Mahyar Seyed Makki

Principal Mahyar Makki (“Makki”) focuses his practice on commercial and tax litigation, as well as tax planning for high-net-worth individuals. In regard to tax litigation, his practice encompasses all aspects of tax dispute resolution, beginning at the objection stage with the Canada Revenue Agency and extending through appeals before the Tax Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Canada.

He also regularly acts in complex commercial litigation matters, including shareholder disputes and derivative actions. Consistent with his strategic and results-driven approach, he has achieved significant success in negotiating favourable settlements, with the majority of his matters resolving outside the courtroom. His extensive experience dealing with the Department of Justice allows him to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. Most recently, Makki secured a successful decision before the Tax Court of Canada relating to CPP/EI issues for a major corporation.

In addition to litigation, Makki advises clients on corporate restructuring and tax planning for high-net-worth clients with a focus on asset protection, tax minimization, and the mitigation of liabilities upon the death. He regularly utilizes sophisticated trust structures in Canada, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands to further protect and preserve client assets.

Of-Counsel Michael has been a practicing Business Litigator, Trial Lawyer and Mediator for over 40 years. Michael was a Senior Partner at Dickinson Wright LLP, a 500-lawyer law firm with 17 offices throughout the United States. Of the 17 offices, we were the only law firm in Canada.

In addition to his Juris Doctor, Michael holds a Masters of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. Michael is a certified Mediator on the Attorney General’s list of approved Mediators. Lastly, Michael holds an M.Ed in Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto of Graduate Studies.