Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Vancouver, Canada > Firm Profile
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Offices
595 BURRARD STREET, PO BOX 49314, SUITE 2600
THREE BENTALL CENTRE
VANCOUVER, BC V7X 1L3
Canada
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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Canada > Banking and finance
A destination practice for banking and finance, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its premier firepower in both the regulatory and transactional spheres. In terms of the former, Paul Belanger is widely acknowledged as a market leader; he recently paired up with Vladimir Shatiryan to advise Royal Bank of Canada on the regulatory aspects of its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada — the deal, which was also co-led by specialists in the corporate and dispute resolution practices, additionally highlights the team’s enviable ability to link up with practices from across the full-service firm to resource large-scale matters. Other key names on the regulatory front include Jacqueline Shinfield, Bonny Murray and newly promoted partner Mena Bellofiore. Michael Matheson is a go-to name for corporate and commercial finance transactions; he advised Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia (as co-lead arrangers and underwriters) on C$1bn in senior secured revolving credit facilities and back-stop facilities to support GIC and Dream Industrial REIT’s acquisition of Summit Industrial Income REIT. Other recommended transactional specialists include Simon Finch, who focuses on private debt transactions; and Calgary-based partners Michael McIntosh KC and Nick Tropak. Michael Harquail recently retired. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated. Partner Mary Jeanne Phelan joined the firm's Montreal office from McCarthy Tétrault in October 2023.Practice head(s):
Paul Belanger; Michael Matheson; Jacqueline Shinfield
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of Montreal
Calgary Airport Authority
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Capstone Mining Corp.
Definity Financial Corp., formerly Economical Mutual Insurance Company (“Economical”)
Enerplus Corporation
ENMAX Corporation
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
PayIt
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotiabank
TC Energy Corporation
TD Bank Group
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on its acquisition of HomeQ Corporation, the parent company of HomeEquity Bank.
- Advised Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia (as co-lead arrangers and underwriters) on facilities to support the acquisition of Summit Industrial Income REIT.
Canada > Capital markets Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s premier finance and corporate practices marks the firm as a first port of call for both debt and equity capital markets. Additionally, its full-service national offering ensures that it is a popular choice for large-scale, event-driven transactions. In a recent example, Michael Hickey advised OpenText Corporation on a $1bn notes offering used to support its acquisition of Micro Focus International. Among its equity highlights, Calgary partners Ross Bentley and Jeff Bakker advised TC Energy Corporation on its C$1.8bn bought deal offering of common shares. The deep bench also includes go-to capital markets expert Tim Andison; London managing partner Jeffrey Lloyd, who splits his time between the UK and Toronto; Chris Hewat, who specializes in M&A, capital markets and private equity; corporate finance partner Eric Moncik; national practice head Catherine Youdan; and Montreal-based Pascal de Guise. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.Practice head(s):
Catherine Youdan
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
TransCanada PipeLines
Ero Copper Corp
Canaccord Genuity Corp
BMO Capital Markets
CIBC World Markets
CPP Investments / Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
MAG Silver Corp
BMO Nesbitt Burns
Skeena Resources
Investissement Quebec
Canagold Resources
Barclays
Lower Mattagami Energy Limited Partnership
Morgan Stanley
Work highlights
- Advised TC Energy Corporation on its C$1.8bn bought deal offering of common shares.
- Advised Nutrien on the cross-border public offering of $1bn of senior notes.
- Advised OpenText Corporation on a $1bn notes offering, used to support its acquisition of Micro Focus International.
Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 1
The practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is well-equipped to handle advisory and contentious competition law matters, and is routinely retained by domestic and international companies seeking assistance with merger reviews, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance cases and competition law class actions. Toronto-based practice co-heads Navin Joneja and Julie Soloway demonstrate across-the-board experience in competition matters; Joneja previously chaired the Canadian Bar Association’s national competition law section, while Soloway has held a leadership position in the American Bar Association’s antitrust section for over a decade. Additional key partner-level figures include Brian Facey, Randall Hofley, Robert Kwinter, Kevin MacDonald and Cassandra Brown for their expertise in mergers, litigation and foreign investment matters. The group was strengthened with the arrival of partner Jonathan Bitran, previously at McCarthy Tétrault, in August 2023.Practice head(s):
Julie Soloway; Navin Joneja
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
VMware
Pembina Pipeline
Siemens AG
Superior Plus
Bouygues
Bell Canada
SECURE Energy Services
Federated Co-operatives
Sierra Wireless
Work highlights
- Acted as Canadian competition counsel to VMware in connection with its acquisition by Broadcom for $61bn.
