Our Team
Lisa Armstrong
Partner
416.679.2781 x 210
larmstrong@sbalawyers.ca
Clerk: Heather Demeyre
416.679.2781 x 313
hdemeyre@sbalawyers.ca
Assistant: Kelly Lord
416.679.2781 x 213
klord@sbalawyers.ca
Lisa is like a combination of Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson. She practices law with unbridled enthusiasm and is rattled by nothing. As the managing partner of SBA, Lisa leads by example, proving to every team member, there’s no challenge too great to be overcome with a smile. Oh, and a laugh, Lisa has a signature laugh!
Lisa is a skilled litigator and problem solver. Clients trust Lisa because she brings a level head and a sense of calm to every situation, no matter how high the stakes. Whether it’s a complex accident benefits claim, cyber dilemma, or insurance-related class action, Lisa helps her clients to “keep it simple” and execute an effective litigation strategy.
Lisa has argued some landmark accident benefits cases before the Court of Appeal. In particular, she has been on the front lines in defining the applicable limitation periods in accident benefits matters. She also successfully argued for limited court jurisdiction in dealing with accident benefits matters: see, Stegenga v. Economical, 2019 ONCA 615 (CanLII). Lisa regularly represents insurers in hotly contested “CAT” claims before the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
Lisa has a unique background in healthcare and professional services, which strengthens her ability to deal with personal injury cases as well as sensitive cyber security issues. Lisa has presented for clients and industry leaders on modern insurance issues, including cyber risks and cannabis.
Lisa thrives in chaos. As the eldest of eight children from a blended family, Lisa knows a thing or two about leadership, diplomacy and teamwork. She manages the firm much like she did her siblings growing up: encouragement and gentle persuasion.
Primary Practice Areas
- Auto Insurance
- Cyber and Privacy Liability
- Risk Management
Professional Achievements
- Best Lawyers Ranking in Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation (2018 to date)
- Lexpert Leading Lawyer in Personal Injury, (2024)
- Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession, (2020)
Professional Leadership
- Past President, Ontario Insurance Professionals Association (2022 to 2023)
- President, Ontario Insurance Professionals Association (2021 to 2022)
- Past Co-Chair, Continuing Education Committee, Canadian Defence Lawyers, (2017 to 2018)
- International Association for Defense Counsel
Notable Matters
- Zhao v. Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (Travelers), (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 74758
- Whyte v. Economical Insurance, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 70362
- Hinds-Douglas v. Economical Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 70375
- Hilaire v. Sonnet Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2023 CanLII 40144
- Ciyayi v. Economical Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2023 CanLII 9229
- Hilaire v. Sonnet Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2022 CanLII 93716
- Yip v. Economical, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2021 CanLII 37846
- Strickland v. Economical Insurance, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2021 CanLII 45644
- Dorman v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Court of Appeal), 2021 ONCA 314
- Abadicio v. Economical Insurance, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2021 CanLII 55205; (Reconsideration) 2021 CanLII 131174
- Tomec v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Court of Appeal), 2019 ONCA 839
- Doon v. Maharaj, (Superior Court of Justice), 2019 ONSC 1572
- Stegenga v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Court of Appeal), 2019 ONCA 615 (CanLII)
- Stegenga v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Superior Court of Justice), 2018 ONSC 1512
- S.S. v Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2019 CanLII 83592
- Tomec v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Superior Court of Justice), 2018 ONSC 5664
- S.T. v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2018 CanLII 61170
- Hua Li Pan v. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, (Financial Services Commission of Ontario), 2018 ONFSCDRS 10
- 16-000501 v Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2017 CanLII 15834
- Gareth Mayo v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Financial Services Commission of Ontario), 2016 ONFSCDRS 308
- Sietzema v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Court of Appeal), 2014 ONCA 111
- Kusnierz v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company, (Court of Appeal), 2011 ONCA 823
- Lamsar v. Bajaj, (Superior Court of Justice), 2008 CanLII 20983
Thought Leadership
Publications
- Speaker, “Limitations and Discoverability in the AB Context”, Canadian Defence Lawyers, November 23, 2023
- Speaker, “Privilege and Redactions: What do we send?”, Canadian Defence Lawyers, March 30, 2023
- Speaker, “Top 5 Accident Benefits Cases”, Osgoode Certification in Motor Vehicle Law and Practice, April 12, 2022
- Speaker, “Negotiating Tips for Adjusters”, Webinar, August 11, 2021
- Speaker, “Into The Weeds: The Insurance and Legal Implication of Cannabis In The United States and Canada”, International Association of Defense Counsel, Pebble Beach, February 2020
- Speaker, “Tricks of the Trade – Accident Benefits and LAT Update”, Advocates’ Society, 2019
- Speaker, “The Nuts and Bolts of Uninsured, Unidentified and Underinsured Claims”, Osgoode Law School Certificate in Personal Injury Program, 2013
- Co-Chair, Annual Meeting, Canadian Defence Lawyers, 2017
- Co-Chair, Spring Accident Benefit Symposium, Canadian Defence Lawyers, 2017
- CSME-Life Care Planner’s Annual Meeting- Case Law Update for Life Care Planners, 2017
- Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, Update on Snow Maintenance from the Court of Appeal, 2017
Presentations
- Author, “Into The Weeds: The Insurance and Legal Implications of Cannabis In The United States and Canada”, International Association of Defense Lawyers, February 2020
Professional Memberships
- Ontario Insurance Professionals Association
- Canadian Defence Lawyers
- International Association of Defense Counsel
Bar Admissions & Education
- Inclusive Leader Series – Certificate of Completion, 2018
- Ontario Bar, 2003
- LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, 2002