Dana Hirsh

Dana worked as a mediator and arbitrator at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario for 12 years where she mediated and assisted the parties in settling over 3,000 disputes. She is known for her ability to establish a rapport with counsel and their clients, her knowledge and expertise and, most importantly, her persistence and creativity in guiding parties towards achieving solutions to even the most complex disputes. She works diligently with parties and their counsel to ensure both sides feel heard and reach mutually agreeable solutions. Dana has experience with global and multi-party mediations, including disability, employment, and motor vehicle matters.

Dana was called to the Ontario Bar in 2001 and is a member of the New York Bar. She has worked in private practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, and has extensive disability insurance experience, having worked as litigation counsel for one of the world’s largest life insurance companies. She has presented on various disability topics, including taxability of arrears when settling disability matters, as well as the impact of offsets on settlement negotiations. In addition, Dana has worked as senior litigation counsel for a property and casualty leader, specializing in accident benefits, including catastrophic impairment claims, tort and priority matters. She has represented clients before the License Appeal Tribunal, at various levels of court in Ontario, and the Federal Court of Canada. While working as in-house counsel, Dana developed a reputation for resolving her matters expeditiously.

Dana completed training in Advanced Mediation from Osgoode Hall, Negotiation from Harvard Business School, and Adjudication from the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators. She is also the author of published articles. On her free time, she enjoys downhill skiing, swimming and travelling.