Borden Ladner Gervais LLP > Vancouver, Canada > Firm Profile

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 1

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP maintains a well-established record in representing major market players (BC Hydro, AltaLink and Northland Power) on a wide range of transactional, regulatory and disputes work. Toronto-based national head Shane Freitag combines strong skill sets in transactional and regulatory matters and recently teamed up with Toronto-based transactional energy partner, Rob Blackstein, to advise Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on their initiative to host small modular nuclear reactors at sites operated by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Other recommended names include Mark Rodger, who specializes in commercial, regulatory and government relations-related issues, and Jonathan Liteplo, who has an emphasis on utilities regulation.

Canada > International trade Tier 1

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 1

From well-staffed platforms in key Canadian provinces, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP provides a full-service national labour and employment practice, which frequently secures key roles in precedent-setting matters. In a recent example, the firm represented Dell Canada in a landmark case discussing the vesting of long-term incentives. Toronto-based Jeffrey Mitchell led on the Dell Canada work; other recommended practitioners in Toronto include labour and employment litigator Matthew Certosimo and Clifford Hart, who handles a mix of contentious and advisory matters. Montreal remains the group’s most high-profile seat and houses several key partners, including seasoned senior counsel Danny Kaufer, national department head André Royer and Maryse Tremblay, who brings to bear extensive expertise in advising federally regulated employers. Other noted names include Vancouver-based Shelley-Mae Mitchell, who handles an array of labour, employment and human rights law, and dual UK- and Alberta-qualified Duncan Marsden in Calgary.

Transport > Shipping Tier 1

The long-standing transportation practice at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP consists of a dedicated shipping team, with lawyers practising from offices across Canada. Its vast client list includes ship-owners, operators, liner companies, charterers, marine terminal operators, defence clubs and ship builders. The team has a reputable dispute offering, often overseeing customs claims, cargo claims, ship arrests and major collision cases. In addition to contentious expertise, the team is also well versed in regulatory and transactional matters. The shipping group, which forms part of the firm’s wider transportation practice, is led by Jean-Marie Fontaine; he advises high-profile clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters with specific expertise in charter party contracts, limitation actions, collisions, spills and the arrest of cargos. Dionysios Rossi is noted for his specialized disputes work.

Canada > Construction Tier 1

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP delivers first-rate expertise on a wealth of project types, from transport and health service ventures through to social infrastructures and energy schemes. Patricia Morrison KC leads the practice from the Calgary office and thrives on commercial, industrial and infrastructure project disputes in addition to front-end matters such as deliver models, tenders and contract negotiations; she operates alongside Jeffrey Vallis KC, an expert on the contentious front who caters to owners, lenders, contractors and subcontracts on a broad range of blockbuster disputes. Toronto-based Richard Shaban serves as a transactional, project delivery and procurement expert, who has forged an enviable reputation within the healthcare space meanwhile, over in Montreal, Simon Grégoire is a star name for disputes relating to infrastructure and energy projects. Further core strengths of the practice include project governance models, public funding and private financing structures, land acquisition, project agreements and project administration matters, among many others.

Canada > Business immigration Tier 2

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP fields a vast practice, advising clients on immigration matters from establishing new headquarters and hiring foreign nationals to undertaking audits, investigations and managing associated risks. The team has also launched BLG Beyond Business Immigration which serves clients immigration portfolio needs and provides coast-to-coast support. The practice is led by Toronto based Brian Dingle, a go-to name for citizenship law matters, who represents employers across an array of sectors such as IT, mining, finance, sport and entertainment. Darren McGuire, Brian Portas and Valérie Marcas are noted for their respective expertise in maritime law, employment law and immigration programs.

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 2

The team at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP advises a range of clients including project proponents, key stakeholders, the Crown and Indigenous groups. Expertise includes permitting and approval matters where projects may affect Aboriginal and Treaty rights. The practice is also sought by Indigenous governments, private entities, organizations and agencies to oversee environmental assessments, project financing, acquisitions of indigenous land and accommodation processes. Cherie Brant leads the team from Toronto. Her expertise includes the provision of strategic policy and governance counsel to Indigenous groups that wish to exercise their authority and jurisdiction. Patrick Foy KC focus lies within Indigenous-related appellate and judicial review; he is based in Vancouver.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 2

With a presence in key provinces across Canada, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s extensive geographical spread is supported by a broad sector focus. The infrastructure practice combines partners specializing in procurement, construction and litigation and is active across all core infrastructure sectors, including energy, transportation and social infrastructure. Vancouver-based Robert Shouldice heads the infrastructure team and advises on project planning, structuring and implementation. Other key contacts include Douglas Sanders and Richard Shaban, who co-lead the procurement group out of Vancouver and Toronto respectively, and Calgary-based construction lead Patricia Morrison KC. Vancouver’s Sarah Bird is a talented up-and-coming partner.

