LEONARD M. FRENCH

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Len graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba, in 1981 and has practiced law in Winnipeg continuously since his call to the bar in 1982. Len practices Civil Litigation with an emphasis on Insurance Defence, Surety Bond, Professional Liability and Insurance Coverages. He has appeared in all courts in Manitoba, at the Supreme Court of Canada and has acted on many private and judicially-assisted mediations. Len has given numerous presentations on insurance law, practice and civil litigation issues to such groups as the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association, the Manitoba Insurance Institute, the Manitoba Association of Risk Insurance Managers, the Manitoba Independent Insurance Adjusters Association, the Manitoba Insurance Claims Managers Association and others. He was a Program Committee Member and Moderator at the Risk Insurance Managers, Canada (RIMs Canada) National Convention held in Winnipeg in the fall of 2004.

Len is involved with the Law Society of Manitoba in its Bar Admissions Program. He has acted as an examiner on the Ethics Examination and as a seminar leader on the Civil Procedure / Administrative Advocacy segment of the Bar Admissions Course.

He is involved as a volunteer in the community. He was a Big Brother for many years. He has been a community club soccer and hockey coach (until the skill level of the kids he was coaching surpassed his abilities). He also sat on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers and Sisters of Winnipeg and was its President from 1995 - 1997. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Direct Action in Support of Community Homes Inc. (DASCH). DASCH is a non-profit organization that operates 16 residential homes in Winnipeg for adults with developmental disabilities. Len has received a number of awards honouring him for his community involvement including; Community Service Award - The City of Winnipeg (1997); The BIG Award - Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Winnipeg (1999); and Community Service Award - The Manitoba Bar Association (2004).

Cases of note:

 Audio Works ProductionServices Ltd. v Canadian Northern Shield Insurance  Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench

Kerkowich v Wawanesa Insurance  Manitoba Court of Appeal

Reid Crowther& Partners v Simcoe & ErieGeneral Insurance Co.  Supreme Court of Canada

Don Rich Foods Ltd v Citadel General Insurance  Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench