The Honourable Richard C. Gates, K.C. was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2003, sitting in Windsor and serving the Southwest Region of Ontario through 2015.  While a member of the Court he served as a Director and President of the Ontario Superior Court Judges' Association.

He then established a private practice, Richard Gates Mediation and Arbitration Services Ltd., for the purpose of conducting mediations and arbitrations, based in Windsor, with retainers across Ontario.  In the course of both his legal and judicial careers, spanning five decades, he focused primarily on civil litigation matters.

Richard maintains a dispassionate attitude, and is able to objectively articulate complex situations.  In the course of mediating hundreds of cases he has established a reputation for perseverance, patience and tact.  He is recognized as a fair and thorough mediator with strong negotiation skills, who fosters an atmosphere conducive to achieving positive results.

Litigants can benefit from his range of experience as a trial lawyer, Superior Court judge, and mediator, in guiding the dispute resolution process.  Aside from his understanding of legal issues, he recognizes that some cases will inevitably result in a trial.

In every instance he respects the individual interests of the parties, as well as the specific issues involved in each dispute.  As a seasoned mediator, he encourages discussion between the parties with a common goal of achieving resolution.

A good settlement is better than a good lawsuit (Abraham Lincoln)

• Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society's Gold Standard Course in Commercial Arbitration - 2022
• National Judicial Institute - completed Dispute Settlement Clincs I & II - 2010 & 2013
• Certified as Mediator by the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program 1999
• Collaborative Decision Resources (CDR), Boulder Colorado - completed advanced Mediation Course 1998
• Queen’s Counsel – Appointed 1980
• LLB – Queen’s University Law School 1966
• BA   - Carleton University, Ottawa 1963

• Richard Gates Mediation & Arbitration Services Ltd. (private practice)  (2016 - to date)
• Appointed a Judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, (2003-2015)
• 35 years of civil litigation law practice (1968 - 2003)
• President – Ontario Superior Court Judges’ Association (2011-2013)
• Director - County & District Law Presidents’ Association (1989-2001)
• Founding Chair, St. Clair College Foundation (1999-2002)
• President - County & District Law Presidents’ Association (1996-1998)
• Director - House of Sophrosyne, womens' treatment facility for substance abuse (1988-91)
• Director and President - Essex Law Association (1983-1989)
• Board of Governors (Chair & Vice-Chair), St. Clair College, Windsor (1976-83)
• President, Children’s Aid Society, County of Essex (1977- 79)
• Director, Children’s Aid Society, County of Essex (1969 – 79)

Professional Memberships:

• Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society (2022 - to date)
• Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (2020) and Affiliate Member - National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (U.S.)
• Essex Law Association (1968 - to date)
• The Advocates' Society (1972 - to date)

available upon request

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