Canada > International expertise > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP commitment to its global offering is evidenced by a solid international network with platforms in New York, London and Beijing. The firm also houses several multi-disciplinary regional practices within Canada, including the Australia team, which frequently advises on inbound and outbound investments in the energy and mining sectors. Among the key names abroad, New York managing partner Geoffrey Belsher is noted for his prolific corporate and M&A practice, which stands out in mining and private equity deals. In London, David Glennie is sought out for natural resources transactions, while Robert Kwauk is a name to note in Beijing.

Global mining giant Fasken benefits from strong footholds in some of the world’s key mining hubs, namely London, Johannesburg and Beijing. It also utilizes its well-staffed UK office as a launch pad into Africa as well as Europe. London managing partner Al Gourley stands out for his expertise in cross-border mining-sector transactions involving Europe, Africa, Australia and Canada.

McCarthy Tétrault has had a presence in London since 1987 and its UK office has built up a distinguished record of involvement in M&A and capital markets transactions, particularly in the mining space. London managing partner Robert Brant, who is dual qualified in Ontario, and England and Wales, is recognized as a leader in cross-border M&A. Global mining co-head Shea Small, who splits his time between London and Toronto, is recommended for his focus on mining deals, while Christopher Langdon, also based between London and Toronto, is noted for his projects expertise. The firm also has a capable New York office.

Bennett Jones LLP’s strategic focus on oil and gas drives a significant volume of cross-border work and the firm is well-placed to support that international focus with offices in New York and Beijing. Former Canadian Competition Commissioner Melanie Aitken is a key member of the US team and is highly regarded for her track record in cross-border antitrust matters. In 2019, Doha-based arbitration specialist George Vlavianos left to join Simmons & Simmons Middle East.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP combines its premier Canada-based corporate and tax practice with a robust New York platform to specialize in advising on the Canadian and US aspects of complex, cross-border transactions. New York-based Jeffrey Nadler, who is qualified in Ontario, New York and Israel, is noted for his broad corporate finance expertise, which spans M&A, private equity and securities law.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s broad international focus is supported by a robust New York office, which houses 19 lawyers specializing in corporate law, capital markets, financial services and tax matters. New York-based Rob Lando, who is qualified in Ontario and New York, is recommended for cross-border corporate and securities work.

Torys LLP is a top choice for outbound transactions, acting for an enviable institutional client base including active pension funds and multinational Canadian companies. In addition, the team is routinely engaged by foreign clients to advise on inbound M&A and corporate transactions. The firm’s international work is supported by a diverse New York platform, which provides strong skill sets in corporate, regulatory and contentious matters. Tara Mackay, who splits her time between New York and Toronto, is recognized for her top-notch projects expertise.

McMillan LLP utilizes its Hong Kong office to specialize in advising Chinese, South Korean and Japanese clients on cross-border matters. Hong Kong chair Stephen Wortley, who splits his time between Hong Kong and Vancouver, is noted for his extensive expertise in capital markets and M&A transactions, particularly in the mining space.