Borden Ladner Gervais LLP > Vancouver, Canada > Firm Profile
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Offices
Waterfront Centre
200 Burrard Street, Suite 1200
Vancouver, BC V7X 1T2
Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Canada > Construction Tier 1
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP remains a leader in the practice space, advising domestic and international owners/sponsors, governmental authorities, suppliers, service providers, contractor/developer consortiums, lenders and equity investors over the course of the entire lifecycle of major construction projects. With a client base spanning such sectors as transportation, health services, social infrastructure and energy, the firm assists with matters ranging from early-stage project and procurement planning and structuring, project governance, public funding and private financing to regulatory approval matters, closing matters and litigation, mediation and arbitration. Patricia Morrison KC leads the team in Calgary and provides expertise on large-scale infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects, in addition to high-value disputes involving tenders, construction contracts and liens. Jeffrey Vallis KC, also in Calgary, brings experience in domestic and international arbitrations. Richard Shaban in Toronto draws on 30 years of handling transactional work and the resolution of issues during procurement and project delivery. In Montreal, Simon Grégoire specializes in complex construction litigation and infrastructure and energy construction disputes. Other key figures include Gabriel Lefebvre, who brings strength to engineers' liability claims in Montreal, Rodney Smith in Calgary and veteran arbitrator Hugh Meighen in Toronto.Practice head(s):
Patricia Morrison KC
Other key lawyers:
Simon Gregoire; Richard Shaban; Jeffrey Vallis KC; Michael Skene; Gabriel Lefebrve; Rodney Smith; Hugh Meighen
Key clients
Alstom
Aviva Insurance and Argo Surety
Couillard Construction Limitée
EllisDon
Graham Construction
PCL Constructors
Pomerleau
SNC-Lavalin
Ziedler Partnership Architects
Zurich Insurance Company
Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 1
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 's full-service power practice deploys experts across the full scope of transactional, regulatory and contentious work. Among the names to note, Toronto-based commercial specialist and national group head Shane Freitag possesses an impressive record in advising major utilities in both Ontario and Alberta, with his broad skill set spanning both regulatory and transactional matters. Other key transactional contacts include Toronto’s Rob Blackstein, who recently acted for SNC-Lavalin on its agreement with Ontario Power Generation to develop the Darlington New Nuclear Project. The group also draws on the senior experience of Toronto-based Mark Rodger, who specializes in commercial, regulatory and government relations-related power issues; and Calgary’s Jonathan Liteplo, who is highly regarded for his focus on energy and utilities regulation.Practice head(s):
Shane Freitag
Other key lawyers:
Mark Rodger; Jonathan Liteplo; Rob Blackstein; John Vellone; Alan Ross KC
Key clients
AltaLink
Northland Power
Manitoba Hydro
EPCOR Utilities
BC Hydro
Northwest Territories Power Corporation
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Nuclear Laboratories
Government of Alberta
Oakville Enterprises
Capital Power
North Bay Hydro Distribution Limited and Espanola Regional Hydro Distribution Corporation
City of Kitchener
Waterloo North Hydro Inc. and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
Fortescue Future Industries
Elexicon Energy
PUC
Canada > International trade Tier 1
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s full-spectrum international trade practice demonstrates premier offerings in all facets of trade and investment regulation, including customs and trade remedies, trade policy, sanctions and export controls, World Trade Organization (WTO) and free trade agreement (FTA) dispute resolution and anti-corruption law. Vancouver-based regulatory partner Jeffrey Thomas brings expertise to domestic trade laws, sanctions and Competition Act-related matters. Talented Toronto-based associate Jacob Mantle is also noted. Former department co-heads Jesse Goldman and Matthew Kronby departed in October 2023.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alberta Softwood Lumber Trade Council
Government of the UK, Department for International Trade
Hardwoods Specialty Products
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Zinus
Husteel Co
Ashley Furniture Industries
Vallourec, VCI/Vallourec Tianda
Imperial Oil/Exxon
CIE Manufacturing/COSCO
Canada > Labour and employment Tier 1
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP boasts a strong labour and employment offering, with key lawyers posted in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa. Employment matters, labour relations, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, privacy, pensions and benefit, and immigration matters feature among the group’s specialities. André Royer steers the sizable national group from Montreal and acts for employers in relation to unlawful dismissal, conditions of employment, occupational health and safety, and labour relations matters. Additional key figures at the Montreal office include senior counsel and collective bargaining specialist Danny Kaufer, and Maryse Tremblay, who is known for advising federally regulated employers. Key Toronto contacts include litigator Matthew Certosimo and Clifford Hart, who covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Over in Calgary, Duncan Marsden is active in the advisory space.Practice head(s):
