Professional Background
Michael Hewitt has been a litigator his entire legal career, focusing on complex commercial and insurance lawsuits. He has practised with Singleton Urquhart since 1993, and joined its partnership in 1999. During 1988-1993, he was mentored under leading members of the profession at the Federal Department of Justice in Vancouver and law firms in Ontario and England.
In his law practice, Mr. Hewitt represents corporate and individual clients in cases involving professional liability, insurance, fraud, securities, contract and other business disputes. In doing so, he draws on experience in a broad range of previous civil, criminal , administrative and constitutional law cases, including a great deal of trial work.
He regularly appears as counsel in all levels of the British Columbia courts, as well as regulatory tribunals, arbitrations and mediations. His record includes a long list of successful results in both judge and jury trials, tribunal rulings, and appeals, as well as negotiated settlements of many complex cases.
Mr. Hewitt has dedicated considerable time to professional development and training for the accounting profession, insurance industry investigators, and others. He regularly speaks to such groups about legal issues affecting their areas of expertise, and provides legal and strategic advice on an ongoing basis.
Out of court, Mr. Hewitt leads a team of thoughtful and dedicated lawyers, paralegals and staff who focus on practical results and client service.
Education And Appointments
- Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Queen’s University, 1988.
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Victoria, 1991.
- Ontario Court of Appeal 1991-2.
- Called to the British Columbia Bar: 1993
Recent Litigation
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ICBC v. Suska et al. (2009) – Judgment against 8 members of an insurance fraud ring.
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Newton v. Marzban et al. (2008) – Professional liability claim against C.A. dismissed.
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Re. Alexander and Eilers (2007) – Successful defence of most charges before the B.C. Securities Commission.
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ICBC v. Faris et al. (2006) – $3.5 million punitive award in insurance fraud claim.
Articles And Seminars
- Author of many published articles on professional liability, fraud litigation and other legal issues.
- Regular speaker at legal, industry and professional seminars.
- Moot Court Instructor, Law Society of British Columbia
- Advocacy Instructor, University of British Columbia
Associations
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Canadian Bar Association
- Certified Fraud Examiners
- Active community volunteer and board member.