Mr. Donald Elliott

This interview with Donald Elliott chronicles his remarkable 32-year career with the Toronto Transit Commission’s legal department from 1946 to 1978, rising from student to General Counsel. Elliott describes the unique structure of the TTC’s in-house legal and claims department, which handled virtually all litigation internally rather than relying on outside counsel. He details the department’s evolution from a tough, litigation-focused approach under Irving Fairty to a more settlement-oriented practice that he helped develop.

Elliott provides valuable insights into the changing nature of legal practice in the post-war era, particularly the shift toward more collaborative relationships between opposing counsel and increased use of settlement negotiations. His account illuminates the advantages of in-house counsel for a large public transit system, including cost efficiency, specialized knowledge, and immediate availability for both routine claims and major projects like subway construction. The interview also captures the broader transformation of the legal profession during the 1950s-1970s, including the growth of the bar following the return of war veterans and the development of more professional relationships within the legal community.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.