Anne E. Spafford
Partner
With over three decades of experience, Anne Spafford is known for her extensive trial experience and empathetic approach to representing health professionals in various legal matters.
Awards & Recognitions
Areas of Expertise
Medical Negligence
Administrative Law
Health Care Law
Public Entity Defence/Municipal Liability
Education
LL.M. conferred, The University of Toronto (2000)
Admitted to Ontario Bar (1990)
LL.B. and B.C.L. McGill University Faculty of Law (1987)
Called to the Massachusetts Bar (1987)
B.Sc.(Nursing) Université Laval, (1983)
Education
LL.M. conferred, The University of Toronto (2000)
Admitted to Ontario Bar (1990)
LL.B. and B.C.L. McGill University Faculty of Law (1987)
Called to the Massachusetts Bar (1987)
B.Sc.(Nursing) Université Laval, (1983)
Education
LL.M. conferred, The University of Toronto (2000)
Admitted to Ontario Bar (1990)
LL.B. and B.C.L. McGill University Faculty of Law (1987)
Called to the Massachusetts Bar (1987)
B.Sc.(Nursing) Université Laval, (1983)
Awards and Recognition
Ranked in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Medical Negligence (represents defendants) (2014-2025)
Recognized in Chambers Canada in the area of Healthcare - Contentious (2020-2025)
Benchmark Canada, Litigation Star (2015-2024) - Recognized in the following areas: Health and Insurance (2015-2020); Dispute Resolution (2020)
Selected by her peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada for Administrative and Public Law, Healthcare Law, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, Professional Malpractice Law
Law Society Tribunal, Hearing Division, Legal Member
Ontario Review Board, Legal Member and Alternate Chair
University of Toronto Instructor Trial Advocacy
Skills Instructor for The Advocates’ Society
Awards and Recognition
Ranked in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Medical Negligence (represents defendants) (2014-2025)
Recognized in Chambers Canada in the area of Healthcare - Contentious (2020-2025)
Benchmark Canada, Litigation Star (2015-2024) - Recognized in the following areas: Health and Insurance (2015-2020); Dispute Resolution (2020)
Selected by her peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada for Administrative and Public Law, Healthcare Law, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, Professional Malpractice Law
Law Society Tribunal, Hearing Division, Legal Member
Ontario Review Board, Legal Member and Alternate Chair
University of Toronto Instructor Trial Advocacy
Skills Instructor for The Advocates’ Society
Awards and Recognition
Ranked in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Medical Negligence (represents defendants) (2014-2025)
Recognized in Chambers Canada in the area of Healthcare - Contentious (2020-2025)
Benchmark Canada, Litigation Star (2015-2024) - Recognized in the following areas: Health and Insurance (2015-2020); Dispute Resolution (2020)
Selected by her peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada for Administrative and Public Law, Healthcare Law, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, Professional Malpractice Law
Law Society Tribunal, Hearing Division, Legal Member
Ontario Review Board, Legal Member and Alternate Chair
University of Toronto Instructor Trial Advocacy
Skills Instructor for The Advocates’ Society
Selected Presentations and Publications
The Advocates’ Society: Spring Symposium, Demonstration and Discussion on Expert testimony, 2019
"Demonstration & Discussion: What Category of Expert is Your Opponent Calling and Why Does it Matter?" The Advocates' Society 18th Annual Spring Symposium Program, April 24, 2019
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2018
The Law Society of Ontario: Best Practices in Medical Negligence Cases, Speaker, 2018
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Administrative Tribunal Advocacy, Co-Chair and Speaker, 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Objection Your Honour, June 2016
The Advocates’ Society: Trial from A to Z, February 2016
Ontario Hospital Association: Medico-legal aspects of Psychiatric Emergencies, 2016
The Advocates' Society: Women in Litigation Symposium, Co-Chair, 2015
The Advocates’ Society Courthouse Series: Marshalling the Evidence, February 27, 2014
Law and Mental Disorder: A Comprehensive and Practical Approach, Irwin Law 2013, Contributor
The Advocates’ Society, “Opening Statements,” demonstration and panel discussion, December 10, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Current and Emerging Issues on Medical Practice,” part of the Personal Injury Update, September 27, 2013
Osgoode Hall Law School Master’s Program, Trial Advocacy, February 23, 2013
The Advocates’ Society, “Cross-Examination Strategies,” January 30, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Medical Malpractice,” January 22, 2013
Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Meeting, 2010, “Joint and Several Liability”
Current and Emerging Issues in Medical Malpractice, Osgoode Hall Professional Development Fifth Annual Update on Personal Injury Law, 2009
Medical Directors and the Law, Annual Conference of Geriatric Medicine, 2009
Legal Risk Management for Nurses, 2007
Canadian Institute Obstetrical Malpractice, 2004, 2007
Hospital Employment Law for the 21st Century, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, April 1999
