Michael MacIsaac
Michael MacIsaac
Biography
Michael MacIsaac is a commercial litigator based out of Calgary. He is experienced in advising on and litigating complex disputes involving shareholders and directors, oil and gas stakeholders, commercial real estate developers, and financial service providers.
His work includes trial advocacy and appeals, private arbitrations, and offering advice on risk management. He appears as lead and co-counsel for clients during the entire life of a litigation file, from commencement to enforcement.
Michael also represents clients in the insurance industry, and is lead counsel in litigation matters concerning D&O liability, catastrophic losses, and major industrial projects.
Professional experience
Representative experience
Representative experience
Michael's litigation experience includes:
- Lead counsel in a successful arbitration concerning working capital adjustments in a major transportation transaction
- Lead counsel in a successful defence and appeal for Aspen Properties regarding ownership of tenant improvements (2025 ABCA 49)
- Lead counsel in a complex personal liability defence involving the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (2019 ABQB 87)
- Lead counsel defending property owners, managers, and contractors from various commercial and insured claims
- Lead and co-counsel defending matters for a construction consortium with respect to public infrastructure projects
- Lead and co-counsel for shareholders in contested corporate takeover transactions
- Co-counsel in successfully defending against an attempt to enforce a sale of shares (2017 NSSC 12)
Rankings and recognitions
Rankings and recognitions
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada: Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, 2024-2025
Education
Education
J.D., University of Victoria, 2014
B.A., St. Francis Xavier University, 2010
Admissions
Admissions
- Alberta 2018
- Nova Scotia 2016
Publications
Publications
- "Left Sharks and Copy Cats: The Super Bowl's Impact on Protecting a Brand" (co-author: Burtley Francis), February 2016.
- "Sickness, Sickness Everywhere, Nor Any Cure in Sight" (co-author: Peter McLellan), August 2015.
Memberships and activities
Memberships and activities
- Calgary Student Committee (present)
- Canadian Bar Association (NS) Professional Development Committee (2016-2018)
- Volunteer judge, Jessup and Securities Moot Competition
Insights and news
Insights