Canada > Insurance Tier 2

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s insurance offering is weighted towards contentious work and houses one of the largest national insurance defence claims practices in Canada. The firm is also well-versed in regulatory and transactional matters. Larry Elliot, regional managing partner for the Ottawa office, is a key partner and has an emphasis on personal injury, product liability and stockbroker negligence. Other recommended names include Toronto-based Kevin McGivney, who covers insurance and municipal law, and Calgary-based Patrick Heinsen, who has a focus on defending professionals. Insurance and tort liability specialist Rebecca Bush co-heads the group from Toronto alongside corporate insurance partner Donna Spagnolo, and specialized disputes lead Graham Walker who works from Vancouver.

Transport > Aviation Tier 2

The team at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP possesses extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters; it advises clients across all aviation disciplines, such as air carriers, charter operators, engine manufacturers, airports and insures who rely on the group for financing matters including aircraft restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings. The aviation group within its Transportation practice is led by Kate Ayre whose focus lies within civil aviation litigation. Mention is also given to Nigah Awj for her expertise in cargo and insurance claims, aviation financing and the importation and registration of vessels, aircraft and automobiles.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 2

In Calgary, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP thrives on a number of litigious fronts including pipeline, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related litigation. Local practice head Patricia Morrison KC was appointed to KC in April 2022, a recognition of her routine involvement in colossal infrastructure, industrial and commercial project disputes, and the team is also bolstered by the presence of Randall Block KC, widely considered a market leader for all-manner of energy and oil and gas litigation. As for the Ontario practice, David Di Paolo, Nadia Effendi and Kathleen McDormand take lead with their team garnering particular recognition for its performance in class action defence, investigations, commercial fraud and white-collar crime proceedings in addition to financial institution, securities and banking-related matters. Guy Pratte is a particular standout at the Toronto office, largely due to his first-rate track record in commercial litigation, class action, constitutional law and administrative law proceedings. Mathieu Piché-Messier and Gabriel Lefebvre jointly spearhead the Quebec practice which provides the firm with cybersecurity, privacy, IP, arbitration and ADR proficiency, meanwhile in Vancouver, Robert Deane and Sarah McEachern co-lead a team with significant fraud, insurance, cybersecurity, banking and aboriginal right capabilities.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 2

In Calgary, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP thrives on a number of litigious fronts including pipeline, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related litigation. Local practice head Patricia Morrison KC was appointed to KC in April 2022, a recognition of her routine involvement in colossal infrastructure, industrial and commercial project disputes, and the team is also bolstered by the presence of Randall Block KC, widely considered a market leader for all-manner of energy and oil and gas litigation. As for the Ontario practice, David Di Paolo, Nadia Effendi and Kathleen McDormand take lead with their team garnering particular recognition for its performance in class action defence, investigations, commercial fraud and white-collar crime proceedings in addition to financial institution, securities and banking-related matters. Guy Pratte is a particular standout at the Toronto office, largely due to his first-rate track record in commercial litigation, class action, constitutional law and administrative law proceedings. Mathieu Piché-Messier and Gabriel Lefebvre jointly spearhead the Quebec practice which provides the firm with cybersecurity, privacy, IP, arbitration and ADR proficiency, meanwhile in Vancouver, Robert Deane and Sarah McEachern co-lead a team with significant fraud, insurance, cybersecurity, banking and aboriginal right capabilities.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 2

In Calgary, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP thrives on a number of litigious fronts including pipeline, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related litigation. Local practice head Patricia Morrison KC was appointed to KC in April 2022, a recognition of her routine involvement in colossal infrastructure, industrial and commercial project disputes, and the team is also bolstered by the presence of Randall Block KC, widely considered a market leader for all-manner of energy and oil and gas litigation. As for the Ontario practice, David Di Paolo, Nadia Effendi and Kathleen McDormand take lead with their team garnering particular recognition for its performance in class action defence, investigations, commercial fraud and white-collar crime proceedings in addition to financial institution, securities and banking-related matters. Guy Pratte is a particular standout at the Toronto office, largely due to his first-rate track record in commercial litigation, class action, constitutional law and administrative law proceedings. Mathieu Piché-Messier and Gabriel Lefebvre jointly spearhead the Quebec practice which provides the firm with cybersecurity, privacy, IP, arbitration and ADR proficiency, meanwhile in Vancouver, Robert Deane and Sarah McEachern co-lead a team with significant fraud, insurance, cybersecurity, banking and aboriginal right capabilities.

