Welcome to Neeson Arbitration Chambers

A message from Kim Neeson

Over the course of providing court reporting and related services the last 29 years, I’ve met and worked with many of the best litigators, judges and arbitrators in Toronto.  Through working with this group, I’ve learned to identify what their needs are – not only from a court reporting standpoint, but from a business perspective too.  I’ve guided Neeson & Associates over the last 14 years to become Toronto’s go-to firm for court reporting when timing, accuracy, technology and professionalism are a must.

When I made the decision to acquire larger space back in the fall of 2009, I saw an opportunity to not only grow the court reporting side of the business but to enter into the boardroom rental business for arbitrations and mediations.  It seemed to be a natural fit.  While on that track I realized that many of the litigators and judges I had worked with were now entering a new phase of their career – from being a judge or lawyer to an arbitrator/mediator.  However, it seemed apparent to me that there was a gap in the marketplace as to where and how this might take place.  For instance,  there are mediation/arbitration business models which offer their members a complete package, but in return receive a large percentage of an arbitrator’s earnings; an executive centre, while perhaps cost effective, could be isolating and lonely – the tenant next door could be selling widgets; an arbitrator might consider staying on at their law firm, but that has potential downside in terms of the arbitrator being seen as independent and not connected to that firm; and lastly, signing a long-term lease and obtaining space, as an individual or as a group,  obligates those who are unsure of their long-term commitment to the new endeavour.

Hence the concept of Neeson Arbitration Chambers was developed.  My goal is to provide a synergistic working environment where sole practitioners can focus on their task at hand and not worry about office logistics.  As well, gathering together a group of people whose business philosophy is shared will allow for many opportunities that might not otherwise be available, such as:

• Visibility, by being a part of a community where legal business is conducted every day – by being in the contiguous space of a court reporting agency, where commercial litigation is our primary focus, members have the opportunity to interact with other litigators and promote their own business
• Collegiality of like-minded professionals – you can walk down the hall and talk about that difficult case with a member, or  share knowledge with your contemporaries
• Potential sharing of business opportunities where a conflict may arise or a scheduling difficulty may prevent you from taking on a particular case
• In-house space to host meetings, mediations and arbitrations – use your time efficiently by having your office close by, so that down time can be limited, thereby having the potential to increase earnings and capitalize on your time
• Services to suit your needs – from a stand-alone member to one who needs full office support, we can accommodate your requirements.

Members of the Neeson Arbitration Chambers enjoy the following:

• A moderate license fee for use of independent office space
• Licensing terms that run for two-year periods
• Use of fax, scanning, binding and photocopying equipment
• Use of the common space of Neeson, as well as a stocked servery and catering area
• Reception for clients/courier pickup and delivery, telephone answering and messages taken
• Inclusion in the Neeson Arbitration Chambers website – your biography, services listing, location, etc.
• A la carte administration support can be provided by Neeson or arrange for your own support services
• Chambers staff will organize a marketing event once per year for the members – cost of event to be shared
• Wireless internet access
• Onsite videoconference facilities

Given the expanding prevalence of eDisovery and eTrials, Neeson’s new extra large boardroom will incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and videoconferencing so that you may host an arbitration or mediation with all the bells and whistles these types of matters sometimes require.

Neeson & Associates Court Reporting and Captioning operates on-site at the premises.  You will therefore be able to book boardrooms to accommodate your arbitrations and mediations according to our published rates.  As well, we have qualified court reporters who can provide court reporting services as required for your arbitrations as well as examinations for discovery prior to hearing.

Lastly, members will have input into who can join Chambers to ensure that the synergy is sustained and enhanced by all those who reside in its four walls.

Please contact Kim Neeson at 416.413.7755 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information about this opportunity.