Our Team
Michelle Panagiotakos
416.679.2781 x 240
mpanagiotakos@sbalawyers.ca
Clerk: Olivia Koziarska
519.279.0320 x 317
okoziarska@sbalawyers.ca
Assistant: Audrey Green
416.679.2781 x 236
agreen@sbalawyers.ca
Meet Michelle, the ultimate “Closer” of insurance defence. Originally from Nova Scotia, her East Coast charm and infectious laughter ease even the toughest disputes. Yet, her fiery Greek heritage also fuels a fierce litigator ready to tackle any challenge. Opa!
With over a decade of experience in tort and accident benefits litigation, her adventures span the Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, Superior Court of Justice, and the Licence Appeal Tribunal, where she’s known for her impressive success rate and client victories. Before joining SBA, Michelle spent several years in-house with a national insurance company, where she gained invaluable insights into the complexities of the industry and more importantly, a first hand understanding of her clients’ needs and practices. Michelle’s unique experience of working not only for her clients but with them has both deepened her knowledge of insurance defence and fueled her commitment to delivering exceptional, client focused support.
Outside of work, Michelle finds joy in being a Mom to two little girls; hitting the dance floor; navigating ski slopes; and bringing loved ones together for their delicious Greek feasts – where no one leaves hungry, or without trying her legendary Baklava. Her upbeat attitude and genuine support make her a fantastic colleague and friend. Whether she’s juggling legal complexities or brightening the workplace, Michelle brings her trademark enthusiasm and skill to every aspect of her life.
Primary Practice Areas
- Auto Insurance
- Loss Transfer and Priority Disputes
- Fraud and Misrepresentation
Notable Matters
- Estrela v. Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 102096
- Chase-Atherton v. Economical Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 13094
- Alriyahi v. Sonnet Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 2640
- A.A. v. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2023 CanLII 1453; (Reconsideration) 2023 CanLII 40091
- Scheltgen v. TD Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2021 CanLII 124041; (Reconsideration), 2022 CanLII 23403
- TD General Insurance Company v. Altaweel, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2020 CanLII 80313
- I.A. v. TD General Insurance Company, (Licence Appeal Tribunal), 2020 CanLII 80302
- D.O. v. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, (Court of Appeal) ONCA M49291
- Lyman v. Chan, (Superior Court of Justice), 2018 ONSC 4037 (CanLII)
- D.O. v. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, (Ontario Divisional Court), 2018 ONSC 3269
Thought Leadership
- Speaker, “Payback Time! Recovering Overpaid SABS Benefits”, Webinar, September 24, 2024
Professional Memberships
- Canadian Defence Lawyers
- Medico-Legal Society of Toronto
- Hellenic Canadian Lawyers Association
Bar Admissions & Education
- Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop Certificate, Osgoode P.D., 2022
- Ontario Bar Admission, 2016
- J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2015
- B.A. Hons., University of Toronto, 2007