André Royer
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Coast Capital Savings
WestJet Airlines
Oracle Canada ULC
Schenker of Canada
Quebec Indigenous communities: Crees of Waskaganish, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band, Long Point First Nation, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Mohak counsel of Kanesatake, Wiikwemkoong and Makivik
Kiewit Construction, Kiewit Bridge and Marine and Kiewit Infrastructure West
Bell Media
Autorité des marchés financiers
Handa Travel
Bank of Montreal
IKEA
Transport > Shipping Tier 1
The team at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP demonstrates strong capabilities in shipping law, and is routinely instructed by shipowners, operators, ship builders, charterers, liner companies and marine terminal operators, both in Canada and overseas. The group’s contentious expertise covers cargo claims, limitation actions, customs claims, collisions and spills, while on the advisory side it offers counsel on the drafting of logistics and warehousing agreements, the purchase, sale and financing of ships and permits work. Jean-Marie Fontaine steers the practice from Montreal and is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious matters, including advising on the transportation of dangerous goods, shipbuilding disputes and marine insurance policies. Vancouver-based Dionysios Rossi handles high-profile disputes.Practice head(s):
Jean-Marie Fontaine
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hapag Lloyd
Kirby Corporation
BELPacific Excavating and Shoring Limited Partnership
Ridley Terminals
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
BC Ferries
BMT Fleet Technology
Major Insurers, Allianz, AXA XL, USAIG, AIG, TT Club, Swiss Re, Lloyds, ITIC
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
Chantier Davie Canada
Kintetsu World Express (Canada)
Work highlights
- Acted for the owners of the M/V Scott Stuttgart in the defence of a claim arising from a damage incident in New Brunswick.
- Acted for the City of Toronto and Shipowners Mutual P&I Association following the Sam McBride boat crash in 2022.
- Represented Maersk in an incident relating to an alleged silver cargo theft.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 2
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s Calgary office excels at litigation involving pipelines, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related matters. The group also has experience handling arbitration, insolvency disputes, and shareholder and contractual disputes. A recent work highlight saw the group successfully represent Signalta Resources in a claim against Canadian Natural Resources, a notable energy dispute. Patricia Morrison KC steers the practice and is routinely involved in the mediation, arbitration and litigation of construction disputes on large-scale commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. Key contact Randall Block KC is highly specialized in energy and oil and gas litigation. In addition to oil and gas disputes, Loni da Costa brings expertise to securities defence and regulatory investigations.Practice head(s):
Patricia Morrison K.C
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
NOVA Chemicals Corporation
Signalta Resources
PrairieSky Royalty
Richardson Wealth
ITP
ConocoPhillips-Canada Resources
Alberta Health Services
Emission Rx
EPCOR Water Services
Barrel Oil
WSP Canada
Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 2
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s British Columbia office is well-versed in commercial litigation involving the construction, power, oil-and-gas, transportation and mining segments, and has experience acting for government bodies, corporations and families. The group has additional expertise handling arbitration and insolvency, shareholder and contractual disputes. Practice co-head Sarah McEachern is retained by clients seeking solutions to complex commercial and construction disputes; she handles both litigation and arbitration and has particular knowledge of the mining and healthcare sectors. Leading alongside her, Robert Deane is highly specialized in arbitration proceedings.Practice head(s):
Robert Deane; Sarah McEachern
Key clients
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
City of Vancouver
Deep Water Recovery and Union Bay Industries
Electronic Arts
Haider Pirani, Mehboob Pirani and Mustaq Piranis
Harpreet Singh Khela
Husky Energy (now Cenovus)
Mark Morabito
Pan American Silver
Powertech Labs
Revolution Resource Recovery Park
South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (Translink)
University of Brussels
Vancouver College Limited
Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 2
