Baker McKenzie > Toronto, Canada > Firm Profile

‘It is clear from the first conversation you have with one of Baker’s experts that they understand the complexity underlying the design, development and deployment of AI systems. This is a firm that actively fosters the kind of cross-sector dialogue amongst key stakeholders across the AI ecosystem that is essential to the exchange of ideas in this space.’

‘The Baker McKenzie team has significant bench strength in AI on the technology, financial regulatory and commercial side in numerous jurisdictions including the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and APAC.’

‘Usman Sheikh is absolutely a stand-out partner at Baker McKenzie. I have worked with Usman for several years now on numerous technology related matters and I can speak to how he is an exceptional lawyer with deep legal subject matter expertise and technical knowledge.’

‘We’ve worked with the Baker McKenzie M&A team on a number of transactions and appreciate the partner attention and continuity of a smaller team deal after deal. Team is diverse and led by a female partner.’

‘Nancy Hamzo is amazing – really trust her as deal lead and she keeps a strong, dedicated team.’

‘The team are very commercial in their advice, factoring in their knowledge of our business and its values, objectives and challenges – more importantly however, they invest in understanding those aspects through both committing time and resources to build relationships with our internal team, our business and how we do things.’

‘Long-standing commitment to client service over almost 20 years, very responsive, continually demonstrating that we are not simply another client, despite being a small client in their portfolio.’

‘This team is unique in their approach that intertwines legal excellence and service orientation for clients. Their attention to detail is consistent and extraordinary. They always make an effort to see the people involved and consider not just the immediate issues but explore the potential pathways in the future as outcomes for different decisions and approaches.’

‘George Avraam is one of the most incredible leaders I have ever worked with. His passion for the law and for leading a diverse team is obvious in all that he does. On his team I would also like to highlight Jennifer Bernardo and Ajanthana Anandarajah. They are all insightful, responsive and committed to advancing our society through careful consideration and application of legal principles.’

‘Baker McKenzie has an excellent employment and labour legal team. One of the team members is always available to support us with challenging legal matters. They provide strategic advice and remain up to date with new and emerging issues.’

‘George Avraam – one of the top lawyers in his field, George provides legal advice that our organization can rely on in challenging situations. We trust him with our most complex legal matters. Jennifer Bernardo – an exceptional lawyer and we know she will do an excellent job with our legal matters. She is detail-oriented, is up-to-date on all legal issues and provides a good perspective on our files.’

‘Baker McKenzie is a unique practice as the team is very professional and provides very timely and thoughtful advice. I find the team to be very capable and trustworthy. I also appreciate the diversity of the team. The documents they prepare are always very thorough and do a great job answering any questions that we might have.’

‘George Avraam is outstanding, very professional, respectful and intelligent. Ajanthana Anandarajah is excellent at laying out a strategy for complex cases. She has been very thoughtful and respectful and great to deal with. Jennifer Bernardo is very professional, thoughtful and excellent at explaining the situation; her written documents are outstanding.’

‘Very responsive, well-structured, the senior partner manages all matters and is accountable. Very personal attention and support. George Avraam provides outstanding personal service. He is particularly sensitive to cost and always available when needed.’

‘I have worked with Baker McKenzie on several transactions in Canada which required foreign investment analysis and clearance. I’ve been impressed with the team’s knowledge in this sector and how they have managed our cases with the authorities. We could not have managed without them.’

‘Nancy Hamzo and Sarah Mavula – a true standout team for these matters. Both are hands-on, knowledgeable and efficiently guide us on strategy and execution. In many cases, they think outside the box. Great international reach.’

‘Deep and unique coverage over competition and antitrust issues, including litigation, from a local and global perspective with the firm’s worldwide network and seasoned lawyers.’

‘John Pirie: a great strategist and planner, mastering business, commercial and legal issues. David Gadsden, a fearless litigator, is highly recognized among his peers and the legal community as a whole.’

‘David Gadsden is a thoughtful, strategic thinker who can handle any level of complexity. Justine Johnston is an incredible addition to the team. Whip-smart and a real asset to an international firm.’

‘The team has a deep understanding of both legal principles and technological advancements, enabling them to provide accurate and up-to-date legal guidance. They advise on privacy and record retentions matters to ensure our operations to remain compliant. They serve as trusted advisors, offering strategic and practical solutions to enable us to achieve our business objectives while complying with legal obligations.’

‘Theo Ling’s performance is characterized by a combination of exceptional legal skills, deep industry knowledge and strong commitment. He can articulate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner, ensuring us fully understand the implications and options available to us. Nadia Rauf possesses a comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and industry best practices.’

‘The Baker McKenzie team is dedicated to providing exceptional service that is tailored to the unique needs of each client. In my experience they pride themselves on their quick responses, enthusiasm and professionalism. Their approach is to make our issues their passion, ensuring that they address our concerns with the utmost care and dedication.’

‘What sets them apart from competitors is their dedication to first understanding the issue before seeking a resolution. This empathetic approach ensures that they are fully aligned with our needs and objectives. Their ability to communicate effectively and simplify legal jargon has been highly valued by our organization, which appreciates clarity and ease of understanding.’

‘Their patience, attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for clients is particularly noteworthy. Their standout qualities are not just limited to their professional capabilities, but also includes their personal touch and genuine care for our concerns.’

‘Experts in their respective fields – from class action litigation to global arbitration files – the lawyers in Toronto excel at understanding client needs by actually listening to – and developing – a strong, close relationship with their clients. That personal touch – combined with a diversity of human and technical resources – matters in multi-million dollar disputes.’

‘Baker McKenzie’s individual dispute resolution specialists are thought leaders in their field; they ‘say and do’ when it comes to being able to handle massive, multi-jurisdictional files.’

‘Matthew Latella is a stand-out partner for complex cross-border disputes. Christina Doria has a wealth of experience and expertise in international arbitration. The team is excellent, and fully integrated into Baker’s global disputes network.’

‘Christina Doria is a superstar arbitration practitioner. The expertise of the Baker team is impressive. Many seasoned lawyers supervising up-and-coming lawyers. There is a nice diversity in the group which the clients appreciate.’

‘John Pirie – he is very skilled in both strategic consideration and in the various aspects of advocacy litigation. Ahmed Shafey and Michael Nowina are both also highly skilled and easy to work with.’

‘Unique breadth of perspective and highly efficient in litigation involving global or multijurisdictional issues with the firm’s network and locations worldwide. John Pirie is a great strategist and case planner, with a unique perspective on issues, and business and commercial acumen. David Gadsden is a fearless, efficient litigator, highly recognized among his pears and the legal community. Christina Doria is a great lawyer – efficient, proportionate, intelligent.’

‘John Pirie stands out by his capacity to grasp complex issues quickly and transform discussions on any issues into arguments. Christina Doria is quick to produce the necessary proceedings. The service is impeccable and their ability to spearhead facts into arguments is impressive.’

‘John Pirie and David Gadsden – both of them are exceptional lawyers and very good to work with. They are strategic and carefully consider the legal issues facing their clients and potential resolutions. They are both fierce advocates with excellent reputations, which gives them an advantage in resolving disputes for their clients.’