Adam J. Patenaude
Partner
Adam is a seasoned trial lawyer with a focus on defending complex medical negligence and professional liability cases. Acting for clients in out-of-court settlements or in the courtroom, he brings relentless advocacy to both administrative and civil proceedings.
Areas of Expertise
Medical Malpractice Defence
Municipality Liability / Public Entity Defence
Professional Negligence Claims
Property Damage Claims
General and Commercial Liability
Commercial insurance coverage
Education
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2007)
Baccalaureate of Laws, Cum Laude, University of Ottawa (2006)
Bachelor of Journalism with Law, Carleton University (2000)
Education
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2007)
Baccalaureate of Laws, Cum Laude, University of Ottawa (2006)
Bachelor of Journalism with Law, Carleton University (2000)
Education
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2007)
Baccalaureate of Laws, Cum Laude, University of Ottawa (2006)
Bachelor of Journalism with Law, Carleton University (2000)
Awards and Recognition
Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in the area of medical negligence (2021-2025)
Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of medical negligence, health care law, and professional malpractice
Awards and Recognition
Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in the area of medical negligence (2021-2025)
Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of medical negligence, health care law, and professional malpractice
Awards and Recognition
Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in the area of medical negligence (2021-2025)
Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of medical negligence, health care law, and professional malpractice
Selected Presentations and Publications
Selected Presentations and Publications
Selected Presentations and Publications
Noteworthy Cases
Graham v. Bridgepoint Health, 2025, defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of infection.
Newton v. Florence, 2025, Defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of septic hip.
Penate v. Martoglio, 2024, Obstetrical Malpractice jury trial and motion to discharge jury.
McKee v. Shahid, 2024, Motion to dismiss claim against psychiatrist, no duty of care.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2024, Motion to Reopen hearing.
Kotorashvilli v. Lee, Defence of claim of surgical negligence.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2021. Defence of allegations of sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Wright, 2018. Defence of allegations of conduct unbecoming a physician related to use of social media.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Izzeldin, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Laity, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Beairsto, 2017. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Beaney v. Lindsay Professional Building, 2017, Occupier’s Liability, jury trial.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Chung, 2014. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession, unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Singh, P. M., 2013. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession in obstetrical care.
Watt v. Schwind, 2011, obstetrical malpractice, jury trial.
Laity v. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, 2018. Mental Health Act Application.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Mereweather v. Austin, 2011. Motion regarding application of Regulated Health Professions Act to production in civil actions.
Dufferin v. Santos, 2011, allegations of negligent road design.
Smyth v. Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, 2008, Divisional Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Appeal on Hospital privileges dispute.
Noteworthy Cases
Graham v. Bridgepoint Health, 2025, defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of infection.
Newton v. Florence, 2025, Defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of septic hip.
Penate v. Martoglio, 2024, Obstetrical Malpractice jury trial and motion to discharge jury.
McKee v. Shahid, 2024, Motion to dismiss claim against psychiatrist, no duty of care.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2024, Motion to Reopen hearing.
Kotorashvilli v. Lee, Defence of claim of surgical negligence.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2021. Defence of allegations of sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Wright, 2018. Defence of allegations of conduct unbecoming a physician related to use of social media.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Izzeldin, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Laity, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Beairsto, 2017. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Beaney v. Lindsay Professional Building, 2017, Occupier’s Liability, jury trial.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Chung, 2014. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession, unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Singh, P. M., 2013. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession in obstetrical care.
Watt v. Schwind, 2011, obstetrical malpractice, jury trial.
Laity v. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, 2018. Mental Health Act Application.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Mereweather v. Austin, 2011. Motion regarding application of Regulated Health Professions Act to production in civil actions.
Dufferin v. Santos, 2011, allegations of negligent road design.
Smyth v. Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, 2008, Divisional Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Appeal on Hospital privileges dispute.
Noteworthy Cases
Graham v. Bridgepoint Health, 2025, defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of infection.
Newton v. Florence, 2025, Defence of allegation of delay in diagnosis of septic hip.
