liability.
- Does Marta Watson appear before the License Appeal Tribunal?
- Yes. The firm lists License Appeal Tribunal work among its practice areas and has represented insurers in Tribunal disputes over income replacement benefits and other statutory accident benefits.
- How is the firm structured, and who works on a file?
- Marta Watson has two partners, Barry Marta and Kathryn Watson, and a team of associates that includes Sandi Smith. The firm pairs a senior and junior lawyer on each file, working alongside support staff, rather than assigning a single lawyer.
- Does anyone at Marta Watson practice in a language other than English?
- Associate Diana Oliveira practices in Portuguese, and associate William Lewer is fluent in French.
- Where is Marta Watson's office, and how do I contact the firm?
- The office is at 438 University Avenue, Suite 2000, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K8, near Osgoode Hall and the Toronto Courthouse. It can be reached at 416-868-7700.
Where to find them
Marta Watson LLP 438 University Avenue Suite 2000 Toronto ON M5G 2K8 · 416-868-7700
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