Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Montreal, Canada > Firm Profile

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Canada > Banking and finance

A destination practice for banking and finance, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its premier firepower in both the regulatory and transactional spheres. In terms of the former, Paul Belanger is widely acknowledged as a market leader; he recently paired up with Vladimir Shatiryan to advise Royal Bank of Canada on the regulatory aspects of its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada — the deal, which was also co-led by specialists in the corporate and dispute resolution practices, additionally highlights the team’s enviable ability to link up with practices from across the full-service firm to resource large-scale matters. Other key names on the regulatory front include Jacqueline Shinfield, Bonny Murray and newly promoted partner Mena Bellofiore. Michael Matheson is a go-to name for corporate and commercial finance transactions; he advised Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia (as co-lead arrangers and underwriters) on C$1bn in senior secured revolving credit facilities and back-stop facilities to support GIC and Dream Industrial REIT’s acquisition of Summit Industrial Income REIT. Other recommended transactional specialists include Simon Finch, who focuses on private debt transactions; and Calgary-based partners Michael McIntosh KC and Nick Tropak. Michael Harquail recently retired. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated. Partner Mary Jeanne Phelan joined the firm's Montreal office from McCarthy Tétrault in October 2023.

Canada > Capital markets Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s premier finance and corporate practices marks the firm as a first port of call for both debt and equity capital markets. Additionally, its full-service national offering ensures that it is a popular choice for large-scale, event-driven transactions. In a recent example, Michael Hickey advised OpenText Corporation on a $1bn notes offering used to support its acquisition of Micro Focus International. Among its equity highlights, Calgary partners Ross Bentley and Jeff Bakker advised TC Energy Corporation on its C$1.8bn bought deal offering of common shares. The deep bench also includes go-to capital markets expert Tim Andison; London managing partner Jeffrey Lloyd, who splits his time between the UK and Toronto; Chris Hewat, who specializes in M&A, capital markets and private equity; corporate finance partner Eric Moncik; national practice head Catherine Youdan; and Montreal-based Pascal de Guise. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

The practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is well-equipped to handle advisory and contentious competition law matters, and is routinely retained by domestic and international companies seeking assistance with merger reviews, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance cases and competition law class actions. Toronto-based practice co-heads Navin Joneja and Julie Soloway demonstrate across-the-board experience in competition matters; Joneja previously chaired the Canadian Bar Association’s national competition law section, while Soloway has held a leadership position in the American Bar Association’s antitrust section for over a decade. Additional key partner-level figures include Brian Facey, Randall Hofley, Robert Kwinter, Kevin MacDonald and Cassandra Brown for their expertise in mergers, litigation and foreign investment matters. The group was strengthened with the arrival of partner Jonathan Bitran, previously at McCarthy Tétrault, in August 2023.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

The powerhouse practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP continues to lead in the marketplace, utilizing the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa and abroad in London and New York, to advise major domestic and multinational corporates and financial institutions involved in high-value public and private M&A. The group is led by two M&A experts: David Kruse, who also provides expertise in assisting with shareholder, joint venture, partnership and commercial agreements, and Catherine Youdan, a specialist in equity and debt capital market transactions. Ross Bentley in Calgary brings experience to the aviation, energy and agribusiness sectors, advising on domestic and international mergers, takeover bids and plans of arrangement. Michael Gans draws on over 25 years of practice, managing complex M&A, related party transactions and internal investigations. Jeffrey Lloyd brings authority to major negotiated and unsolicited transactions involving clients in such industries as real estate, media, telecoms and financial services. Acting for wide client base of public and private companies, boards of directors, special committees and underwriters, Linda Tu specializes in the retail, tech, renewables, agriculture and cannabis spaces. All lawyers, unless noted, work in the Toronto office.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a sizeable practice in Alberta which regularly represents clients before tribunals and government agencies relating to oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Arbitration, as well as corporate and employment litigation, constitute additional strengths. The practice of Renee Reichelt, who co-heads the 40-strong team, spans corporate and commercial litigation, class actions and shareholder disputes. Leading alongside her, Michael Dixon represents a range of Canadian and multinational corporate clients in contentious matters. Securities, environmental, insurance and property matters make up the core of partner David Tupper‘s practice. Brendan MacArthur-Stevens was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s British Columbia practice is known for its expertise in complex commercial litigation, bet-the-company litigation and securities litigation, as well as class actions and arbitration. The practice is co-led by Sean Boyle, who is known above all for his defence of individuals and corporations in securities regulatory hearings, corporate disputes and class actions. Alongside him, Joseph McArthur KC, who was appointed Kings Counsel in May 2023, has capabilities in domestic and international arbitration and cross-border litigation. Additional key partners include Roy Millen, who specializes in matters involving public and administrative law; cross-border disputes specialist Alexandra Luchenko; Peter Rubin, who brings experience to contractual disputes, tax appeals, tort claim and securities litigation; and Laura Cundari, who is active on food, agribusiness, energy, mining, construction and cannabis disputes.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s Ontario group is recognized for its expertise in commercial litigation, securities litigation, IP litigation, class action and product liability matters, as well as arbitration. The team is frequently retained by clients in the automotive, energy, transportation and aerospace segments. The group is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; Beagan Flood has focused her practice on commercial disputes, including appeals and class actions on privacy, antitrust, product liability, insurance and consumer protection issues. Fischer, for her part, has particular expertise in the media and defamation space. Additional key litigation-focused partners include Michael Barrack, Jeff Galway and Gordon McKee. Bradley Berg is another name to note.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1

