Our Lawyers
Collectively, our lawyers bring over seven decades of experience in personal injury law. As respected community leaders and dedicated professionals, they are widely regarded for their deep expertise and unwavering commitment to advocating for those who have been injured.
Robert W. Becker
Robert has been practicing personal injury, estate litigation, and insurance law since 1984, bringing more than four decades of legal experience to every client he serves. Throughout his career, he has appeared as lead counsel at trials before all levels of court in Ontario—both jury and non-jury—and has argued appeals before the Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal. He has also represented clients at numerous administrative tribunals, including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal, the Pension Appeal Board, and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal. His work extends to mediations, settlement conferences, and arbitrations.
In addition to personal injury and insurance matters, Robert has built a strong practice in estate litigation, representing clients in disputes over wills, powers of attorney, estate administration, and capacity issues. He holds a Certificate in Estate Litigation from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University Professional Development. He is known for his thoughtful, strategic approach to resolving emotionally and legally complex estate matters, and he is deeply committed to advocating for fair outcomes in difficult family situations. He has also acted extensively in breach of contract actions, mostly from real estate purchases and sale.
Earlier in his career, Robert balanced representing injured individuals with defending some of Ontario’s largest insurers and institutional defendants. His experience in both roles has given him valuable insight into how insurers and opposing counsel approach claims, which he uses to his clients' advantage—whether the matter involves personal injury, insurance, or estate disputes. His broader litigation experience includes professional negligence, property damage, and municipal liability claims.
Originally from Grey County, Ontario, Robert earned his Honours B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Western Ontario in 1979. He went on to obtain his law degree from the University of Toronto in 1982, graduating with distinction by earning the Laskin Prize for the highest standing in Constitutional Law. After articling with one of Ontario’s top personal injury firms, Robert was called to the Bar in 1984 and joined Gowland, Boriss later that year—where he has practiced ever since.
Robert is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, the Peterborough County Law Association, and the American Association for Justice. A history enthusiast, he enjoys exploring historical sites across North America and Europe in his spare time.
David A. Beckett
David was born and raised in Dundas, Ontario, where he grew up inspired by his father—a respected lawyer in nearby Hamilton. Following in his father’s footsteps, David pursued his education at McMaster University, earning an Honours B.A. in 1987, followed by a Master’s Degree in Political Science in 1988, supported by a scholarship. He later completed his law degree at the University of Windsor in 1994.
David articled at one of Canada’s largest law firms in Toronto, gaining invaluable experience before joining Gowland, Boriss Injury Lawyers in 1995. He was called to the Bar in 1996 and has since dedicated his career exclusively to serious personal injury and long-term disability insurance litigation. Over the years, David has become a strong advocate for clients dealing with life-altering injuries, known for his meticulous approach and deep commitment to achieving fair outcomes for his clients.
He has appeared as lead counsel in trials before the Ontario Superior Court and has represented clients at various administrative tribunals, including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal, and the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal. David also brings extensive experience in mediation, motions, and applications, consistently working to resolve disputes in ways that prioritize his clients’ needs and recoveries.
David is an active member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Peterborough County Law Association. He has also been involved in public service, including work with the Ontario Trillium Foundation as a Grant Review Team member. In earlier years, David was deeply engaged in both federal and provincial politics.
Outside of his legal work, David is known for his thoughtful, principled approach and his strong connection to the communities he serves.