905-889-1667
A Sophisticated Approach to Conflict Resolution
Expert arbitration and mediation services designed to restore and resolve complex disputes with precision and professionalism.
Our People
Ivan Luxenberg
Senior Mediator
Ivan Luxenberg is an experienced mediator whose approach combines
humour, perspective and a practical focus on achieving resolution. Called
to the Bar in 1983, Ivan has represented both plaintiffs and insurers in a
broad range of complex disputes, giving him a balanced and panoramic
view of every case. Recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers for
Alternative Dispute Resolution from 2019 to 2023, Ivan is known for making
parties feel comfortable, clarifying the issues and keeping negotiations
moving forward. [See Full Bio...]
Jon T. Fidler
Senior Mediator
Jon is a highly respected mediator and arbitrator who has resolved
thousands of civil litigation disputes over more than three decades. A
pioneer in the mediation of negligence, personal injury and insurance
matters in Ontario, he brings extensive experience representing both
plaintiffs and insurers at every level of the Ontario court system. Jon is a
Past President of the International Academy of Mediators and a recipient of
the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence for Alternative Dispute
Resolution. [See Full Bio...]
Rob Sugar
Senior Mediator
Rob Sugar's forty-plus-year career as a civil litigator has provided him
with the experience and perspective to assist parties in resolving
challenging disputes. His extensive courtroom experience,
combined with his understanding of both plaintiff and defence
perspectives, enables him to guide parties toward informed
resolutions. Rob is known for his thoughtful preparation, balanced
approach, and commitment to a fair and respectful process. [See Full Bio...]
Lisa Irwin
Mediation Co-Ordinator
Email: lirwin@malach-fidler.com | Phone: 905-889-1667 Ext. 251
Mediation and Arbitration
Today, more and more disputes are being successfully resolved through mediation. Whether a dispute is between individuals or organizations, hiring a skilled, impartial mediator to help reach a mutually acceptable settlement is far preferable to engaging in costly, time-consuming litigation.
The advantages of mediation are clear
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Both parties come away satisfied. In most lawsuits, someone wins and someone loses. In mediation, everyone wins.
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No delays. In contrast to the court system, mediation moves quickly. Both parties simply agree on a neutral mediator and start talking.
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Both parties are in control: they decide where, when and how often they will meet.
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Confidential matters are discussed privately. There is no need to disclose sensitive issues in open court.
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The process encourages mutual respect. It often ends with a handshake, or even a toast.
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Above all, mediation is far less expensive than litigation. It takes less time and is more efficient.
Virtually any kind of dispute can be settled through mediation. In a successful mediation, the breakthrough ideas and settlement terms come directly from the disputing parties, as a result of guidance by an expert who knows how to realign perspectives, ask the right questions and keep the sides talking.
It is true that people do not usually opt for mediation or any other form of alternative dispute resolution unless they are predisposed to settle. It is equally true that success or failure largely depends on the ability of the mediator to focus the parties on compromise as a means of achieving settlement of their dispute. And that is where we come in.
Why M+F Mediation?
Because We Are Experts
All the mediators at M + F Mediation and Arbitration Services were senior trial lawyers with training in the field of mediation. Through participating in thousands of mediation cases as both counsel and mediators, we have developed a deep and comprehensive understanding of the methods and nuances involved in this highly specialized art.
The foundation of our expertise is the ability to recognize and interpret what parties in a dispute are really saying to each other and then help them negotiate their way around seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
Throughout the process, we remain neutral – but our role is not a passive one. We use an extensive repertoire of subtle yet decisive techniques to guide people in conflict to a mutually satisfactory settlement.
Our techniques and skills produce results, proving that we have a firm grasp of the correct manner in which a mediation should be conducted.
At other firms, it’s not uncommon to find mediation consultants who are former judges, possessing years of experience on the bench but little, if any, formal training as mediators. This isn’t the case at M + F Mediation and Arbitration Services. We are not former judges. We do not conduct pre-trials or settlement conferences. We do not impose our views on one party or the other. As mediators, we facilitate discussions and assist the parties in negotiating their own settlement.
Ivan Luxenberg
Ivan Luxenberg is not your typical mediator. His mediation style combines humour, stoicism and a panoramic view of the case. Ivan is known to bring out a bag of props to lighten the mood and make the parties more comfortable with humour (including living creatures like Maddie the Tuxedo Maine Coon mix and Sammie the feisty Westie). He is also known for subjecting the parties to his bands’ performances via his YouTube channel.
Ivan Luxenberg was called to the bar in 1983 after completing both a Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Common Law at McGill University. He attended the Harvard Law School Mediation Program in June of 1997.
Over the years Ivan has been asked to speak at continuing education programs organized by various legal organizations including the Canadian Institute, Canadian Defence Lawyers, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and Osgoode Professional Development, to name a few. He also organizes and presents seminars for a number of insurance companies and law firms.