A popular choice for both major M&A and development projects, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s oil and gas group enjoys strong relationships with leading domestic and multinational oil and gas companies. Based in Calgary, the full-service group can additionally draw on teams from across its national network as required. Next-generation partner Christine Milliken co-heads the department; she recently paired up with Calgary office head  Ben Rogers to advise PrairieSky Royalty on its C$728m acquisition of 1.9m acres of royalty lands in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from Heritage Royalty. Keith Byblow co-leads the practice and advised Canadian Pacific Railway Company on its C$30m Hydrogen Locomotive Program. Other transactional specialists include Chris Harris and Mungo Hardwicke-Brown. Alongside its commercial expertise, Terri-Lee Oleniuk spearheads a broad energy regulatory practice that includes Lars Olthafer and Katie Slipp. At the associate level, Ashton Menuz provides capable support on energy transactions.

Canada > Environment Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP 's extensive national coverage and ability to draw on resources from across the wider, full-service firm marks it as a popular choice for large-scale or complex matters, from major project approvals through to environmental incidents. The team also handles day-to-day environmental law issues, including advising on environmental assessments, transactional support matters and risk management. Toronto-based Jonathan Kahn spearheads the department and is sought after for his record in major mining projects and high-stakes environmental law disputes. Other senior names include Charles Kazaz, who splits his time between Montreal and Toronto and is noted for his experience in the mining, industrial and waste-management spheres; Tony Crossman, who fronts the Vancouver environmental and natural resources practice; Toronto-based Lana Finney, who handles a mix of advisory and contentious matters; and Calgary-based Terri-Lee Oleniuk. Counsel Anne-Catherine Boucher recently left to join CN Rail.

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a strong Indigenous law group that is routinely instructed by developers and operators of mines, pipelines and energy projects that operate in First Nation territories, as well as First Nations governing bodies and First Nation-owned businesses. Commercial ventures, taxation issues, Aboriginal consultation, project financing and contentious matters are all within the scope of the team’s expertise. The practice is led by a duo of experienced Vancouver-based partners. Leading figure Roy Millen specializes in contentious matters, particularly those relating to the natural resources and energy segments. Alongside him, Sam Adkins is known for advising on Aboriginal negotiations for large-scale LNG projects. Terri-Lee Oleniuk is the key partner-level contact in Calgary, while Vancouver-based associate Rochelle Collette supports the partners on contentious matters.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 1

The infrastructure group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP combines strong experience in acting for both private and public-sector participants on major development projects. Demonstrating comprehensive coverage of all key asset classes, the national team is active across the country on major rail, road, hospital, port and airport projects, among others. Among the senior names in Toronto, Catherine Doyle is noted for her private sector-side expertise, with a strong track record in representing lenders, developers and sponsors. Doyle is acting alongside Mark Johnson, who splits his time between Toronto and Ottawa, to advise the ONConnects consortium on its bid for the DBFOM contract for the Ontario Line – Rolling Stock Systems, Operations and Maintenance Project. Other key contacts in Toronto include procurement specialist Marianne Smith. Department head Jeffrey Merrick and Montreal group lead Alain Massicotte are additionally recommended in Vancouver and Montreal respectively.