Hospital Liability-Hot Topics, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, May 1999
Selected Presentations and Publications
The Advocates’ Society: Spring Symposium, Demonstration and Discussion on Expert testimony, 2019
"Demonstration & Discussion: What Category of Expert is Your Opponent Calling and Why Does it Matter?" The Advocates' Society 18th Annual Spring Symposium Program, April 24, 2019
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2018
The Law Society of Ontario: Best Practices in Medical Negligence Cases, Speaker, 2018
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Administrative Tribunal Advocacy, Co-Chair and Speaker, 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Objection Your Honour, June 2016
The Advocates’ Society: Trial from A to Z, February 2016
Ontario Hospital Association: Medico-legal aspects of Psychiatric Emergencies, 2016
The Advocates' Society: Women in Litigation Symposium, Co-Chair, 2015
The Advocates’ Society Courthouse Series: Marshalling the Evidence, February 27, 2014
Law and Mental Disorder: A Comprehensive and Practical Approach, Irwin Law 2013, Contributor
The Advocates’ Society, “Opening Statements,” demonstration and panel discussion, December 10, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Current and Emerging Issues on Medical Practice,” part of the Personal Injury Update, September 27, 2013
Osgoode Hall Law School Master’s Program, Trial Advocacy, February 23, 2013
The Advocates’ Society, “Cross-Examination Strategies,” January 30, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Medical Malpractice,” January 22, 2013
Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Meeting, 2010, “Joint and Several Liability”
Current and Emerging Issues in Medical Malpractice, Osgoode Hall Professional Development Fifth Annual Update on Personal Injury Law, 2009
Medical Directors and the Law, Annual Conference of Geriatric Medicine, 2009
Legal Risk Management for Nurses, 2007
Canadian Institute Obstetrical Malpractice, 2004, 2007
Hospital Employment Law for the 21st Century, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, April 1999
Hospital Liability-Hot Topics, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, May 1999
Selected Presentations and Publications
The Advocates’ Society: Spring Symposium, Demonstration and Discussion on Expert testimony, 2019
"Demonstration & Discussion: What Category of Expert is Your Opponent Calling and Why Does it Matter?" The Advocates' Society 18th Annual Spring Symposium Program, April 24, 2019
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2018
The Law Society of Ontario: Best Practices in Medical Negligence Cases, Speaker, 2018
The Advocates' Society: Exercising Professionalism and Civility, Co-Chair, December 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Administrative Tribunal Advocacy, Co-Chair and Speaker, 2017
The Advocates’ Society: Objection Your Honour, June 2016
The Advocates’ Society: Trial from A to Z, February 2016
Ontario Hospital Association: Medico-legal aspects of Psychiatric Emergencies, 2016
The Advocates' Society: Women in Litigation Symposium, Co-Chair, 2015
The Advocates’ Society Courthouse Series: Marshalling the Evidence, February 27, 2014
Law and Mental Disorder: A Comprehensive and Practical Approach, Irwin Law 2013, Contributor
The Advocates’ Society, “Opening Statements,” demonstration and panel discussion, December 10, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Current and Emerging Issues on Medical Practice,” part of the Personal Injury Update, September 27, 2013
Osgoode Hall Law School Master’s Program, Trial Advocacy, February 23, 2013
The Advocates’ Society, “Cross-Examination Strategies,” January 30, 2013
Osgoode Professional Program, “Medical Malpractice,” January 22, 2013
Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Meeting, 2010, “Joint and Several Liability”
Current and Emerging Issues in Medical Malpractice, Osgoode Hall Professional Development Fifth Annual Update on Personal Injury Law, 2009
Medical Directors and the Law, Annual Conference of Geriatric Medicine, 2009
Legal Risk Management for Nurses, 2007
Canadian Institute Obstetrical Malpractice, 2004, 2007
Hospital Employment Law for the 21st Century, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, April 1999
Hospital Liability-Hot Topics, presented by the Ontario Hospital Association, May 1999
Noteworthy Cases
Gumbley v. Vasiliou, 2024 ONSC 4858
Penate v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2022 ONSC 4939, 2024 ONCA 166 (trial counsel only)
Lumaj v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2021 ONSC 1603
Tahir v. Mitoff, 2019 ONSC 7298
Lewin-Gillies v. York Central Hospital, 2018 ONSC 883
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons) v. RST, 2016 ONCPSD 35
Guiterrez v. Colman 2013, two-week jury trial involving the defence of an obstetrician
Beldycki v. Jaipargus et al, 2012 ONCA 537 (trial counsel only)
Aherne v. Chang, 2011, 106 O.R. (3d) 297
Goodwin v. Olupona, 2010 ONSC 5068 (CanLII), 2013 ONCA 259 (trial counsel only)
Randall v. Lakeridge Health Oshawa, 2009 CanLII 6840
Repic v. Hamilton (City), 2009 CanLII 60673
Wellwood v. Ontario Provincial Police, 2009 CanLII 1476, 2010 ONCA 513 (CanLII)
Cass v. Lai, 2007 ONCA 507 CanLII (C.A.)
