Claudie Imbleau-Chagnon > Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Montreal, Canada > Lawyer Profile

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s infrastructure practice is distinguished by its ability to land key roles advising all major stakeholders in Canada’s largest projects, including recent engagements for public sector entities, lenders, sponsors and developers. 2023/24 was a particularly strong year on the public sector side, which saw Toronto-based procurement expert Marianne Smith act for the City of Calgary on the development of a C$5bn light rail transit line, among other mandates. Vancouver managing partner Jeffrey Merrick contributes extensive experience in infrastructure work and fronts an enviably deep bench that also includes high-profile Toronto-based projects specialist Catherine Doyle, who focuses on representing lenders, developers and sponsors on large-scale projects. Other key contacts are Mark Johnson, who splits his time between Toronto and Ottawa; Alain Massicotte, who spearheads the Montreal infrastructure and PPP area; Toronto-based Alyssa Shivji, whose increasingly prominent practice spans procurement, infrastructure and construction; and Claudie Imbleau-Chagnon, who recently joined in Montreal from Ivanhoé Cambridge.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is a strong choice among both private and public-sector clients for its procurement expertise. Core areas of focus for the group include bidding processes, commercial arrangements, tender documentation and related disputes. The department is directed by Marianne Smith, who specializes in advising clients on the development, preparation, and administration of public tenders, as well as on the financing and construction of infrastructure projects. Additional key contacts include Stephanie Console, who focuses on the development, preparation and administration of public tenders; and Alyssa Shivji, who brings notable experience advising on transportation, civil infrastructure, water and wastewater, and healthcare mandates. Karishma Prasanna is the key associate-level contact, following Meaghan Parry‘s January 2024 promotion to the partnership. All named lawyers are based in Toronto, with the exception of infrastructure specialist Claudie Imbleau-Chagnon, who arrived at the Montreal office in August 2023.