Canada > Insurance Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP possesses an impressively well-rounded insurance practice that is well positioned to handle high-level litigation as well as transactional and regulatory matters. A popular choice for major domestic and international insurers and reinsurers, the group is frequently involved in the most headline-grabbing matters to hit the market. Among the names to note, Calgary-based David Tupper is highly regarded for contentious insurance work; he is representing a nuclear power mutual insurance company in a C$50m dispute with its reinsurer. Montreal-based Matthew Liben is also recommended for insurance litigation. On the regulatory side, Toronto-based department co-head Paul Belanger is sought after for his broad financial services expertise. Other key names on the non-contentious front include financial regulation specialist Bonny Murray as well as transactional-focused partners Jake Gilbert and Michael Elder – all operate from Toronto.

Canada > International expertise Tier 1

A regular fixture in major multi-jurisdictional deals involving Canada, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its reputation for transformative corporate transactions involving the energy and natural resources, financial services TMT and life sciences sectors, among others. The group’s thriving cross-border activity is supported by well-staffed platforms in London and New York, while its focus on Canadian law work ensures that it also enjoys close referral relationships with international firms. Names to note in London include Jennifer Maxwell, who is well versed across a range of M&A, private equity and corporate finance matters; and go-to M&A specialist Jeffrey Lloyd, who manages the London office. Following the recent elevation of former New York managing partner Geoffrey Belsher to firm chair, corporate and securities partner Kevin Rusli now anchors the US office.

Canada > Pensions Tier 1

The team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is well-equipped to handle the gamut of pensions matters, and is routinely instructed by Canadian government bodies, as well as corporations in the oil and gas and manufacturing segments. The group advises on jointly sponsored pension plans, pensions and employee benefit schemes, de-risking and plan consolidation and executive compensation issues. Toronto-based partners Kathryn Bush and Jeffrey Sommers lead the department; Bush focuses on advising on the structuring of pension, benefit and executive compensation arrangements and investments, while Sommers advises clients on the taxation, funding, administration and wind-up of pension and group benefit plans. Additional key partners in Toronto include Jeremy Forgie and Adam Ngan, while Natalie Bussière at the Montreal office is noted for her expertise in both employment and pensions work. In Calgary, Sean Maxwell majors on employee benefits matters and deferred compensation plans. In Toronto, Maggie Carmichael is of note at the associate level. Counsel Philipp Knoll joined the team from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in March 2022. Partner Lindsay McLeod left the firm in May 2023.

Canada > Public procurement Tier 1

The group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is instructed by both public and private sector-clients for its expertise in complex procurement processes, which spans from conception to award. It also handles the development and implementation of enterprise-wide procurement policies. At the helm of the Toronto-based practice, Marianne Smith is well-versed in advising clients on the development and preparation of public tenders and procurement processes. Key younger partners include Alyssa Shivji, who regularly assists procuring entities and bidders with the procurement process, and has particular experience relating to projects involving transportation, civil, wastewater and mining infrastructure; and Stephanie Console, who focuses on the development, preparation and ongoing administration of public tenders. Meaghan Parry and Karishma Prasanna are the key names to note at the associate level. Partner Judy Wilson passed away in March 2023.

Canada > Real estate Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP continues to be a dominant player in the practice area, utilizing the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa and abroad in London and New York, to advise a broad client base (which includes Royal Bank of Canada and Sycamore Partners Management) of domestic and international institutional and private entities, developers, banks, pension funds, fund managers, insurance companies, REITs, retail and commercial property owners and occupiers, hotel owners and government agencies, on diverse spectrum of real estate matters. The practice, which is particularly dynamic in the retail and financial services spaces, is led in Toronto by Thomas Von Hahn, who brings expertise to the acquisition and disposition of real property and mortgage portfolios, and John Hutmacher, who draws on extensive experience advising clients on acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, sales and leaseback transactions. Other key figures include Silvana D’Alimonte, who specializes in complex financings involving investors, fund managers and asset managers; Daniel Kofman, who acts as real estate lead on multi-billion-dollar acquisitions in the financial services sector; and Garth Anderson in Calgary, who draws on over 25 years in the real estate arena to counsel life insurance companies, REITs and utility companies. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

