Michael Rubin Wilchesky

Michael Wilchesky is a partner at Rochon Genova and Practice Group Leader for the firm’s Civil Sexual Assault/Abuse group. His practice focuses on civil sexual and institutional abuse and misconduct claims and Indigenous rights matters. He is committed to giving a voice to individuals who have been disadvantaged by discrimination, abuse, or other circumstances beyond their control, and to advocating tirelessly to achieve meaningful results for each client.

Michael’s civil sexual assault practice is focused on obtaining meaningful compensation for survivors of sexual abuse and sexualized misconduct, often in complex institutional cases. An informational video describing Michael’s civil sexual assault practice can be found here .

Michael has acted for survivors in hundreds of civil sexual abuse and sexual assault matters and is closely familiar with the complex and evolving issues in this area of practice. He works collaboratively with clients to determine the approach that best fits their goals and circumstances.

In addition to representing survivors in civil proceedings, Michael has also represented clients in Criminal Injuries Compensation Board applications and survivors of abuse perpetrated at Indian Residential Schools through the Independent Assessment Process. His recent work includes securing an important summary judgment decision for survivors of sexual abuse in W.C. v. R.S., 2023 ONSC 4287 . He has also supported survivors by creating public educational resources, including a blog and informational session about civil sexual assault and abuse claims.

Before joining Rochon Genova, Michael practised at an international law firm in New York in the areas of corporate finance, securities, and commercial law, and later at a boutique Toronto firm in construction law, employment law, and commercial litigation. He has also applied that broader commercial background to the firm’s securities litigation matters, bringing a distinctive perspective to complex cases. Michael holds an LL.B. with Honours from Osgoode Hall Law School and a B.A. with Honours in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. He was called to the New York bar in 2009 and the Ontario bar in 2010.