Canada > Banking and finance Tier 3

Canada > Capital markets Tier 3

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 3

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s national mining group handles a mix of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, with recent strong showings in M&A and securities matters. Mainly active on behalf of mining companies, including juniors and majors, the team also frequently represents investment dealers and financial institutions as well as industry service providers. Vancouver’s Fred Pletcher chairs the practice and is noted for his experience across all spheres of mining law. Corporate finance partners Graeme Martindale and Andrew Powers also maintain active mining practices from Vancouver and Toronto respectively. 

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP stands out for the strength of its regulatory energy offering, including complex administrative law disputes. The team also acts on oil and gas transactions, infrastructure projects and corporate finance matters. In Calgary, Alan Ross KC and senior counsel Randall Block KC are noted for regulatory and administrative proceedings, while environmental law specialist Rick Williams is a key contact for regulatory work in Vancouver. Calgary’s Peter Bryan, who fronts the national practice, has a focus on transactions in the midstream sector. Michael Marion was recently appointed to the bench.

Canada > Environment Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has offices across Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary. Its national presence attracts clients from a range of sectors including oil and gas, shipping, real estate development, pipelines and energy. The team advises on all provincial, territorial and international environmental laws. Areas of expertise consist of environmental permits and compliance, contaminated sites litigation, spill reporting and incident response as well as environmental assessments. Rick Williams leads the practice from the Vancouver office and is best-known for his commercial, regulatory and litigation expertise.

Canada > Intellectual property Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is geared to support on an array of prosecution, enforcement, dispute, licensing and transactional IP affairs, including those relating to patents, industrial designs, copyrights and trade secrets. The practice is spearheaded by Calgary-based Jason Howg, both a patent and trademark agent, who possesses an in-depth knowledge of IT, software and computer-related technologies. In Toronto, Justine Wiebe hones her focus on global trademark strategies, acting for domestic clients in addition to those with international portfolios, meanwhile Brandon Evenson is a protection and enforcement expert who leverages his background in computer and software engineering to support a number of high-tech players. Over at the Ottawa office, Chantal Saunders is routinely involved in copyright and trademark infringement litigation, whereas Beverley Moore is a go-to for patent litigation and actions under the Patented Medicines Regulations.

Canada > Pensions Tier 3

The pension and benefits group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP forms an integral part of its labour and employment practice. Clients span across a vast array of sectors including education, energy, insurance, aerospace and technology. The team often advises on pension plans and pension fund governance matters, and is also highly regarded for its advice on the benefit aspects of international acquisitions. The team is headed by Andrew Harrison who is based in Toronto.

Canada > Public procurement Tier 3

Canada > Real estate Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP thrives on transactional, financing, development and leasing, include ground leases, subleases, sale-leasebacks and built-to-suit arrangements. The practice is led by David Longcroft, a specialist in relation to the sale, purchase, management and development of hotel assets with the wider team also exceedingly knowledgeable of retail, office, industrial and residential properties.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

Canada > Tax Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s comprehensive group advises on the full gamut of tax matters, from corporate tax and estate planning, through to commodity tax and transactional matters. Additionally, the department houses a capable disputes unit, which is well versed in all stages of tax litigation. Craig Webster steers the group from Toronto and has an emphasis on investment funds-related matters. Toronto-based Steve Suarez is recommended for his broad tax practice, which spans transactional and contentious issues. Calgary-based Laurie Goldbach fronts the tax litigation team.

Canada > Technology Tier 3

Transport > Other transport Tier 3

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s vast client list includes national and regional railway companies, urban transit authorities, transportation service providers and project developers. The team’s expertise includes regulatory planning and compliance, financing and infrastructure. Robin Squires oversees the practice’s national transportation group, with Robert Shouldice heading the rail and road team.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 3

In Calgary, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP thrives on a number of litigious fronts including pipeline, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related litigation. Local practice head Patricia Morrison KC was appointed to KC in April 2022, a recognition of her routine involvement in colossal infrastructure, industrial and commercial project disputes, and the team is also bolstered by the presence of Randall Block KC, widely considered a market leader for all-manner of energy and oil and gas litigation. As for the Ontario practice, David Di Paolo, Nadia Effendi and Kathleen McDormand take lead with their team garnering particular recognition for its performance in class action defence, investigations, commercial fraud and white-collar crime proceedings in addition to financial institution, securities and banking-related matters. Guy Pratte is a particular standout at the Toronto office, largely due to his first-rate track record in commercial litigation, class action, constitutional law and administrative law proceedings. Mathieu Piché-Messier and Gabriel Lefebvre jointly spearhead the Quebec practice which provides the firm with cybersecurity, privacy, IP, arbitration and ADR proficiency, meanwhile in Vancouver, Robert Deane and Sarah McEachern co-lead a team with significant fraud, insurance, cybersecurity, banking and aboriginal right capabilities.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 4