The department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP assists both debtors and lenders with restructuring and insolvency matters, and has particular sectoral expertise in mining, real estate, energy, cannabis and retail. Pamela Huff heads up the national group from Toronto and is knowledgeable in all aspects of insolvency. In Vancouver, Peter Rubin co-leads and majors on supporting debtor companies, lending syndicates and secured and unsecured creditors with insolvency mandates. Calgary head Kelly Bourassa leads significant restructuring mandates, both domestic and cross-border, and has particular expertise in the energy segment. In Montreal, Bernard Boucher is charged with managing the practice and has experience appearing before the Superior Court, the Quebec Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Toronto-based partners Linc Rogers and Chris Burr, as well as associate Caitlin McIntyre, are additional key contacts.

Canada > Tax Tier 1

The tax department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP demonstrates strength in M&A tax planning work, cross-border tax controversy and transfer pricing matters. Paul Stepak heads up the national group; domestic and cross-border income tax planning, capital markets transactions and the taxation of mutual funds are amongst his specialities. Mark Tonkovich directs the tax litigation and controversy group and is well-versed in representing clients in proceedings against the Canada Revenue Agency. Transfer pricing lead Jeffrey Shafer assists clients with complex advance pricing arrangements. Zvi Halpern-Shavim has focused his practice on indirect tax matters, while Andrew Spiro majors on tax matters involving REITs and other real estate investment vehicles. Dan Jankovic in Calgary also brings tax litigation expertise. While senior counsel Jeffrey Trossman recently retired, the practice was strengthened with four new arrivals. Advisory tax partner Christopher Sheridan and litigator Sameer Nurmohamed joined the firm in June and July 2022, respectively. They were joined by indirect tax specialist Elena Balkos in October 2022 and Lara Friedlander in January 2023. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.

Canada > Technology Tier 1

With lawyers based in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, the technology group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP supports clients from a range of sectors with M&A and regulatory matters. The group is particularly well-versed advising clients in the financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms, tech and energy segments. Montreal-based practice head Sunny Handa provides transactional and regulatory support to tech, telecoms and defence-sector clients, and has additional knowledge of outsourcing, cloud computing, e-commerce, privacy and data protection. Additional key partners include transactional specialists Marie-Hélène Constantin and Joanna Myszka in Montreal, and David Feldman and Robert Percival, both based in Toronto. Joanna Myszka

Transport > Aviation Tier 1

Strategic aviation finance and regulatory advice are core strengths of the group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. The team is regularly instructed by aviation multinational corporations, manufacturers, financiers and lessors, and is well-versed in both aircraft and engine financings, aerospace M&A, airport and infrastructure financing and satellite financing. The group also boasts substantial knowledge on the federal government’s National Airports Policy. Toronto-based Jason MacIntyre steers the practice and offers significant expertise in aircraft repossessions, airline and aircraft maintenance licensing and certification, foreign investment in Canadian airlines and airport privatization. Auriol Marasco is highly active on aircraft financing and regulatory matters. Partner Donald Gray retired in December 2022. Eric Goneau focuses primarily on secured lending and structured finance transactions and is a key associate-level contact.

Canada > Cannabis Tier 2

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s multidisciplinary cannabis practice covers a broad range of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, with significant expertise in cross-border matters. Montreal-based corporate and commercial partner Tricia Kuhl co-heads the national group and recently advised Aphelion Real Estate on its C$11.5m acquisition of the shares and debt of 10252832 Canada (a subsidiary of Canopy Growth). Vancouver-based department co-head Kathleen Keilty is also noted for her experience in representing cannabis companies and investors on M&A and corporate finance transactions. Montreal-based associate Renée Tousignant provides support on IP, corporate, and commercial law issues.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 2

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s Quebec team is well-versed in supporting automotive, banking, construction, energy, healthcare, financial services, retail and tech-sector clients involved in disputes. Practice head Francis Rouleau‘s broad litigation practice covers product liability, contract law, corporate litigation and shareholder disputes, securities, construction and real estate. Additional key contacts include litigator Claude Marseille, who has focused his practice on class actions, product liability, construction law and shareholder remedies; Simon Seida, who advises corporations and high-profile individuals on regulatory and securities matters; restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator Matthew Liben; and Ariane Bisaillon, who brings strength to advising clients in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and transport. Former Woods LLP managing partner Caroline Biron joined the firm in August 2023.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 2

