Zohaib Maladwala combines a strong work ethic, strategic thinking, and practical judgment to secure optimal outcomes for his clients. With significant experience in class action defence, product liability and complex commercial litigation, Zohaib works closely with clients across a range of industries including life sciences/pharmaceuticals, automotive, mining, technology, industrial and consumer products, and professional/financial services. He is Vice-Chair of Fasken’s Ontario Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group.
Zohaib has played an instrumental role in the successful defence of multiple precedent-setting class actions across Canada. This includes the successful dismissal at certification of proposed class actions against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Ontario and Saskatchewan alleging the use of defeat devices; the successful dismissal at certification of proposed class actions in Ontario and British Columbia against a global pharmaceutical company alleging negligent design, manufacture, and failure to warn in connection with the Valsartan and Ranitidine (Zantac) drugs; and successfully staying a franchise class action in Ontario pre-certification.
Zohaib’s product liability acumen extends to providing advice to clients on matters relating to product recalls, regulatory requirements, and consumer protection. Zohaib also frequently represents clients in complex commercial disputes including breach of contract cases, shareholder disputes and contentious estate matters, where he has represented both trustees and beneficiaries.
In addition to his practice, Zohaib is heavily involved in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives at the firm, and sits on Fasken’s National Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is also a founding member of the Empower Network, an affinity group for racialized legal professionals at Fasken.
Zohaib is recognized by numerous legal publications including the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Product Liability (consistently recommended) and Class Actions (repeatedly recommended), Best Lawyers for Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Law, LMG Life Sciences (2023 Rising Star), and the Benchmark Litigation Guide (2019-2023 Future Star, 40 & Under Hot List). In 2021, Zohaib was recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers under 40 and awarded a Lexpert Rising Star.