The Quebec practice at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is noted for its skill in class actions, white collar crime, cybersecurity, IP, banking and financial services, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Major domestic banks and multinationals in the aeronautic, telecoms, logistics and construction sectors routinely feature on the group’s client roster. Practice co-head Mathieu Piché-Messier majors on civil and commercial litigation and international arbitration, with a particular focus on aviation law and IP matters. Alongside him, Gabriel Lefebvre is well-versed in representing property owners, contractors, bonding companies and insurers in contentious construction matters. Litigators François Grondin and Karine Chênevert are additional key contacts.Practice head(s):
Mathieu Piché-Messier; Gabriel Lefebvre
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
Conférence des juges de la Cour du Québec
Devas
Québec Minister of Economy and Innovation
Elad Canada
AIC
RBC Dominion Securities and RBC Direct Investing
Cormer Group Industries
Loblaws Companies, Weston Foods Canada
Scotia Capital
Bell Mobility
Conférence des juges de la Cour du Québec
Aéroports de Montréal
6362222 Canada (Createch)
Nathalie Bondil
Devas
Samsung Electronics
Canada > Indigenous law Tier 2
The group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is regularly called upon by Indigenous governments, agencies, financial institutions and energy companies to assist with environmental assessments, consultations and accommodation processes. Other noted strengths of the group include project financings involving Indigenous groups and lands, Indigenous jurisdiction issues and litigation. Toronto-based Cherie Brant steers the practice; she routinely provides policy and governance counsel to Indigenous groups and leads on energy transactions. Dedicated Indigenous law counsel Chris Roine of the Vancouver office is noted for his experience assisting First Nations organizations with partnerships, commercial arrangements and governance matters.Practice head(s):
Cherie Brant
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
BC Ferries Corporation
Fort Severn First Nation
British Columbia Housing Management Commission
Provincial Rental Housing Corporation
Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 2
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 's integrated projects and construction group is among the largest in Canada, with the ability to draw on well-staffed platforms in key provinces across the country. Vancouver-based infrastructure specialist Douglas Sanders spearheads the department and has strong experience in PPP projects; he is advising Alstom Canada on its participation as a member of ONxpress Transportation Partners for the Metrolinx Regional Express Railway GO Rail Expansion Project, Package 3. In Montreal, Pascale Dionne is noted for project finance work, while Sarah Bird specializes in PPP and project development in Vancouver, and senior counsel Richard Shaban is noted for construction and procurement in Toronto.Practice head(s):
Douglas Sanders
Other key lawyers:
Pascale Dionne; Sarah Bird; Christopher Eagles; Richard Shaban
Key clients
Alstom Transport Canada
BC Hydro
Canada Infrastructure Bank
City of Ottawa
Eldorado Gold Corporation
Groupe Nouv-LR
Oakridge Geo Thermal
Pomerleau
Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals
SNC-Lavalin
Teck Resources
Trigon Pacific Terminals
Canada > Insurance Tier 2
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s thriving insurance litigation group handles the full range of insurance defence claims, with a focus on national insurance programs for domestic and international insurers. The team also impresses with its public sector expertise, where it routinely acts as defence counsel to municipalities, school boards and hospitals. Toronto-based Rebecca Bush leads the insurance and tort liability group nationally and is recommended for her record in public authority litigation and tort litigation for large institutional clients. The group also includes Ottawa-based Larry Elliot, who focuses on civil litigation; Toronto-based Kevin McGivney, who frequently defends police services and municipalities; transactional and regulatory insurance specialist Donna Spagnolo; and specialized disputes head Graham Walker.Practice head(s):
Rebecca Bush; Donna Spagnolo; Graham Walker
Other key lawyers:
Larry Elliot; Kevin McGivney; Patrick Heinsen
Key clients
Lloyds, including but not limited to the following syndicates: Aegis, Argo, Amlin, AXA XL, C.V. Starr, Beazley, Kiln, Brit Syndicate, QBE, Atrium, Pembrooke, Creechurch, Markel International, Ironshore, Apollo, Tokio Marine, Riverstone, Sompo and Acappella
City of Toronto
Chubb / ACE
Travelers
Hospital Insurance Reciprocal of Canada
Desjardins (State Farm, the Personal, Certas)
Cigna
Encon
The Cooperators
Sun Life
Trisura
Economical Insurance
Ecclesiastical
Work highlights
- Advised certain underwriters at Lloyd’s in an action relating to a large omnibus national class proceeding against 16 Canadian insurance companies alleging they breached their respective contracts with business owners, and other duties, by refusing to pay business interruption claims caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Retained by the City of Ottawa to advise on legal options to take steps to bring an end to the Freedom Convoy occupation in the City.
- Defended the City of Toronto and the Toronto Police Services Board in a dozen lawsuits arising from the Toronto Raptors parade and celebration at Nathan Phillips Square on June 17, 2019.
Canada > Banking and finance
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP maintains a broad banking and finance practice, which acts for both corporate borrowers and lenders on financings; it also contributes significant regulatory expertise. The national group enjoys a prominent platform in Montreal, which is the seat of national financial services lead Claudine Millette; she specializes in advising lenders on financing matters. Other key names in Montreal include Vincent Frenette, who focuses on corporate finance and acquisition finance; and Montreal group head Olivier Tardif, who handles transactional and regulatory work. In Toronto, Gus Karantzoulis and Howard Silverman are noted for finance transactions, while Stephen Redican heads the national regulatory practice.Practice head(s):
Claudine Millette; Stephen Redican
Other key lawyers:
Vincent Frenette; Olivier Tardif; Gus Karantzoulis; Howard Silverman; Ira Cooper; Shane Pearlman; Edward Wang
Key clients
Madryn Asset Management
Arxnovum Investments
Work highlights
- Acted for Madryn Asset Management, as administrative agent to the lenders, on a credit agreement in favour of Greenbrook TMS.
- Advised Arxnovum on its registration as the first crypto-specific exempt market dealer and portfolio manager in Canada.
Canada > Business immigration Tier 3
Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 3
Core strengths of the group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP include cartel defence, class action, regulatory advisory and litigation, as well as transactional work, including mergers and foreign investment review. It is regularly instructed by tech, mining, banking, healthcare and e-commerce-sector clients. Senior partner Subrata Bhattacharjee steers the practice from Toronto and specializes in providing strategic competition, foreign investment and regulatory advice to global corporations. Key partner Denes Rothschild (also in Toronto) majors on proposed mergers and foreign investment review, as well as litigation.Practice head(s):
Subrata Bhattacharjee
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Amazon.com
Netflix
Samsung Electronics
PSA International Pte and PSA Canada Ventures
Parrish & Heimbecker
Meta Platforms
George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies
Pan American Silver
Wood Canada and John Wood Group
Deutsche Bank
Nova Sea
Formosa Plastics
Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company and Securian Financial Group
ECHL (East Coast Hockey League)
Isologic Radiopharmaceutiques Novateurs
Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw Companies
JAB Holding Company and Independence Pet Group
First Citizens BancShares
IQVIA
Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 3
The Ontario practice at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP services clients across a range of sectors, including financial services, mining, healthcare, retail and real estate. The group is noted for its participation in class action defence, investigations, commercial fraud and white-collar crime proceedings, in addition to financial institution, securities and banking-related matters. A trio of partners co-lead: David Di Paolo handles securities litigation, class actions and shareholder disputes; Nadia Effendi specializes in class actions as well as administrative and regulatory matters; Ottawa-based Kathleen McDormand completes the leadership team.Practice head(s):
David Di Paolo; Nadia Effendi; Kathleen McDormand
Key clients
Cohesity
Kinross Gold
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
801 Albert Street, TIP Albert Limited Partnership
Amazon
Tower-EBC
Lake Shore Gold Corp
DMCC
Rx Drug Mart
Bridgeport Asset Management and Balmoral Wood Litigation Strategy
AKM Holdings
Granite Point Capital Management
B. Agrest
R. Blankenstein Enterprises
Municipality of the City of Ottawa
Harry Gefen
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP employs the full bench strength of over 800 lawyers across 5 national locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, to provide major domestic and international mining companies, public and private issuers, underwriters and institutional investors with a comprehensive range of services across the practice area. They cover joint ventures, streaming, M&A, project finance, due diligence, as well as environmental, tax and Indigenous matters. Fred Pletcher in Vancouver leads the national team, bringing over 30 years of mining industry experience to acquisitions and dispositions, development projects, exploration properties and option agreements. Graeme Martindale, also in Vancouver, advises clients on initial public offerings, public and private equity and debt financings, compliance and corporate governance. The Toronto office was bolstered by the June 2022 arrival of Timothy McCormick from Stikeman Elliott LLP. Andrew Powers has now left the firm.Practice head(s):
Fred Pletcher
Other key lawyers:
Graeme Martindale; Tim McCormick
Key clients
Pan American Silver Corp.
Ressources Quebec Inc.
Cameco Corporation
Eldorado Gold Corporation
Imperial Metals Corporation
Kinross Gold Corp.
POSCO Canada Limited.
Sandstorm Gold Royalties
Bear Creek Mining Corporation
BMO Capital Markets
CIBC Capital Markets
TD Securities Inc.
National Bank Financial
Lumina Gold Corp.
Luminex Resources Corp.
Cormark Securities Inc.
Almaden Minerals Ltd.
IDM Mining
Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3
Distinguished by the breadth of its regulatory offering, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP routinely represents domestic and multinational energy companies on environmental and administrative law matters, including litigation. The practice also handles commercial work. Calgary-based transactional partner Peter Bryan leads the oil and gas group nationally, while commercial and regulatory specialist Rick Williams heads the department in Vancouver and also fronts the national environmental team. Other key names in Calgary include senior counsel Randall Block KC, who is a go-to name for energy disputes, and regulatory expert Alan Ross KC.Practice head(s):
Peter Bryan; Rick Williams; Alan Ross KC
Other key lawyers:
Randall Block KC; Karen Salmon
Key clients
Government of Canada
Cenovus Energy
Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV)/ Canada Hibernia Holding Corporation
Export Development Canada
BP Canada Energy Group
ConocoPhillips Canada
Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA)
Enbridge
Parkland Corporation
PetroChina Canada
Kelt Exploration
Birchcliff Energy
Plains Midstream
Daqing Energy Canada
Signalta Resources
Canada > Environment Tier 3
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP houses a robust environmental law practice, which is particularly recognized for its activity in energy, mining and Indigenous law-related matters. From its broad base of offices across the country, the group is equipped to handle environmental disputes, regulatory issues, and transactional support work. Vancouver-based Rick Williams fronts the department and is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious work, but he is primarily noted for his experience in project development, permitting and operations in the energy and natural resource sectors. Toronto-based Gabrielle Kramer is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Rick Williams
Other key lawyers:
Dionysios Rossi; Gabrielle Kramer; Jonathan Cocker; Graham Walker
Key clients
Kirby Corporation
British Columbia Railway Company
The Corporation of the City of Markham
Cenovus Energy
Ontario Waste Management Association
Hy2Gen, Northland
Pan American Silver Corp
Ivanhoe Cambridge
Kongsberg
Canada > Intellectual property Tier 3
Work highlights
Canada > Pensions Tier 3
Canada > Public procurement Tier 3
The 49-strong group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has experience representing both government authorities – including Crown corporations and municipalities – and private sector developers, in a wide spectrum of public procurements. Vancouver-based partner Douglas Sanders co-heads the practice and majors on PPPs and the drafting of construction contracts. Alongside him, counsel Richard Shaban of the Toronto office assists hospitals, public authorities and developers with construction projects. Mark Fecenko completes the leadership trio.Practice head(s):
Richard Shaban; Doug Sanders; Mark Fecenko
Key clients
BC Hydro
City of Ottawa
Eldorado Gold
Oakridge Geo Thermal
Ontario Hospitals Association
Pomerleau
Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals
Trigon Pacific Terminals
Volkswagen
Canada > Real estate Tier 3
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP employs the full bench strength of over 800 lawyers in 5 national locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, to advise a diverse client base of pension funds, life insurance companies, utility companies, institutional investors, family offices, public sector clients, developers, commercial landlords, tenants and REITs, on wide range of real estate matters. The team is led by Aaron Bowler in Calgary, who brings experience to high-value acquisitions and dispositions, financings, developments and restructurings, across such asset classes as office towers, hotels, shopping centres, railways and resorts. Key figures include senior partner Sylvie Bouvette in Montreal, who represents sellers and purchasers in joint ventures; Frank Arnone in Toronto, who assists clients with complex investment structures; Line Abecassis in Montreal, an expert in acquisitions, divestitures and the leasing of industrial, office, and retail and mixed-use buildings; and David Longcroft, an experienced specialist in mixed-use projects and associated air space parcel subdivisions.Practice head(s):
Aaron Bowler
Other key lawyers:
Sylvie Bouvette; David Longcroft; Frank Arnone; Brennan Carroll; Catherine Guertin; Line Abecassis; Xue Yan
Key clients
Aéroports de Montréal
Bell Canada
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
City of Ottawa
HSBC Bank Canada
Ivanhoé Cambridge
K+S Aktiengesellschaft
Morguard Corporation/Morguard REIT/Temple Hotels
Oxford Properties
Parkland Corporation
QuadReal Property Group and Insurance Corp of BC (ICBC)
VIA Rail Canada
Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP's practice is frequently called upon by senior secured lenders, insolvency professionals acting as monitors and court-appointed receivers, private equity funds, as well as debtors, for its restructuring expertise. Additional expertise lies in acting for DIP lenders, court officers and prospective purchasers regarding cross-border proceedings including Chapter 11. Toronto-based practice head Alex MacFarlane has particular experience acting for distressed finance, cannabis and retail sector clients, while senior counsel Marc Duchesne co-leads in Montreal and works primarily on the debtor side.Practice head(s):
Alex MacFarlane; Marc Duchesne
Testimonials
‘Content expertise, reliable, available at short notice, good collaborators.’
‘Alex MacFarlane is great in the area of insolvency.’
Key clients
Bank of Montréal
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Export Development Canada
National Bank of Canada
Azoxco Cryogénique
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
MNP
Purdue Pharma
Aviva
Fuller Landau
Armstrong Flooring Canada
Ernst & Young
Deloitte Restructuring
PaySlate
PricewaterhouseCoopers
BDO Canada
Romspen Investment
Canada > Tax Tier 3
The 43-strong team at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP handles the range of tax matters, including corporate tax, estate planning, commodity tax and the tax aspects of domestic and international transactions. The group also takes care of disputes relating to Canada’s federal and provincial taxes, including GST and HST, income tax and commodity taxes. Toronto-based practice head Craig Webster leads from Toronto and focuses on tax matters relating to investment funds. Also working at the Toronto office, Steve Suarez is active on both transactional and contentious issues. Calgary-based Laurie Goldbach fronts the tax disputes team.Practice head(s):
Craig Webster
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Kone
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Lake Shore Gold/Pan American Silver
Wentao Yang
Champlain College of Vermont – Montreal Campus
Pam American Silver
Capital Power
Loblaw Companies
Horizon Capital Holdings
Trustees of the Mohamed Aly Pirani Trust
Work highlights
- Representing Kone in a successful tax appeal to the Court of Quebec.
- Acted as counsel for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada challenging the interpretation of the General Anti-Avoidance Rule.
- Defended Lake Shore Gold in an application for a tax indemnity brought by subscribers to a flow-through share agreement.
Canada > Technology Tier 3
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP's technology group demonstrates strength in commercial agreements, disputes M&A, and cybersecurity, IP, privacy, data protection and regulatory matters. Vancouver-based partner Andrew Hennigar specializes in assisting private companies with domestic and cross-border M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions, and strategic alliances and partnerships. The focus of Mark Fecenko's Toronto-based practice is on the intersection of technology, procurement and partnering with the private and public sectors. Patrice Martin in Montreal brings skill to such areas as AI and autonomous vehicles.Practice head(s):
Andrew Hennigar
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Netflix
Meta
Emtelligent Solutions
Exo Imaging
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Marlin Equity Partners
BDC Capital
Assabet Capital Partners
Satisfai Health
Carmanah Technologies
Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
Chantier Davie Canada
Transport > Other transport Tier 3
National and regional railway companies, urban transit authorities, transportation service providers, project developers, contractors, operators and insurers regularly feature on the client roster of the group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. Areas of expertise include financing, regulatory planning, compliance, litigation and arbitration. Toronto-based litigator Robin Squires steers the national department and handles class action defence and complex casualty matters. Ex-rail and road team head Robert Shouldice retired in 2023.Practice head(s):
Robin Squires
Key clients
Kintetsu World Express (Canada)
Metrolinx
Translik
Ottawa, Montreal, Waterloo
Canadian National Railway, BC Rail, Southern Railway of BC, Canadian Pacific Railway, Burlington Northern Railway
Greyhound Canada, Mullen Trucking, Bison Transport
Work highlights
- Defended Canadian Pacific Railway Company in a class action arising from the 2013 derailment of a Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway train.
- Assisted Southern Railway of British Columbia with Federal Court judicial review proceedings.
- Assisted the City of Ottawa and Grope NouvLR (Montreal LRT) in light rail works which include rail transit regulatory matters.
Canada > Capital markets Tier 4
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s capital markets practice has a focus on the mid-market space, which ensures a steady stream of smaller offerings — both debt and equity. Led from Vancouver by Kent Kufeldt, who consistently represents both issuers and underwriters, the department also draws on Vancouver-based mining head Fred Pletcher. The Toronto team was recently boosted by the hires of Timothy McCormick and counsel Laura Levine, who both joined as partners from Stikeman Elliott LLP. Additionally, Frazer House joined as a partner from Torys, where he was an associate.Practice head(s):
Kent Kufeldt; Tim McCormick
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Barclays Capital
Loblaw Companies
CIBC Capital Markets
Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec
Capital Power Corporation
SNC-Lavalin Group
BDC Capital, GO Capital, Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, Desjardins Capital and UI Investissement (France)
Agrinam Acquisition Corporation
Cormark Securities
Cardiol Therapeutics
Inovia Capital
BMO Capital Markets
TD Securities
Stifel Nicolaus Canada
National Bank Financial
Clarus Securities
PI Financial Corp
Red Cloud Securities
UMB Bank
Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP utilizes the full bench strength of over 800 lawyers across 5 national locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, to advise national and international corporates and financial institutions involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The practice’s client base spans sectors ranging from media, tech, cannabis, infrastructure, energy and mining to financial services, retail and transport. The group’s comprehensive service covers complex M&A, joint venture agreements, corporate finance, corporate governance and shareholder activism. The practice is led by national group head of corporate and capital markets Prema Thiele in Toronto, who brings over 30 years assisting international fund managers, portfolio managers and dealers with legal and compliance issues; corporate and commercial national business leader Subrata Bhattacharjee (also Toronto); and national business leader of securities and capital markets leader Kent Kufeldt in Vancouver and Calgary. Timothy McCormick joined from Stikeman Elliott LLP in June 2022. Jason Saltzman departed in June 2022.Practice head(s):
Prema Thiele; Subrata Bhattacharjee; Kent Kufeldt
Other key lawyers:
Fred Fletcher; Stefan Timms; Timothy McCormick
Key clients
Pan American Silver Corp.
John Wood Group plc
George Weston Limited | Loblaw | Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation
Guardian Capital Group Limited
Groupe Mach Acquisition Inc.
Mercer Global Investments Canada Ltd.
Independence Pet Group, Inc.
First Citizens BancShares, Inc.
Concentra Bank
CIBC Capital Markets
UMB Bank
Loblaw Companies Limited
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
The New York Times Company
Epiroc Rock Drills AB
POSCO Canada Limited
Transport > Aviation
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP > Firm Profile
As the largest full-service Canadian law firm, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) delivers the most comprehensive legal solutions and client services for domestic and international clients – across more practice areas and industry sectors – than any other Canadian firm.
With over 750 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals, BLG services businesses and institutions across all of their legal needs – from M&A and capital markets; to complex disputes, financing, and trademark and patent registration.
BLG is the largest of Canada’s few AmLaw Global 100 firms, with five full-service offices located in each of Canada’s principal business markets, and the nation’s capital. As a bilingual English-French firm, BLG excels under both the common and civil law systems in Canada.
BLG has a legacy of ‘firsts’ – from being Canada’s first-founded law firm, to one of the first in North America to implement client service standards, and receives numerous legal industry recognitions for innovation in client service and value.
BLG takes great pride in the communities it serves, and supports a variety of initiatives including pro bono legal services, fundraising and volunteer programs, such as the BLG Reads to Kids Program.
International work: BLG provides business law, dispute resolution and intellectual property solutions to a wide range of clients internationally in virtually every area of law. Special expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure and public-private projects, financings, international trade law, commercial litigation and arbitration. BLG has acted in international banking transactions (including sovereign risk lending); international insolvencies, liquidations and restructurings; international joint ventures, reorganisations and acquisitions; commercial contracts; and international and multi-jurisdictional disputes.
Diversity: Diversity and inclusiveness are critical to the firm’s success. The principles of employment equity, diversity and human rights are an integral part of our culture. As Canada’s law firm, BLG champions diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the wider legal community. BLG actively participates in and promote programs aimed at improving and celebrating diversity within the legal profession and the broader business community, including our robust Transgender Accommodation and Inclusivity Policy, BLG’s mental health strategy, unconscious bias training, and the development and continued growth of the Driven By Women™ initiative. BLG is a proud partners of Catalyst Canada, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Pride at Work Canada.
Clients and community: BLG is proud to support its clients and communities. The firm provides insight to domestic and international public and private corporations across all business sectors. BLG advises governments, governmental organisations and agencies, as well as trade groups and broader public sector clients. The firm’s ability to make a positive impact in the communities in which it lives and works directly connects to how it cultivates its relationships, both inside and outside of the office. BLG supports nearly 200 different non-profit organizations annually, ranging from local charities and grassroots community initiatives to international charitable missions. The firm’s cross-practice and cross-country firm provides more than 20,000 pro bono hours of legal support to nearly 200 not-for-profits and vulnerable individuals.
For further information, visit blg.com
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Banking and financial services | |||
Securities and capital markets | |||
Mergers and acquisitions | |||
Litigation and arbitration | |||
Insurance and tort liability | |||
Competition and antitrust | |||
Energy, oil and gas and mining | |||
Infrastructure and PPP | |||
Labor and employment | |||
Tax | |||
Intellectual property | |||
Real estate | |||
Construction | |||
Transportation | |||
Environmental law | |||
Privacy, cyber and data security | |||
Public policy and government relations | |||
Information technology | |||
Life sciences | |||
Health law | |||
Charities and not-for-profit |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Sarah Bird | Partner | View Profile | |
Robert Deane | Partner | View Profile | |
David Longcroft | Partner, Commercial Real Estate | View Profile | |
Mr Fred R. Pletcher | Partner | View Profile | |
Dionysios Rossi | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Douglas Sanders | Partner, Corporate Commercial Group | View Profile | |
Mr Rick Williams | Partner and National Business Leader, Environmental, Municipal, Expropriation and Regulatory Group | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of Partners : 372 Number of Other Fee-Earners : 331Languages
Africa and Asia Armenian Bosnian Albanian Croatian Czech Dutch Englisch Farsi (Persian) Finnish French Gaelic Filipino/Tagalog German Greek Hindi Hebrew Hungarian Italian Japanese Korean Kurdish Mandarin Cantonese Macedonian Polish Punjabi Russian Serbian Spanish Tamil Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese Yoruba- Construction
- Energy and natural resources > Power
- International trade
- Labour and employment
- Transport > Shipping
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution: Alberta
- Dispute resolution: British Columbia
- Dispute resolution: Quebec
- Indigenous law
- Infrastructure projects
- Insurance
Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance
- Business immigration
- Competition and antitrust
- Dispute resolution: Ontario
- Energy and natural resources > Mining
- Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Environment
- Intellectual property
- Pensions
- Public procurement
- Real estate
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax
- Technology
- Transport > Other transport