Sandra Johnston

Sandra is an associate lawyer practising commercial litigation within the Advocacy Group of Gowling WLG’s Waterloo office.

Sandra’s practice includes a broad range of commercial matters, including real estate litigation, property law disputes, collections, leasing disputes, injunctions, contractual disputes, shareholder disputes and construction lien matters. She serves a broad range of clients, including small and large businesses and individuals, across a variety of subject matters.

Sandra has a practical approach to litigation, recognizing that alternative forms of dispute resolution may be the most efficient use of a client’s time and resources, while still achieving the desired outcome. However, when necessary, Sandra is a passionate advocate of her clients’ rights, having successfully represented clients at a variety of levels of court.

Prior to joining Gowling WLG, Sandra practised at a boutique law firm in downtown Toronto in the areas of corporate restructuring and commercial litigation, including assisting with matters before the Supreme Court of Canada. She then returned to the Waterloo Region where she practised with two local firms in the areas of tort, accident benefits, disability denial and commercial litigation. Sandra leverages the diverse and extensive experience she has gained professionally to provide a comprehensive and high level of service to her clients.

Outside of the office, Sandra is proud to volunteer her time to Nutrition for Learning, a charity focused on promoting better educational outcomes by securing adequate nutrition for all students. Sandra has been part of Nutrition for Learning’s board of directors since 2019.

Career & Recognition

Filter timeline:
  • 2019

    • Community
       2019
      Nutrition for Learning - Board of Directors
  • 2012

    • Qualifications (Year of Call/Admission, etc.)
       2012
      Year of Call, Ontario
  • 2011

    • Education
       2011
      University of Western Ontario, JD
  • 2008

    • Education
       2008
      University of Waterloo, B.A. (Hons.)

Memberships

Waterloo Law Association

Representative Work

  • Acted for a local business tenant in an application under the Commercial Tenancies Act, including obtaining a determination that the matter should be heard urgently under the Notice to the Profession dated March 15, 2020, in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully argued for an interlocutory injunction that granted the tenant the right to immediately re-enter the leased premises
  • Acted for a local not-for-profit in a motion for directions under rule 60.17 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, including successfully obtaining an order for immediate eviction of a tenant notwithstanding the moratorium on evictions ordered by the Honourable Chief Justice Morawetz during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic