Mr. Peter Webb

This oral history captures the legal career of Peter Webb, who practiced primarily insurance defense litigation in Toronto from the 1950s through the 1990s. Webb articled at Parkinson, Gardiner, Roberts, Anderson & Common in the mid-1950s, working closely with prominent litigators like Fred Parkinson and William Anderson on significant cases including appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada. He developed expertise in insurance defense work when John Fitzpatrick joined the firm and brought substantial insurance industry connections.

Webb became deeply involved with The Advocates’ Society, serving as a director from 1977 and eventually as President from 1984-85. During his tenure with the Society, he was instrumental in opposing no-fault insurance legislation, addressing court administration issues through the Bench and Bar Committee, and managing the Society’s financial affairs as Treasurer. He also chaired the Law Society’s Civil Litigation Specialization Committee from 1988-1993, helping establish certification standards for litigation specialists.

The interview provides valuable insights into the evolution of legal practice in Ontario, particularly the shift from general practice to specialization, the growth of insurance litigation, and the changing role of professional organizations. Webb’s experiences span significant developments in Canadian legal history, including court system reforms, the introduction of legal specialization, and the professionalization of advocacy training.

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