Roy Millen > Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Vancouver, Canada > Lawyer Profile

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.

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.

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.