Jenelle Westworth
Litigation Counsel
Profile
Jenelle is an experienced civil litigator. She maintains a broad insurance defence practice with particular expertise in municipal liability and public sector defence work. Over the course of the last decade, she has honed her skills handling complex causation and liability issues in the context of roadway maintenance and design, regulatory negligence, occupiers’ liability, sports/recreational facility liability, and by-law/regulatory enforcement. She has appeared at all levels of Court in Ontario, including the Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal.
Jenelle is known for finding creative and practical solutions to complex matters. She places a high degree of importance on her relationships with both her private and public sector clients and takes the time to learn and understand their needs. These clients rely on Jenelle for her ability to develop robust litigation strategies that are tailored to the unique case at hand.
Outside of the firm, Jenelle is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars sponsored by lawyers’ associations, and risk and insurance administrators’ organizations. When she is not navigating the world of insurance defence and municipal liability law, Jenelle is expertly negotiating snack-time treaties and bedtime extensions with her two tiny but formidable bosses.
Education
J.D., University of Toronto, 2016
B.A., (Magna cum laude) University of California, 2011
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Called to the Ontario Bar in 2017
Publications
“Two Years Post-Moore: Where Are We Now?” – Municipal Liability Risk Management Journal, August 2023
“The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown: How an Encampment in the Region of Waterloo Led to a Precedent-Setting Decision on the Unfortunate, Complex, and Nationwide Social Issue of Homelessness in Ontario” – Municipal Liability Risk Management Journal, April 2023
“Core Policy Decision: The Latest Word from the Supreme Court of Canada and its Impact on the Statutory Duties and Defences Available to Municipalities in Ontario and Beyond” – Municipal Liability Risk Management Journal, January 2022
“Defunding the Police: Bastion of Change or Bearer of Chaos?” – Municipal Liability Risk Management Journal, November 2021
Representative Cases
Reid v. Town of Bracebridge and Tatham, 2025 ONSC 2535
Temagami (Municipality) v. Temagami Barge Limited, 2025 ONCA 315
Temagami (Municipality) v. Temagami Barge Limited, 2024 ONCA 859
Francis v. City of Kawartha Lakes Building Department, 2023 ONSC 1283