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP harnesses the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa, and abroad in London and New York, to advise junior, major and intermediate mining companies (including BHP and Teck Resources) and financial institutions involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional M&A and corporate finance matters. In addition, the practice assists with streaming transactions, post-restructuring, ESG and emerging technologies. The group is led by M&A expert John Wilkin in Toronto, who advises on securities law finance and corporate governance. Other key individuals include practice area authority Bob Wooder in Vancouver, who recently advised Sabina Gold & Silver, on its C$1.1bn sale to B2Gold; Charles Kazaz in Montreal, who specializes in mine acquisition and divestitures, mining agreements with First Nations, mine reclamations and closure issues; and Kathleen Keilty in Vancouver, who advises issuers and underwriters on public offerings, private placements and equity and debt securities related to mining M&A transactions.

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 2

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s power practice has a strong orientation towards projects and transactional mandates, including M&A, joint ventures and financings. Toronto-based department co-head Vivian Kung is particularly sought after for her broad industry focus, which spans projects, finance, corporate and procurement-related issues. The group additionally benefits from the transactional experience of Keith Byblow, who heads the corporate and commercial group in Calgary; Scott Clarke, also based in Calgary; Montreal-based project finance specialist Sébastien Vilder; and Calgary-based up-and-coming energy partner Ky Kvisle. The team is also increasingly involved in standalone regulatory matters, with Calgary-based regulatory and environmental law expert Terri-Lee Oleniuk a key contact in this sphere.

Canada > Construction Tier 3

The construction dispute specialists at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP bring expertise to representing domestic and multinational developers, owners, contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, lenders and insurers, involved in complex, high-value litigation and arbitration. The firm displays particular strength in the energy, transport, government, real estate and infrastructure sectors. The practice is led by David Tupper in Toronto, whose experience includes appearing before the courts of Alberta (at all levels) and in the Federal Court of Appeal. Other key figures include seasoned arbitrators Laura Cundari in Vancouver and Matthew Liben in Montréal, and Alyssa Duke in Calgary, who focuses on multi-party commercial disputes involving such matters as contractor delays, failure to properly maintain facilities, deficient work and construction product liability issues.

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP's practice regularly advises clients in the telecoms, banking, oil and gas and retail segments on labour and employment aspects of M&A and corporate reorganizations, in addition to handling cross-border employment issues and related litigation. Practice head Andrea York leads from Toronto, where key partner Holly Reid (harassment and misconduct allegations) is also based. In Calgary, Birch Miller supports oil and gas clients with advisory work and civil and administrative litigation.

Canada > Telecoms Tier 3

The group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP advises a range of companies on telecommunications, broadcasting and radio communication compliance matters. Additional skill lies in disputes, hearings, regulatory enforcement actions and public consultation processes. Montreal-based Sunny Handa steers the practice and is well-versed in M&A, telecommunications and broadcasting matters. Also in Montreal, younger partner Céline Poitras assists corporations with their Canadian regulatory obligations.

Canada > Intellectual property Tier 4

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s team continues to gain ground in the IP space. In particular, it is increasingly active on the contentious front under IP litigation practice head Andrew Skodyn, who frequently leads patent cases for clients such as Janssen and Actelion Pharmaceuticals. Chris Hunter spearheads the overarching IP practice and advises on IP strategy, acquisition, enforcement and exploitation, including patents, trademarks and copyrights; he also acts on the IP aspects of large transactions. Former team co-lead Melanie Baird left the firm in April 2024.

Canada > International trade Tier 4

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s multidisciplinary trade team is particularly active in advising on customs law, economic sanctions, export controls, government contracting and trade policy-related matters. Less frequently, it also handles trade-related contentious work, including investment arbitrations as well as antidumping, procurement, and other disputes before the CITT. The department is led jointly by Toronto-based tax specialist Zvi Halpern-Shavim, who is noted for customs and import controls, together with Vancouver-based litigator Roy Millen, whose broad practice takes in commercial litigation and international trade.