Michael
Blades

Michael has consistently been recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ in the field of corporate and commercial litigation and was named a 2026 Lawyer of Year in that field. Michael’s practice focusses heavily on construction law and construction litigation, as well as insurance, products liability, professional negligence, municipal law, and regulatory matters. Michael also assists clients with the drafting, negotiation and review of construction industry contracts.

Michael approaches his litigation practice with a client-centred approach, focused on providing practical advice and high-quality work. Michael routinely represents clients in builders’ lien actions and construction disputes, including delay claims, as well as complex commercial and business litigation matters. His trial experience includes matters before both juries and judge-alone, representing clients in all levels of court in Nova Scotia, including the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Provincial Court, as well as various administrative boards, including the Residential Tenancies Board and Utility and Review Board. He also represents clients in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediations and arbitrations, particularly in the context of construction-related disputes.

Michael is a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, and also a member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Advocates’ Society. He has served as an instructor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, teaching in the areas of Construction Law and Civil (litigation) Procedure.

Michael’s community and volunteer involvement includes acting as a board member and volunteer for both the Nova Scotia Salmon Association and the Atlantic Salmon Federation. In his spare time, Michael is an outdoor enthusiast whose pursuits include salmon fishing, hunting, and canoeing. He also enjoys golf, tennis, basketball, personal fitness training and nutrition. He is an avid skeet shooting enthusiast, holding both Canadian and World Junior championships in the sport; Michael is a past member of the Canadian National team in Olympic Skeet Shooting, representing Canada at various international competitions.