Robert J. Hooper
Mediator
Experienced Trial Counsel. Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Robert J. Hooper brings more than three decades of litigation experience to his mediation practice. Having tried over 150 civil and criminal cases and has appeared before the Superior Court of Ontario, New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, Ontario Court of Appeal, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada, he understands complex disputes from the perspective of counsel preparing for trial. His mediation work is grounded in preparation, neutrality, and disciplined evaluation.
Robert J. Hooper
Mediator
Experienced Trial Counsel. Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Robert J. Hooper brings more than three decades of litigation experience to his mediation practice. Having tried over 150 civil and criminal cases and has appeared before the Superior Court of Ontario, New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, Ontario Court of Appeal, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada, he understands complex disputes from the perspective of counsel preparing for trial. His mediation work is grounded in preparation, neutrality, and disciplined evaluation.
33+ Years Litigation Experience
Over three decades of civil and criminal litigation practice, including extensive trial and appellate advocacy.
Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation
Certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation.
Fellow – American College of Trial Lawyers
Appointed Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only fellowship recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.
Dual Perspective Litigation Experience
Experience representing both plaintiff and defence in complex civil litigation, informing balanced assessment of risk and trial exposure.
Professional Background
Robert J. Hooper is the founder and owner of Hooper Law, a boutique plaintiff personal injury firm. The firm continues to also work for several small insurance companies.
His practice has focused extensively on complex civil litigation including institutional abuse, sexual and physical assault claims, public authority matters, automobile claims and catastrophic injury litigation.
Prior to founding Hooper Law, Mr. Hooper practiced at a prominent insurance litigation firm where he conducted insurance litigation, criminal matters, and trial work.
This dual perspective, plaintiff and defence, informs his mediation work and allows him to understand both strategic positioning and risk assessment from all sides of a dispute.
Appellate Experience
- Ontario Court of Appeal: 13 appearances
- New Brunswick Court of Appeal: 2 appearances
- Supreme Court of Canada: 3 appearances
His appellate and trial background grounds his mediation work in disciplined preparation and practical evaluation of risk.
Credentials
Admissions
Law Society of Ontario – 1993
Law Society of New Brunswick – 2007
Certification
Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation – Law Society of Ontario
Fellowship
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Education
University of Ottawa – LL.B., 1991 (Cum Laude)
Professional Affiliations
Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
American College of Trial Lawyers
Canadian Bar Association
Ontario Bar Association
Hamilton Law Association
Atlantic Province Trial Lawyers Association
Approach to Mediation
Preparation
Every mediation begins with thorough file review and issue framing. Drawing on decades of trial preparation, Rob approaches mediation with the same discipline applied to contested hearings. Counsel can expect familiarity with the evidentiary and strategic dimensions of their case.
Neutral Evaluation
With experience on both plaintiff and defence sides, Rob provides balanced, candid assessment when appropriate. His background in complex litigation allows him to evaluate liability, damages, and risk in a practical and trial-informed manner.
Efficient Resolution
Mediation is structured to promote clarity, momentum, and resolution. Discussions are conducted with professionalism and direct communication, ensuring that counsel and clients understand risk exposure and resolution pathways. The objective is principled resolution grounded in realistic litigation outcomes.
Trauma-Informed Mediation
Mr. Hooper has extensive experience mediating matters involving institutional abuse, sexual assault, and other highly sensitive claims. His approach reflects an understanding of trauma-informed principles, ensuring that proceedings are conducted with structure, professionalism, and appropriate sensitivity to the nature of the dispute.
In appropriate cases, mediation format and process are adapted to support clarity, dignity, and constructive participation, while maintaining disciplined evaluation of liability and risk. The objective remains principled and efficient resolution within a respectful and well-managed environment.
What Counsel Can Expect
- Trauma Informed Process
- Pre-mediation file review
- Structured negotiation process
- Candid discussion of trial risk
- Experience with institutional and public authority disputes
- Professional management of sensitive matters
- Respectful, controlled mediation environment
Schedule A Mediation
To schedule a mediation, please view our availability calendar and submit a mediation scheduling request.