Toronto contract dispute lawyer for businesses and individuals. Breach of contract claims pursued, defences filed, settlements negotiated, and disputes resolved at every level of court.
· Reviewed by Jonathan Kleiman, J.D.
Jonathan Kleiman is a contract dispute lawyer in Toronto who represents businesses and individuals involved in breach of contract claims, commercial disagreements, and civil disputes arising from failed or broken agreements.
A contract dispute can disrupt your business, damage relationships, and create significant financial exposure. Whether you are the party bringing the claim or the party defending one, the approach matters — and so does the lawyer handling it.
Every engagement begins with a free 30-minute consultation.
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform a material obligation under the agreement. This can take many forms — failing to deliver goods or services, missing payment deadlines, refusing to perform, or performing in a way that falls substantially short of what was agreed.
Ontario contract law recognizes several categories of breach, each with different legal consequences:
The primary remedy in Ontario is expectation damages — the amount needed to put the innocent party in the position they would have been in had the contract been performed. Other remedies include consequential damages, liquidated damages, and in rare cases, specific performance.
A contract dispute lawyer assesses the nature of the breach, the strength of the evidence, and the most cost-effective path to recovery.
Need a contract drafted or reviewed before a dispute arises? Read more about Jonathan's contract drafting and review services. For an in-depth look at what happens when agreements break down, read our guide to breach of contract claims in Ontario.
The majority of contract disputes Jonathan handles involve business and commercial agreements. When a deal falls apart, the consequences extend beyond the immediate financial loss — disrupted operations, damaged business relationships, and uncertainty about the path forward.
Disputes over scope of work, quality of deliverables, payment terms, and early termination of service contracts between businesses.
Disagreements over profit sharing, decision-making authority, fiduciary duties, and exit rights under partnership or shareholder agreements. Learn more.
Disputes arising from the purchase or sale of a business, asset, or franchise — including misrepresentation, undisclosed liabilities, and failure to close. Learn more.
Claims involving deficient workmanship, project delays, cost overruns, and disputes between property owners and contractors or subcontractors.
Jonathan also handles disputes involving loan agreements, employment contracts, commercial leases, franchise agreements, and independent contractor arrangements. Whatever the agreement, the approach is the same — assess the facts, identify the strongest legal position, and pursue the best outcome.
Not every contract dispute needs to go to trial. In many cases, a well-structured settlement negotiation achieves a better result — faster, cheaper, and with more control over the outcome.
A properly drafted demand letter from a lawyer signals that you are serious about enforcement. Jonathan's demand letters set out the breach, the legal basis for the claim, the damages sought, and a deadline for response. Many disputes resolve at this stage.
Jonathan negotiates directly with the other party or their lawyer to reach a settlement that protects your interests. The goal is always a resolution that costs you less than litigation while recovering the maximum amount available.
Mediation is a structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party. It is voluntary, confidential, and often resolves disputes that direct negotiation cannot. Jonathan represents clients through mediation and ensures any resulting agreement is enforceable and properly documented.
When negotiation and mediation fail to resolve a contract dispute, litigation is the next step. Jonathan represents plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes at every level of the Ontario court system.
Contract disputes above $50,000 proceed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Jonathan handles pleadings, discoveries, motions, pre-trial conferences, and trial advocacy for commercial and civil contract disputes.
Contract disputes of $50,000 or less are resolved in the Ontario Small Claims Court. The process is faster and less formal than Superior Court, but the stakes are real — and having a lawyer significantly improves outcomes.
Free 30-minute consultation. No fee, no obligation.
A significant portion of Jonathan's practice involves contract disputes in the Ontario Small Claims Court. Claims up to $50,000 are handled through a streamlined process that includes a mandatory settlement conference and, if necessary, a trial.
Jonathan files the Plaintiff's Claim or Defence, setting out the facts, the legal basis, and the amount sought or disputed.
A mandatory conference before a judge or deputy judge. Most contract disputes settle at this stage through negotiation.
If settlement fails, Jonathan prepares witness statements, organizes evidence, and develops the trial strategy.
Jonathan presents the case at trial, cross-examines opposing witnesses, and makes legal submissions to the court.
Whether you are suing for money owed or defending a claim brought against you, Jonathan provides the same level of preparation and advocacy. Read more about Small Claims Court representation.
Jonathan represents both businesses and individuals in contract disputes across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Regardless of the amount at stake, Jonathan provides direct, personal representation from the first consultation through resolution. Learn more about business law services.
Contract disputes arise from a wide range of circumstances. Understanding the cause helps determine the most effective strategy for resolution.
The strength of a contract dispute claim depends on the agreement itself, the evidence available, and the legal strategy chosen. Jonathan assesses all three during the initial consultation.
Jonathan earned his B.A. (with distinction) at McGill University and his J.D. at Queen's University. He has been a member of the Law Society of Ontario since 2011.
When a contract dispute threatens your business or personal interests, you need a lawyer who responds quickly, explains the process clearly, and fights for the best possible outcome.
If you are involved in a contract dispute — or expect one is coming — contact Jonathan for a free 30-minute consultation. The sooner you get legal advice, the stronger your position will be.
Call 416-554-1639 or book a free consultation.
Jonathan also handles contract drafting and review, partnership agreement matters, business purchase transactions, and Small Claims Court litigation.
The questions Toronto businesses and individuals ask most often about contract disputes, breach of contract claims, and working with a contract dispute lawyer.
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform an obligation under the agreement — whether by missing a deadline, delivering defective goods or services, failing to pay, or refusing to perform altogether.
The breach can be minor (partial non-performance) or fundamental (a failure that goes to the root of the agreement). A contract dispute lawyer assesses the nature of the breach and the remedies available.
Yes. Contract disputes involving claims of $50,000 or less can be brought in the Ontario Small Claims Court.
The process is faster and less expensive than Superior Court litigation. Jonathan represents both plaintiffs and defendants in Small Claims Court contract disputes throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Jonathan offers flat-fee and hourly arrangements depending on the complexity of the dispute. Many contract dispute matters — including demand letters and Small Claims Court proceedings — are handled on a flat-fee basis.
Every engagement begins with a free 30-minute consultation where the fee structure is discussed upfront.
Timelines vary. A demand letter can resolve matters within weeks. Small Claims Court proceedings typically take 6 to 12 months. Superior Court litigation can take one to three years.
Settlement negotiations and mediation often resolve disputes faster than a full trial.
The most common remedy is expectation damages — the amount needed to put you in the position you would have been in had the contract been performed.
Other remedies include consequential damages, liquidated damages (if specified in the contract), and in rare cases, specific performance — a court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill their obligations.
Contact a contract dispute lawyer immediately. Preserve all documents, correspondence, and evidence related to the agreement and the breach.
Jonathan reviews the contract, assesses the strength of your claim, and recommends the most cost-effective path to resolution.
Yes. Common defences include that no valid contract existed, the contract was frustrated, the other party breached first, the limitation period has expired, or the damages claimed are exaggerated.
Jonathan represents defendants in contract disputes and files defences, counterclaims, and motions to protect their interests.
Get experienced legal representation for your contract dispute. Free 30-minute consultation with a Toronto contract dispute lawyer.