Penate v. Martoglio, 2024, Obstetrical Malpractice jury trial and motion to discharge jury.
McKee v. Shahid, 2024, Motion to dismiss claim against psychiatrist, no duty of care.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2024, Motion to Reopen hearing.
Kotorashvilli v. Lee, Defence of claim of surgical negligence.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Tan, 2021. Defence of allegations of sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Wright, 2018. Defence of allegations of conduct unbecoming a physician related to use of social media.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Izzeldin, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Laity, 2018. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Beairsto, 2017. Defence of allegations of unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Beaney v. Lindsay Professional Building, 2017, Occupier’s Liability, jury trial.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Chung, 2014. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession, unprofessional conduct and sexual abuse.
Ontario (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) v. Singh, P. M., 2013. Defence of allegations of failing to maintain the standard of the profession in obstetrical care.
Watt v. Schwind, 2011, obstetrical malpractice, jury trial.
Laity v. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, 2018. Mental Health Act Application.
Duggan v Lakeridge, 2017. Motion for further medical assessment, discovery and cross motion for summary judgment.
Mereweather v. Austin, 2011. Motion regarding application of Regulated Health Professions Act to production in civil actions.
Dufferin v. Santos, 2011, allegations of negligent road design.
Smyth v. Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, 2008, Divisional Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Appeal on Hospital privileges dispute.
A Rewarding Experience
Adam Patenaude is a partner in Lerners' Toronto office and a member of the Health Law, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. When a dispute cannot be resolved outside of court, Adam draws on extensive trial experience in both the administrative arena and the civil courts to advance and protect the interests of his clients. “My favourite place to be is in the courtroom because I’m completely focused on winning the case,” he says.
Where a trial is not warranted, Adam builds strategies to reach
“The constant challenge of learning new subject matter in the field of medicine and working for clients you admire and
A father of three, Adam has served the community as president of a local preschool for several years and as a competitive hockey coach.
Adam Patenaude is a partner in Lerners' Toronto office and a member of the Health Law, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. When a dispute cannot be resolved outside of court, Adam draws on extensive trial experience in both the administrative arena and the civil courts to advance and protect the interests of his clients. “My favourite place to be is in the courtroom because I’m completely focused on winning the case,” he says.
Where a trial is not warranted, Adam builds strategies to reach favourable settlements for his clients in the quickest and least costly way possible. Adam provides advice and representation on high stakes matters involving medical negligence, regulatory complaints, and disciplinary hearings. His insurance law practice focuses on coverage litigation, both defence and subrogated claims. Adam has also assisted clients on the plaintiff side with claims against government authorities.
“The constant challenge of learning new subject matter in the field of medicine and working for clients you admire and respect, makes practising health law a tremendously rewarding experience,” says Adam. “I also enjoy the challenge of facing the new scenarios that arise day-to-day in my insurance defence practice.”
A father of three, Adam has served the community as president of a local preschool for several years and as a competitive hockey coach.
Adam Patenaude is a partner in Lerners' Toronto office and a member of the Health Law, and Specialty Risk and Insurance groups. When a dispute cannot be resolved outside of court, Adam draws on extensive trial experience in both the administrative arena and the civil courts to advance and protect the interests of his clients. “My favourite place to be is in the courtroom because I’m completely focused on winning the case,” he says.
Where a trial is not warranted, Adam builds strategies to reach favourable settlements for his clients in the quickest and least costly way possible. Adam provides advice and representation on high stakes matters involving medical negligence, regulatory complaints, and disciplinary hearings. His insurance law practice focuses on coverage litigation, both defence and subrogated claims. Adam has also assisted clients on the plaintiff side with claims against government authorities.
“The constant challenge of learning new subject matter in the field of medicine and working for clients you admire and respect, makes practising health law a tremendously rewarding experience,” says Adam. “I also enjoy the challenge of facing the new scenarios that arise day-to-day in my insurance defence practice.”
A father of three, Adam has served the community as president of a local preschool for several years and as a competitive hockey coach.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.