Stefan Kuuskne
Partner
Stefan Kuuskne, Q.Arb., is a dispute resolution lawyer in the firm's Toronto office. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, domestic and international arbitration, regulatory matters, trade, and international tribunal work.
Area of Expertise
Arbitration and Mediation
Business Law
Class Actions
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Environmental Law
Professional Regulation and Liability
Wills and Estates
Education
Columbia University – Columbia Business School, New York, United States – May 2016 Eugene Lang Fellowship
New York State Bar - July 2015
Law Society of Ontario Call to Bar – June 2013
Osgoode Hall Law School –York University, Toronto, Canada J.D. cum laude – April 2012 Awards: McCarthy Tetrault National Award 2010, Tory’s Moot Court Finalist, 2010
Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI) - University of Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland M.A. – April 2009 Political Science and International Law. Awards: Institute Academic Full-Scholarship Award 2008
Publications & Media
Transportation Lawyers Association – Canada-US Trade Relations – The State of Play – Chicago, Illinois, January, 2026.
Globalaw Talks – Incoterms and Tariff Mitigation – Virtual, May, 2025.
Tallinn Arbitration Day 2024 - Uncharted Justice: Public International Law Tools in Uncertain Times – Tallinn, Estonia, October, 2024.
Osgoode International Law Society - International Law in Practice – Toronto, Ontario, October 2024.
CILS Salzburg Arbitration Symposium - New Frontiers of Arbitration: Deep Seabed Mining and Air and Space Law Arbitration – Salzburg, Austria, June, 2024.
Public Forum on Private Commercial Disputes Under the USMCA - Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS), New York, New York, September 2022.
Canadian Council on International Law - International Law in 2020: Fit for Purpose – Ottawa, Ontario, October, 2020.
Key Legal Matters
Litigation
Representation of a large Canadian financial institution in a breach of contract claim before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of an individual defendant regarding a commercial contract appeal before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Representation of a construction company in a delay claim before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of a large Canadian automotive conglomerate in an M&A dispute before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of an individual defendant in a securities offering investigation before the Ontario Securities Commission.
Representation of a financial services provider in a fraud investigation and corresponding civil claim before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Multiple representations of individual defendants on behalf of LAWPRO regarding professional liability claims.
Representation of an entertainment company in an arbitration enforcement action before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Appeal before the Divisional Court in representing a domestic construction company appealing a monetary award.
Class action defence representation in Brazeau v. Canada (Attorney General).
Class action defence representation in Reddock v. Canada (Attorney General).
Class action defence representation in Gallone v. Canada (Attorney General).
Commercial Arbitration
Representation of a Canadian pension fund in a multi-million dollar ICC arbitration seated in Toronto, regarding projects in the Mexican renewable energy market.
Representation of a pipeline construction company in a C$1.2-billion ICC arbitration seated in Calgary regarding construction of a natural gas pipeline in Canada.
Representation of an international-energy company in a USD $230 million ICC arbitration seated in New York, regarding investment in a South American oil and gas pipeline project.
Representation of an international beverage company in a multimillion-dollar ICC arbitration seated in Paris against a state-owned entity regarding a joint venture agreement.
Representation of Brazilian financial services providers in a USD $135 million ICC arbitration seated in Paris, regarding a European telecommunications company and infrastructure construction.
Representation of a construction company in a US$73-million LCIA arbitration seated in London regarding the construction of a shipping port.
Representation of a French renewable energy company in a USD $180 million ICC arbitration seated in Paris, regarding cancellation of an energy-supply contract.
Investor-State Arbitration
Representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $30.1 million ICSID arbitration in Koch Industries, Inc. and Koch Supply & Trading, LP v. Government of Canada, including leading on jurisdictional arguments that were ultimately successful.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $1.8 billion ICSID arbitration in Global Telecom Holdings v. The Government of Canada, including annulment proceedings.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $121 million UNCITRAL arbitration in Resolute Forest Products Inc v The Government of Canada.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $86.1 million UNCITRAL arbitration in Tennant Energy, LLC. v. Canada.
Representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $3.5 billion UNCITRAL arbitration in Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. United Mexican States.
Representation of shareholders in a USD $50 billion UNCITRAL arbitration in Yukos Universal Limited (Isle of Man) v. The Russian Federation, including enforcement proceedings.
Representation of the respondent in Koch Minerals Sàrl and Koch Nitrogen International Sàrl v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Memberships
Law Society of Ontario
Ontario Bar Association
American Society of International Law
International Chamber of Commerce – Canada Arbitration Committee
International Chamber of Commerce - World Institute of Business Law
New York State Bar Association
Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society
Toronto Lawyer’s Association
The Advocates’ Society
About Stefan
Stefan Kuuskne, Q.Arb., is a dispute resolution lawyer whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, international arbitration, regulatory matters, trade law, and public international law. He advises businesses, individuals, and institutions on high-stakes litigation, with particular experience in matters involving cross-border transactions, regulatory frameworks, and commercial contracts.
Stefan has developed a focus on international commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration, helping clients navigate disputes that cross jurisdictions and legal systems. He also advises on trade-related matters, providing strategic guidance on the legal and commercial challenges affecting businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
Stefan has particular industry expertise in financial services, telecommunications, land-based mining, deep sea mining, renewable energy and climate change, and transportation.
In addition to his international and commercial work, Stefan represents clients in estate-related disputes and administration, bringing a practical and strategic approach to resolving complex conflicts involving fiduciary obligations, asset distribution, and contested estate matters.
As a Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.), Stefan understands the importance of selecting the right dispute resolution process for each matter. He works closely with clients to develop strategies that align with their legal objectives, business priorities, and risk-management goals, whether through arbitration, litigation, negotiation, or other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Stefan is committed to delivering thoughtful, results-oriented advocacy and helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence.
Stefan Kuuskne, Q.Arb., is a dispute resolution lawyer whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, international arbitration, regulatory matters, trade law, and public international law. He advises businesses, individuals, and institutions on high-stakes litigation, with particular experience in matters involving cross-border transactions, regulatory frameworks, and commercial contracts.
Stefan has developed a focus on international commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration, helping clients navigate disputes that cross jurisdictions and legal systems. He also advises on trade-related matters, providing strategic guidance on the legal and commercial challenges affecting businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
Stefan has particular industry expertise in financial services, telecommunications, land-based mining, deep sea mining, renewable energy and climate change, and transportation.
In addition to his international and commercial work, Stefan represents clients in estate-related disputes and administration, bringing a practical and strategic approach to resolving complex conflicts involving fiduciary obligations, asset distribution, and contested estate matters.
As a Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.), Stefan understands the importance of selecting the right dispute resolution process for each matter. He works closely with clients to develop strategies that align with their legal objectives, business priorities, and risk-management goals, whether through arbitration, litigation, negotiation, or other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Stefan is committed to delivering thoughtful, results-oriented advocacy and helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence.
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Stefan Kuuskne
Partner
Stefan Kuuskne, Q.Arb., is a dispute resolution lawyer in the firm's Toronto office. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, domestic and international arbitration, regulatory matters, trade, and international tribunal work.
4162167251
skuuskne@lerners.ca
Area of Expertise
Arbitration and Mediation
Business Law
Class Actions
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Environmental Law
Professional Regulation and Liability
Wills and Estates
Education
Columbia University – Columbia Business School, New York, United States – May 2016 Eugene Lang Fellowship
New York State Bar - July 2015
Law Society of Ontario Call to Bar – June 2013
Osgoode Hall Law School –York University, Toronto, Canada J.D. cum laude – April 2012 Awards: McCarthy Tetrault National Award 2010, Tory’s Moot Court Finalist, 2010
Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI) - University of Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland M.A. – April 2009 Political Science and International Law. Awards: Institute Academic Full-Scholarship Award 2008
Publications & Media
Transportation Lawyers Association – Canada-US Trade Relations – The State of Play – Chicago, Illinois, January, 2026.
Globalaw Talks – Incoterms and Tariff Mitigation – Virtual, May, 2025.
Tallinn Arbitration Day 2024 - Uncharted Justice: Public International Law Tools in Uncertain Times – Tallinn, Estonia, October, 2024.
Osgoode International Law Society - International Law in Practice – Toronto, Ontario, October 2024.
CILS Salzburg Arbitration Symposium - New Frontiers of Arbitration: Deep Seabed Mining and Air and Space Law Arbitration – Salzburg, Austria, June, 2024.
Public Forum on Private Commercial Disputes Under the USMCA - Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS), New York, New York, September 2022.
