Geoffrey Larmer Trial Lawyer

05/25/2026

The law finally has a name for it...

A landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada.

On May 15, 2026, the court released Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia (2026 SCC 16) — recognizing, for the first time in Canadian civil law, a new tort of intimate partner violence.

This matters because existing torts — assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress — were never built to capture what coercive control actually is. The isolation from family. The financial grip. The surveillance. The manipulation that slowly strips a person of their ability to make choices about their own life.

The Supreme Court held that the pattern is the harm.

Three elements must be established: the abusive conduct arose in an intimate partnership; it was intentional; and it constitutes coercive control, assessed on an objective basis. Critically, no proof of a separate visible injury is required. The deprivation of dignity, autonomy, and equality within the relationship is itself the compensable harm the law now recognizes.

For survivors who were controlled, not just struck — the law has finally found the language.

This post is general information, not legal advice. If you have questions about this decision and its potential application to a specific situation, speak with a lawyer.

larmerjackson.com · 705-478-8200

04/23/2026

Nobody schedules a tragedy.

It strikes without warning.

The unexpected phone call.
The late night knock at the door.
The loss you weren't prepared for.

How you choose to respond is what we do.

larmerjackson.com | 705-478-8200

04/11/2026

There is a belief that circulates through Northern Ontario like a bad rumour: if your case is serious, you need to go south — to the big law firm from southern Ontario, the one with the flashy website boasting about the millions they won for their clients.

I understand why. The advertising is polished. The numbers are large. The websites are impressive.

Here is what those websites don't tell you.

Those dollar figures represent thousands of clients, handled by dozens of lawyers, over many years. The name on the building is not necessarily the name on your file.

The fastest way to get your client a million dollar settlement is to mishandle a three million dollar case.

I have been a trial lawyer for more than thirty years. My law office is in North Bay and I have spent those thirty years representing my clients, with their serious cases, all throughout northern Ontario.

I know this region. I know these roads, these hospitals, and the supporting professionals who operate here. And I know where to find the Courthouse — not from Google Maps, but from a short walk out my front door.

Geography is not expertise. A long drive south is not due diligence.

If your situation is serious, it deserves a lawyer who already knows who you are.

General information only — not legal advice. Every case is different.

📞 705-478-8200 | larmerjackson.com

04/11/2026

Somewhere in Toronto, your file is third from the top of a very large pile.

Nobody there knows your name. Nobody went to school with your kids. Nobody has driven Highway 11 in January or eaten a Burger World breakfast on a Tuesday morning.

North Bay has accountants, architects, financial advisors, lawyers, and every other professional service you'll ever need — and when you walk through the door, you're a person, not a file number.

There's something to be said for looking your professional in the eye. For them knowing your favourite hockey team. For being able to call and actually get a call back.

Keep your community strong. Spend it here.

03/17/2025

May your home be filled with laughter, May your pockets be filled with gold, And may you have all the happiness, Your WE heart can hold.

03/17/2025

On this St. Patrick’s Day I remember the wonderful and generous Irish people we met 10 months ago during our travels through Ireland and Northern Ireland. A few personal celebratory pictures from our visit. 🍀

03/15/2025

⚖️ Beware the Ides of March - And Bad Legal Advice.
-Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2 - William Shakespeare

On March 15, 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was betrayed and assassinated by his closest allies. His downfall wasn’t just a political event—it was a legal turning point that reshaped Rome’s justice system and power structures.
What can we learn from history while we enjoy our Cesar’s?

🔪Legal Warnings Matter – Caesar was warned but ignored the signs. In law, ignoring sound legal advice can lead to disaster.

🍅 Betrayal Has Consequences – The conspirators claimed they were acting for the good of Rome, but their actions sparked civil war. In modern law, breaches of trust—whether in contracts, business, or personal matters—often lead to serious legal battles.

🍹 Justice Always Catches Up – Many of Caesar’s assassins met grim fates. In today’s legal system, justice may take time, but the law is designed to hold wrongdoers accountable.
Julius Caesar may be a dramatic piece, but its lessons still apply today.
Cheers to you!

03/12/2025

Got these new kicks for high level meetings with the best clients in Northern Ontario.

03/12/2025

The Diversity and Inclusivity Battalion Game Sunday was a blast!
Here are a few pics and videos from the event. The Limited Edition Battalion DEI warm up sweaters that we sponsored are up for auction until the 17th, and you can get yours here: https://web.dashapp.io/team/northbaybattalion/item/67c33e55b612120007714e5e
All proceeds go toward OUTLoud’s volunteer-based nonprofit community hub and the programs they offer.
Have an amazing week!

03/08/2025

The Jersey’s are in for the Diversity and Inclusivity Battalion Game tomorrow!
These Limited Edition Battalion DEI warm up sweaters will be worn during the warm ups tomorrow when the Troops take on the Ottawa 67's for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Day.
The auction will be open until the 17th, and you can get yours here: https://web.dashapp.io/team/northbaybattalion/item/67c33e55b612120007714e5e
All proceeds go toward OUTLoud’s volunteer-based nonprofit community hub and the programs they offer.