David S. Young, K.C.

BIOGRAPHY

The Honourable David Young, KC, is a seasoned litigator and trusted advisor with a reputation for being tough but fair. Known for his hands-on approach and deep respect for the law, David brings decades of legal and political experience to his civil litigation practice, which focuses on complex commercial disputes, personal injury, class actions, construction deficiencies, and medical malpractice.

David is regularly retained in precedent-setting litigation. He successfully argued the Supreme Court case of Rankin (Rankin’s Garage & Sales) v. JJ., a foundational ruling on duty of care in tort law. He also played a key role in Broutzas v. Rouge Valley Health System, a leading decision on privacy law, and Sanofi Pasteur Limited v. UPS SCS, Inc., which clarified the enforceability of insurance covenants for third-party beneficiaries.

Before returning to full-time private practice, David served as Attorney General of Ontario and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, as well as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In government, he introduced a province-wide Case Management Program, expanded the Simplified Procedure, and modernized the Limitations Act. His public service includes resolving major land claims and serving as counsel to several high-profile inquiries and police services.

David appears before all levels of court in Ontario and contributes to the profession through mentorship and thought leadership. He received the King’s Counsel designation in 2023, the Osgoode Hall Gold Key Award in 2021, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2001. He is also a three-time member of the selection committee for the David W. Mundell Medal, honouring legal scholarship.

David’s enduring commitment to legal excellence, public service, and principled advocacy continues to shape his respected practice.