Canadian Council on International Law - International Law in 2020: Fit for Purpose – Ottawa, Ontario, October, 2020.
Key Legal Matters
Litigation
Representation of a large Canadian financial institution in a breach of contract claim before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of an individual defendant regarding a commercial contract appeal before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Representation of a construction company in a delay claim before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of a large Canadian automotive conglomerate in an M&A dispute before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Representation of an individual defendant in a securities offering investigation before the Ontario Securities Commission.
Representation of a financial services provider in a fraud investigation and corresponding civil claim before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Multiple representations of individual defendants on behalf of LAWPRO regarding professional liability claims.
Representation of an entertainment company in an arbitration enforcement action before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Appeal before the Divisional Court in representing a domestic construction company appealing a monetary award.
Class action defence representation in Brazeau v. Canada (Attorney General).
Class action defence representation in Reddock v. Canada (Attorney General).
Class action defence representation in Gallone v. Canada (Attorney General).
Commercial Arbitration
Representation of a Canadian pension fund in a multi-million dollar ICC arbitration seated in Toronto, regarding projects in the Mexican renewable energy market.
Representation of a pipeline construction company in a C$1.2-billion ICC arbitration seated in Calgary regarding construction of a natural gas pipeline in Canada.
Representation of an international-energy company in a USD $230 million ICC arbitration seated in New York, regarding investment in a South American oil and gas pipeline project.
Representation of an international beverage company in a multimillion-dollar ICC arbitration seated in Paris against a state-owned entity regarding a joint venture agreement.
Representation of Brazilian financial services providers in a USD $135 million ICC arbitration seated in Paris, regarding a European telecommunications company and infrastructure construction.
Representation of a construction company in a US$73-million LCIA arbitration seated in London regarding the construction of a shipping port.
Representation of a French renewable energy company in a USD $180 million ICC arbitration seated in Paris, regarding cancellation of an energy-supply contract.
Investor-State Arbitration
Representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $30.1 million ICSID arbitration in Koch Industries, Inc. and Koch Supply & Trading, LP v. Government of Canada, including leading on jurisdictional arguments that were ultimately successful.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $1.8 billion ICSID arbitration in Global Telecom Holdings v. The Government of Canada, including annulment proceedings.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $121 million UNCITRAL arbitration in Resolute Forest Products Inc v The Government of Canada.
Successful representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $86.1 million UNCITRAL arbitration in Tennant Energy, LLC. v. Canada.
Representation of the Government of Canada in a USD $3.5 billion UNCITRAL arbitration in Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. United Mexican States.
Representation of shareholders in a USD $50 billion UNCITRAL arbitration in Yukos Universal Limited (Isle of Man) v. The Russian Federation, including enforcement proceedings.
Representation of the respondent in Koch Minerals Sàrl and Koch Nitrogen International Sàrl v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Memberships
Law Society of Ontario
Ontario Bar Association
American Society of International Law
International Chamber of Commerce – Canada Arbitration Committee
International Chamber of Commerce - World Institute of Business Law
New York State Bar Association
Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society
Toronto Lawyer’s Association
The Advocates’ Society
About Stefan
Stefan Kuuskne, Q.Arb., is a dispute resolution lawyer whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, international arbitration, regulatory matters, trade law, and public international law. He advises businesses, individuals, and institutions on high-stakes litigation, with particular experience in matters involving cross-border transactions, regulatory frameworks, and commercial contracts.
Stefan has developed a focus on international commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration, helping clients navigate disputes that cross jurisdictions and legal systems. He also advises on trade-related matters, providing strategic guidance on the legal and commercial challenges affecting businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
Stefan has particular industry expertise in financial services, telecommunications, land-based mining, deep sea mining, renewable energy and climate change, and transportation.
In addition to his international and commercial work, Stefan represents clients in estate-related disputes and administration, bringing a practical and strategic approach to resolving complex conflicts involving fiduciary obligations, asset distribution, and contested estate matters.
As a Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.), Stefan understands the importance of selecting the right dispute resolution process for each matter. He works closely with clients to develop strategies that align with their legal objectives, business priorities, and risk-management goals, whether through arbitration, litigation, negotiation, or other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Stefan is committed to delivering thoughtful, results-oriented advocacy and helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence.
PRINT PREVIEW START
Contents WILL NOT be displayed on live website