Our Team

Michelle Panagiotakos | Toronto Insurance Lawyer

Michelle Panagiotakos

416.679.2781 x 240
mpanagiotakos@sbalawyers.ca

Clerk: Natasha Fernandes
519.279.0320 x 303
nfernandes@sbalawyers.ca

Assistant: Kanista Kathir
416.679.2781 x 237
kkathir@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 her 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
  • Priority Disputes & Loss Transfer
  • Fraud & Misrepresentation
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
Notable Matters
  • Williams v. Wawanesa Insurance, (License Appeal Tribunal), 2025 CanLII 627737
  • Ghauri v. Sonnet Insurance Company, (License Appeal Tribunal), 2024 CanLII 126886
  • 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
Professional Leadership
  • Member, Accident Benefits Sub-Committee, Canadian Defence Lawyers (2025 to date)
  • Member, Women’s Caucus Sub-Committee, Canadian Defence Lawyers (2025 to date)
Thought Leadership
  • Speaker, “Ask the Expert: A Neurologist’s Insights on Catastrophic Impairment”,  Canadian Defence Lawyers, November 26, 2025
  • Author, “Small change, big impact: Ontario expands small claims jurisdiction to $50,000”, Law360 Canada, October 7, 2025
  • Author, “When Living Together and Parenthood Trigger Priority”, Without Prejudice, September 2025
  • Author, “Faithfully Wed but Legally Misled?”, Without Prejudice, May 2025
  • Author, “’Til Death (or Divorce) Do Them Part”, Without Prejudice, April 2025
  • 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
Secret Link