The Legal 500 > Canada > Canada > Technology

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s highly regarded technology practice differentiates itself through its track record in high-end technology transactions and its considerable strength in outsourcing arrangements, where it is particularly active on the customer side. The firm also houses a dominant fintech practice, which routinely advises leading Canadian banks on strategic IT matters, including payment modernization. Wendy Gross is sought after for her impressive record in advising financial institutions and retail clients on mobile banking, mobile wallet and loyalty-related matters. Michael Fekete, who co-chairs the practice together with Gross, has notable expertise in cloud computing, government procurement and privacy. Up-and-coming partner Ted Liu is also recommended. Named lawyers are based in Toronto, but the national group also utilizes specialists in its Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver offices.

Prominent Toronto boutique Deeth Williams Wall LLP houses a full-service technology practice that is best known for its emphasis on privacy and health care-related matters. The firm focuses exclusively on IT and IP law and has strong expertise in technology transfers, e-commerce and dispute resolution. Names to note include Amy-Lynne Williams, who is considered a top choice for complex outsourcing and electronic payment agreements, and Richard Austin, whose practice spans regulatory and transactional issues.

Goodmans’ multi-disciplinary technology group brings together skill sets in M&A, finance, venture capital investing, regulation and commercial matters. The Toronto-based team, which acts for both technology providers and users, is particularly well known for its strengths in outsourcing agreements, corporate transactions, and privacy and data protection law. Richard Corley has a strong profile for outsourcing, where he routinely advises clients on procurement issues and litigation, while Peter Ruby is a go-to name for privacy issues. Also recommended is Jamie Firsten, who is a key contact in the firm’s emerging companies’ practice.

Calgary-headquartered Bennett Jones LLP routinely advises energy and natural resources companies on technology issues, including clean tech and licensing matters. Other practice strengths include health care, electronic payments and outsourcing agreements. Key lawyers include Stephen Burns, who advises on outsourcing, IT procurement and privacy issues; data protection expert Martin Kratz QC; and up-and-coming technology specialist Sébastien Gittens, all of whom are based in Calgary. Toronto-based Matthew Flynn recently joined from McCarthy Tétrault to co-head the fintech and blockchain group.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has an impressive track record in advising public sector entities on major outsourcing transactions, with recent strong showings in the health and defence sectors. The practice group also stand out in technology M&A, intellectual property and privacy matters. Toronto-based group head Mark Fecenko is noted for his procurement expertise and is a popular choice for clients in the health care, energy and education spheres.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s ability to plug into its extensive global network makes it an attractive choice for multinational technology clients. In a recent example, the team advised Calgary-headquartered software company Solium Capital on its C$1.1bn acquisition by Morgan Stanley, which involved legal teams in the US and the UK. In addition to a strong corporate transactional offering, the group advises on a variety of related issues including outsourcing, venture capital investments, and data security. The department is led from Toronto by intellectual property specialist Anthony de Fazekas, and also includes associate Andrew McCoomb, who is highlighted as a rising star for contentious matters. Robert Percival left the firm for Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in 2019.

Baker McKenzie fields a robust technology practice with strengths in commercial transactions and data protection matters. The group also distinguishes itself through its ability to link up with teams from across its global network to provide advice to multinational clients on the implementation of cross-border IT projects. Department head Theo Ling enjoys a strong market profile for his specialist expertise in privacy and data protection law.

A popular choice for high-end corporate and finance transactions, Stikeman Elliott LLP also advises technology service providers and end-users on outsourcing arrangements, intellectual property and contentious matters. Toronto-based department hea Wesley Ng focuses on e-commerce, biotechnology and data privacy.