Mr. Michael Head

This oral history interview with Michael Head provides a comprehensive overview of his legal career spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Head discusses his journey from articling at Keith, Katzman & Kramer in Toronto through his establishment of a successful personal injury practice in Pickering, Ontario. He details his transition from criminal law work in his early career to specializing in civil litigation, particularly personal injury and medical malpractice cases, including notable class action work such as a $29.5 million settlement in a hepatitis outbreak case.

The interview extensively covers Head’s involvement with The Advocates’ Society, beginning as a member in 1979 and culminating in his presidency in 1998. He describes the Society’s evolution during his tenure, including the expansion of programming such as the Practical Strategies seminar series responding to no-fault insurance legislation, the development of courthouse advocacy sessions across Ontario, and the growth of membership from 300 to over 1000 attendees at major events. Head also discusses administrative challenges within the organization, particularly regarding the Ontario Centre for Advocacy Training (OCAT) and its relationship with The Advocates’ Society.

Throughout the interview, Head reflects on significant changes in Ontario’s legal landscape, including the introduction of no-fault insurance, mandatory mediation, case management systems, and the rise of alternative dispute resolution. He provides insights into the evolution of personal injury practice, the impact of technological advances like video-conferencing for legal education, and his involvement in community organizations including the Head Injuries Association of Durham and the Ajax-Pickering United Way.

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