Michael Milne is a Partner and a Certified Customs Specialist in Cassidy Levy Kent’s Ottawa office and a recognized leader in navigating today’s most complex trade challenges.
Michael advises clients on all trade law issues most notably including Canadian sanctions, forced labour, global trade policy. His expertise also extends to antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, where he represents a diverse range of industries—from steel and building products to capital, food, and consumer goods.
Known for his sharp legal acumen and practical approach, clients consistently praise him for his responsiveness, pragmatism, and strong commercial knowledge. Described as “the glue” that holds projects together, Michael is committed to providing practical, results-driven solutions, always keeping client service and efficiency top of mind.
With a track record of successful representation before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Canadian Federal Courts, U.S. International Trade Commission, Canada Border Services Agency, and U.S. Department of Commerce, Michael’s influence spans both sides of the border, making him a go-to expert for clients seeking practical solutions in the complex world of international trade.
Honors
- 2025 – Chambers Canada, International Trade/WTO
- 2025 – Legal 500 Canada, International Trade – “Leading Lawyer”
- 2025 – Recognized by BestLawyers in International Trade and Finance Law
- 2024 – Canadian Lexpert Directory, “Repeatedly Recommended” in International Trade Regulation
- 2024 – Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal), recommended as a Leader in Trade and Customs
- 2022 – 2024 – Lexology Client Choice Award – Exclusive Winner in Canada for “Trade and Customs”
Representative Matters
- Successfully represented Ivaco Rolling Mills in its 2024 antidumping complaint against wire rod from China, Egypt, and Vietnam before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
- Successfully represented Barilla Canada Inc. in 2023/2014 expiry review of antidumping duty protection against dry wheat pasta from Türkiye before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
- Representation of a North American textile company in a “bet-the-company” appeal against a CBSA country of origin determination.
- Representation of a Canadian manufacturer of a high-tech product in an appeal against a CBSA sanctions-related seizure.
- Designed customs compliance programs for multinational corporations seeking to set up a Canadian importing presence.
- Advised Canadian insurance, mining, energy, software, beauty, fashion, and computer technology companies engaged in various commercial transactions globally with respect to:
- Canadian forced labour laws, including advice with respect to due diligence and reporting obligations;
- Canadian economic sanctions and export controls;
- Canadian business transactions on trade-related due diligence and representations and warranties; and
- Trade policy, identifying opportunities and risks arising from geopolitical developments.
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
Recent Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, The Wilson Centre, Canada Institute, “Canadian Economic Sanctions: Trends and Interaction with the United States” (Nov 2023)
- Speaker, Royal Canadian Military Institute, “The Long Arm of the Law: Navigating U.S. and Canadian Sanctions and Export Controls for Canadian Businesses” (May 2023)
- Speaker, The Canadian Institute, 12th Annual U.S. Export and Reexport Compliance for Canadian Operations Conference, “Third Party and Supply Chain Due Diligence and Screening Action Plan” (Jan 2023)
- Speaker, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Seventh Trade Law Fall Update on “EVs and the Transformation of North American Auto Trade” (Nov 2022)
- Speaker, Ontario Bar Association, “Advocacy and International Trade: Best Practices for Virtual Dispute Resolution” (June 2021)
Education
- J.D., University of Toronto Faculty of Law
- A.B., cum laude, Dartmouth College; Story Prize for best philosophy thesis written in the graduating year; nominated for Rintels Prize for best undergraduate thesis written in the graduating year; high honors earned in the major (philosophy)
Bar Memberships
- Ontario