Henhawk v. Brantford (2006), 79 O.R. (3d) 187
Burtch v. Barnes (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 249 (C.A.)
Worthman v. Grant et al (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 365 (Div. Ct.)
Housley v. Ontario, [2002] O.J. 4196
Newton v. Ontario, [2001] O.J. 3471
Mercurio et al. v. Rizza (1998), 39 O.R. (3d) 728
Pettey v. Avis Car Inc. (1993), 13 O.R. (3d) 725
Ferber v. Gore Insurance Co. (1991), 2 W.D.C.P. (2d) 565
Huddle v. Metro Toronto (1991), 34 M.V.R. (2d) 9
Noteworthy Cases
Gumbley v. Vasiliou, 2024 ONSC 4858
Penate v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2022 ONSC 4939, 2024 ONCA 166 (trial counsel only)
Lumaj v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2021 ONSC 1603
Tahir v. Mitoff, 2019 ONSC 7298
Lewin-Gillies v. York Central Hospital, 2018 ONSC 883
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons) v. RST, 2016 ONCPSD 35
Guiterrez v. Colman 2013, two-week jury trial involving the defence of an obstetrician
Beldycki v. Jaipargus et al, 2012 ONCA 537 (trial counsel only)
Aherne v. Chang, 2011, 106 O.R. (3d) 297
Goodwin v. Olupona, 2010 ONSC 5068 (CanLII), 2013 ONCA 259 (trial counsel only)
Randall v. Lakeridge Health Oshawa, 2009 CanLII 6840
Repic v. Hamilton (City), 2009 CanLII 60673
Wellwood v. Ontario Provincial Police, 2009 CanLII 1476, 2010 ONCA 513 (CanLII)
Cass v. Lai, 2007 ONCA 507 CanLII (C.A.)
Henhawk v. Brantford (2006), 79 O.R. (3d) 187
Burtch v. Barnes (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 249 (C.A.)
Worthman v. Grant et al (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 365 (Div. Ct.)
Housley v. Ontario, [2002] O.J. 4196
Newton v. Ontario, [2001] O.J. 3471
Mercurio et al. v. Rizza (1998), 39 O.R. (3d) 728
Pettey v. Avis Car Inc. (1993), 13 O.R. (3d) 725
Ferber v. Gore Insurance Co. (1991), 2 W.D.C.P. (2d) 565
Huddle v. Metro Toronto (1991), 34 M.V.R. (2d) 9
Noteworthy Cases
Gumbley v. Vasiliou, 2024 ONSC 4858
Penate v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2022 ONSC 4939, 2024 ONCA 166 (trial counsel only)
Lumaj v. St. Michael’s Hospital, 2021 ONSC 1603
Tahir v. Mitoff, 2019 ONSC 7298
Lewin-Gillies v. York Central Hospital, 2018 ONSC 883
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons) v. RST, 2016 ONCPSD 35
Guiterrez v. Colman 2013, two-week jury trial involving the defence of an obstetrician
Beldycki v. Jaipargus et al, 2012 ONCA 537 (trial counsel only)
Aherne v. Chang, 2011, 106 O.R. (3d) 297
Goodwin v. Olupona, 2010 ONSC 5068 (CanLII), 2013 ONCA 259 (trial counsel only)
Randall v. Lakeridge Health Oshawa, 2009 CanLII 6840
Repic v. Hamilton (City), 2009 CanLII 60673
Wellwood v. Ontario Provincial Police, 2009 CanLII 1476, 2010 ONCA 513 (CanLII)
Cass v. Lai, 2007 ONCA 507 CanLII (C.A.)
Henhawk v. Brantford (2006), 79 O.R. (3d) 187
Burtch v. Barnes (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 249 (C.A.)
Worthman v. Grant et al (2006), 80 O.R. (3d) 365 (Div. Ct.)