Having acted for both plaintiffs and insurers has helped Ivan to develop his panoramic lens. As a litigator, he has experience with various types of insurance claims including:
· Accident Benefits
· Sexual Abuse
· Disability
· Employment
· Negligence
As a result of his experience with those cases, he enjoys mediating all kinds of cases, even (especially) the complex multiparty cases.
Ivan’s goal, as any mediator’s goal is to get the case settled. While this is not always possible, Ivan is of the view that the next best thing is helping the parties gain insight into the opposing side’s position and narrow down the issues. If the case cannot be resolved at the mediation, he offers to step back in as a “broker” to assist the parties in further negotiations at no added cost.
Ivan is a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario and Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals as well as the Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association and Advocacy Society. Ivan was voted by his peers to be included in the Best Lawyers Publication in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution for the years 2019 to 2023.
To book a mediation with Ivan and view his online calendar, please visit https://www.OntarioMediators.org/ivan-luxenberg.
· General Liability
· Personal Injury
· Occupier’s Liability
· Dog Bite
· Medical Malpractice
Jon T. Fidler
Jon practiced personal injury, negligence and insurance litigation for more than twenty years following his call to the Bar with Honours in 1975. He was certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Ontario and represented both plaintiffs and insurers at all levels of the Ontario Court system.
In 1988, Jon trained as, and started to act as, a mediator of civil litigation disputes. He has practiced as a full-time mediator and arbitrator with M + F Mediation & Arbitration Services since the early 1990’s. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of mediating negligence, injury and insurance related disputes in Ontario. He has mediated literally thousands of cases.
His mediation training includes courses at the renowned Center for Dispute Resolution in Boulder Colorado, as well as programmes in commercial and advanced mediation offered by the Canadian Dispute Resolution Corporation and the Advanced Mediation Workshop offered by the Advocates’ Society.
A former member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution subcommittee of the Advocates’ Society, he was also a volunteer mediator with the Court-Annexed ADR Centre and, in addition, has served as an Executive member of Ontario Bar Association, ADR sub-section. He has been awarded the Chartered Mediator designation by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada and has chaired their Chartered Mediator Selection Committee.
He has sat as a Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court in Toronto and has been the only Chair of the Toronto Local Mediation Committee for the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Programme.
He has lectured at numerous conferences internationally. He has also lectured on ADR topics at Pepperdine Caruso Law School and The University of Texas Law School. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School and has sat as a Judge at the ICC Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris France.
Jon is a Past President of the International Academy of Mediators, arguable the pre-eminent practicing mediator association in the world. He is also a member of the Presidents Circle of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario.
In 2016, Jon was the Ontario Bar Association recipient of the Award of Excellence for Alternative Dispute Resolution.
To book a mediation with Jon and view his online calendar, please contact Lisa Irwin.
Email: lirwin@malach-fidler.com | Phone: 905-889-1667 Ext. 251
Rob Sugar
“The best resolutions are achieved not through compromise alone, but through understanding, preparation, and perspective. Experience brings perspective. Perspective builds trust. Trust creates resolution.”
After more than four decades as a civil trial lawyer, Rob Sugar now focuses on helping parties resolve complex disputes through thoughtful, informed, and practical mediation. His years in conducting examinations for discovery, participating in mediations and attending trials have given him the experience, insight, and judgment to help parties and counsel realistically assess risk, identify common ground, and work toward meaningful and lasting resolutions.
Called to the Ontario Bar in 1981 after earning his LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. Rob has lectured at numerous continuing legal education programs, and to clients in the insurance industry. He was an instructor at the Trial Advocacy Program at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Rob has devoted his career to civil litigation. His litigation experience includes the following areas:
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Personal injury litigation
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Auto accident litigation
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Property litigation
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Commercial litigation
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Product liability claims
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Professional liability, including insurance errors and omissions claims
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Insurance coverage issues
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Historical sexual assault claims
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Commercial and social host liability claims
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Subrogated claims on behalf of insurers
Over the course of his career, Rob has appeared before every level of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, representing insurers, corporations, professionals and individuals in significant legal disputes. These experiences have provided him with a practical understanding of litigation strategy, risk assessment, and the realities faced by both clients and counsel. He has represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants, which has given him the advantage of understanding both perspectives.
Today, Rob brings that experience to mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Having spent decades preparing cases, evaluating evidence, and advocating on behalf of clients, he understands both the legal issues and the personal challenges that often accompany conflict. His objective is to help parties resolve disputes efficiently, fairly, and with confidence in the process.
Colleagues and clients know Rob for his careful preparation, respectful approach, and ability to listen. He believes that successful mediation begins with understanding the interests and concerns of everyone at the table. By encouraging open dialogue and thoughtful problem-solving, he helps parties explore practical solutions that may not be available through the litigation process. His goal is to provide a balanced and professional process in which all participants feel heard and every opportunity for resolution is explored.
Rob is committed to providing a mediation process that is efficient, respectful, and focused on helping parties move forward.
