Michael Bookman, Appellate Attorney in the United States
Over 15 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Litigation
Practicing appellate since 2011.
- 15+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael Bookman is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Michael has over 15 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- over 15 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Litigation matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Over 15 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).
About Michael Bookman: Michael Bookman is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Michael has over 15 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Bookman
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Litigation
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Appellate cases nationwide
Michael takes appellate matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases nationwide
Michael takes business matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases nationwide
Michael takes litigation matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Bookman — Over 15 years of the U.S. appellate experience
Michael Bookman is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Michael has over 15 years of legal experience.
Michael Bookman joined Babin Bessner Spry LLP as an associate in 2018 and became a partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mike practiced at a global full service firm, where he acted for clients in a wide range of litigation matters involving commercial and shareholder disputes, securities, tort, and class action proceedings.
Mike has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
From 2012-2013, Mike served as a law clerk to Justice Andromache Karakatsanis at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Mike obtained his L.L.B./B.C.L. from the Faculty of Law at McGill University, where he served as an editor of the McGill Law Journal and was a research assistant to Professor David Lametti.
Prior to law school, Mike was a consultant for a global political risk advisory firm in London, UK and served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy.
He obtained his B.A. (cum laude in field) from Harvard University. He also holds an M.A. from the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics.
Mike serves as Secretary to the Board and Board Member at PEN Canada, a nonpartisan organization of writers that works to defend freedom of expression, at home and abroad.
He also serves as Co-Chair of the Spring For Peace fundraising gala for Peacebuilders, a non-for-profit dedicated to supporting youth in conflict. He is the Chair of the Order of St. Michael selection committee at St. Michael’s College School.
Mike is recognized as a leading commercial litigator in the publication Best Lawyers in Canada, and has been recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada.
Working with Michael on a appellate matter
Michael Bookman joined Babin Bessner Spry LLP as an associate in 2018 and became a partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mike practiced at a global full service firm, where he acted for clients in a wide range of litigation matters involving commercial and shareholder disputes, securities, tort, and class action proceedings. Mike has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice,…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and litigation matters in the United States.
Credentials
Michael Bookman's legal education and bar admissions
McGill University
J.D. · 2010
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ontario, Law Society
2011 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in McGill University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in McGill University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Bookman
Michael has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate and Commercial Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate and Commercial Litigation (2026).
Locations
Michael Bookman's office in Toronto
Michael's primary office is at 185 Frederick St., Suite 101, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Bookman
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Bookman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Bookman
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in this state typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside the area?
Michael evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Michael's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.