Housley v. Ontario, [2002] O.J. 4196
Newton v. Ontario, [2001] O.J. 3471
Mercurio et al. v. Rizza (1998), 39 O.R. (3d) 728
Pettey v. Avis Car Inc. (1993), 13 O.R. (3d) 725
Ferber v. Gore Insurance Co. (1991), 2 W.D.C.P. (2d) 565
Huddle v. Metro Toronto (1991), 34 M.V.R. (2d) 9
Representative Work
Extensive jury and judge-alone trial experience in the medical malpractice area
Extensive trial experience in the defence of negligence claims against municipalities involving road design, road signage, construction, and occupier’s liability
Regularly represents physicians in proceedings involving the College of Physicians of Ontario and in hospital privileges matters
Experience defending municipal police forces against allegations of defamation and detention as well as racial profiling claims
Representative Work
Extensive jury and judge-alone trial experience in the medical malpractice area
Extensive trial experience in the defence of negligence claims against municipalities involving road design, road signage, construction, and occupier’s liability
Regularly represents physicians in proceedings involving the College of Physicians of Ontario and in hospital privileges matters
Experience defending municipal police forces against allegations of defamation and detention as well as racial profiling claims
Representative Work
Extensive jury and judge-alone trial experience in the medical malpractice area
Extensive trial experience in the defence of negligence claims against municipalities involving road design, road signage, construction, and occupier’s liability
Regularly represents physicians in proceedings involving the College of Physicians of Ontario and in hospital privileges matters
Experience defending municipal police forces against allegations of defamation and detention as well as racial profiling claims
Memberships
Member, Board of Directors, The Advocates' Society
Canadian Bar Association
Past Member, Board of Directors, Wychwood Park Ratepayers Association
Memberships
Member, Board of Directors, The Advocates' Society
Canadian Bar Association
Past Member, Board of Directors, Wychwood Park Ratepayers Association
Memberships
Member, Board of Directors, The Advocates' Society
Canadian Bar Association
Past Member, Board of Directors, Wychwood Park Ratepayers Association
Finding Solutions to People’s Problems
Anne Spafford is a partner in the Toronto office of Lerners and a member of the firm’s Health Law, Professional Regulation, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. She previously served as the managing partner of the Toronto office.
Anne began her career in nursing, gaining knowledge and experience that has informed her health law practice over the years. “I was attracted to law because I like the logical reasoning that is involved in finding solutions to people’s problems,” she explains. Anne has acted for physicians before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in countless
A senior litigator with extensive trial experience before the Superior Court, Anne has also appeared as counsel before the Court of Appeal, at numerous coroner’s inquests, and before the Human Rights Tribunal. “People would describe me as tough but fair,” says Anne. “My clients get a great deal of attention and empathy. I am calm and that helps ease the anxiety and stress of being involved in litigation.
“Because I've been practising for such a long time, more than three decades, my clients can take comfort in knowing I come to the table with significant experience and insight. As one of my favourite quotes from Doug Larson goes, ‘Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk,’” she adds.
Anne teaches trial advocacy for The Advocates’ Society. She is a former legal member and alternate chair of the Ontario Review Board and former member of the Law Society Discipline Tribunal.
Anne Spafford is a partner in the Toronto office of Lerners and a member of the firm’s Health Law, Professional Regulation, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. She previously served as the managing partner of the Toronto office.
Anne began her career in nursing, gaining knowledge and experience that has informed her health law practice over the years. “I was attracted to law because I like the logical reasoning that is involved in finding solutions to people’s problems,” she explains. Anne has acted for physicians before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in countless discipline and fitness to practise matters and for other health professionals before their respective regulators.
A senior litigator with extensive trial experience before the Superior Court, Anne has also appeared as counsel before the Court of Appeal, at numerous coroner’s inquests, and before the Human Rights Tribunal. “People would describe me as tough but fair,” says Anne. “My clients get a great deal of attention and empathy. I am calm and that helps ease the anxiety and stress of being involved in litigation.
“Because I've been practising for such a long time, more than three decades, my clients can take comfort in knowing I come to the table with significant experience and insight. As one of my favourite quotes from Doug Larson goes, ‘Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk,’” she adds.
Anne teaches trial advocacy for The Advocates’ Society. She is a former legal member and alternate chair of the Ontario Review Board and former member of the Law Society Discipline Tribunal.
Anne Spafford is a partner in the Toronto office of Lerners and a member of the firm’s Health Law, Professional Regulation, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. She previously served as the managing partner of the Toronto office.
Anne began her career in nursing, gaining knowledge and experience that has informed her health law practice over the years. “I was attracted to law because I like the logical reasoning that is involved in finding solutions to people’s problems,” she explains. Anne has acted for physicians before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in countless discipline and fitness to practise matters and for other health professionals before their respective regulators.
A senior litigator with extensive trial experience before the Superior Court, Anne has also appeared as counsel before the Court of Appeal, at numerous coroner’s inquests, and before the Human Rights Tribunal. “People would describe me as tough but fair,” says Anne. “My clients get a great deal of attention and empathy. I am calm and that helps ease the anxiety and stress of being involved in litigation.
“Because I've been practising for such a long time, more than three decades, my clients can take comfort in knowing I come to the table with significant experience and insight. As one of my favourite quotes from Doug Larson goes, ‘Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk,’” she adds.
Anne teaches trial advocacy for The Advocates’ Society. She is a former legal member and alternate chair of the Ontario Review Board and former member of the Law Society Discipline Tribunal.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.