About Us
Helen Daley and Peter Wardle founded the firm in 2003, after practising at several of Canada’s largest law firms and another well-known litigation boutique.
Peter Wardle is ranked as a leading Ontario lawyer in Lexpert (securities litigation and professional liability), Best Lawyers (securities and directors and officers liability), and Chambers Global (dispute resolution). He has extensive trial and administrative tribunal experience, and has acted at several public inquiries, including the Goudge Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology.
Helen Daley has extensive experience in commercial litigation and securities regulation and litigation. She has represented Staff of the Ontario Securities Commission in enforcement proceedings before the Commission, and has prosecuted discipline proceedings against licensees at the Law Society of Upper Canada. Helen is currently a director of The Advocates Society.
Both Peter and Helen have written and lectured extensively on trial advocacy, securities, civil procedure, evidence, and directors and officers liability. They also teach civil procedure at Queens University.
Daniel Bernstein joined the practice in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, securities, professional liability and defamation.
Ronald J. Walker joined the firm as partner in 2011. His practice focuses on complex commercial disputes and arbitrations, regulatory proceedings and pension litigation.
Jonathon Baker joined the firm as a partner in 2009. His practice focuses on bankruptcy and insolvency, debtor/creditor, franchise litigation, and commercial litigation.
The firm currently employs three associate lawyers:
- Alex Van Kralingen (2005 call)
- Simon Bieber (2006 call)
- Danielle Gallo (2008 call)
The WDB Advantage
We believe that our platform provides many advantages for litigation clients:
Client Service: There is no bureaucracy at our firm. You can find one of the partners when you need to. We respond quickly to client inquiries.
Efficiency and Cost: Our overhead is low. We work in small teams, typically two or three lawyers on a matter. Our rates are significantly below those of large firm litigation departments.
Quality Product: The quality of legal work does not increase with the size of the firm. We routinely litigate successfully against Canada’s largest law firms. Our smaller size makes it easier to ensure that our work is high quality.
Practical Advice: Most of our clients would prefer to avoid litigation. They are looking for a business solution to their problem. We are responsive to client objectives.
Resources: A large law library or full-service platform is not required in the 21st century to service larger, more complex matters. We have experience in accessing the necessary resources, where warranted. Our clients get the benefits of a smaller, more disciplined team.