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its $13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Superior Plus on its $1.05bn acquisition of Certarus.
Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
The powerhouse practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP continues to lead in the marketplace, utilizing the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa and abroad in London and New York, to advise major domestic and multinational corporates and financial institutions involved in high-value public and private M&A. The group is led by two M&A experts: David Kruse, who also provides expertise in assisting with shareholder, joint venture, partnership and commercial agreements, and Catherine Youdan, a specialist in equity and debt capital market transactions. Ross Bentley in Calgary brings experience to the aviation, energy and agribusiness sectors, advising on domestic and international mergers, takeover bids and plans of arrangement. Michael Gans draws on over 25 years of practice, managing complex M&A, related party transactions and internal investigations. Jeffrey Lloyd brings authority to major negotiated and unsolicited transactions involving clients in such industries as real estate, media, telecoms and financial services. Acting for wide client base of public and private companies, boards of directors, special committees and underwriters, Linda Tu specializes in the retail, tech, renewables, agriculture and cannabis spaces. All lawyers, unless noted, work in the Toronto office.Practice head(s):
David Kruse: Catherine Youdan
Other key lawyers:
Ross Bentley; Michael Gans; Jeffrey Lloyd; Linda Tu; Chad Schneider; Christine Milliken; John-Paul Bogden; Paul Singh; Lindsay Balson
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Canadian Pacific Railway Limited
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
Magnet Forensics Inc.
Suncor Energy Inc.
Simpson Group
BCE / Bell Canada, Inc.
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
CI Financial Corp.
Lyft
ABC Technologies Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on its C$11.4bn joint venture with KKR & Co. to merge their western Canadian natural gas processing assets.
- Advised Turquoise Hill Resources Limited on its C$4.3bn going private acquisition by its controlling shareholder Rio Tinto.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a sizeable practice in Alberta which regularly represents clients before tribunals and government agencies relating to oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Arbitration, as well as corporate and employment litigation, constitute additional strengths. The practice of Renee Reichelt, who co-heads the 40-strong team, spans corporate and commercial litigation, class actions and shareholder disputes. Leading alongside her, Michael Dixon represents a range of Canadian and multinational corporate clients in contentious matters. Securities, environmental, insurance and property matters make up the core of partner David Tupper‘s practice. Brendan MacArthur-Stevens was promoted to partner in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Renee Reichelt; Michael Dixon
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Strathcona Resources
The City of Edmonton
Shell Canada
Imperial Oil
TC Energy
ENMAX
Canadian Pacific Railway
Suncor Energy
Work highlights
- Counsel to Shell in respect of the Alberta Department of Energy disallowing contested audit adjustments from 2009 to 2016.
- Acted for Pembina Pipeline Corporation before the Alberta Securities Commission in a matter that involved a C$8.3bn proposed hostile take-over launched by Brookfield of IPL.
- Represented Air Liquide in a lawsuit brought by Canadian Natural Resources Limited related to construction in the oil sands.
Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s British Columbia practice is known for its expertise in complex commercial litigation, bet-the-company litigation and securities litigation, as well as class actions and arbitration. The practice is co-led by Sean Boyle, who is known above all for his defence of individuals and corporations in securities regulatory hearings, corporate disputes and class actions. Alongside him, Joseph McArthur KC, who was appointed Kings Counsel in May 2023, has capabilities in domestic and international arbitration and cross-border litigation. Additional key partners include Roy Millen, who specializes in matters involving public and administrative law; cross-border disputes specialist Alexandra Luchenko; Peter Rubin, who brings experience to contractual disputes, tax appeals, tort claim and securities litigation; and Laura Cundari, who is active on food, agribusiness, energy, mining, construction and cannabis disputes.Practice head(s):
Sean Boyle; Joe McArthur KC
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Noramco LLC
Romspen Investment
Highline Produce
British Columbia Treaty Commission
AbCellera Biologics
Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance
Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies
Dan Lok Education
Global Crossing Airlines
Pure Gold Mining
Work highlights
- Advised Romspen Investment in a $200m commercial real estate claim.
- Acted for Highline Produce in a commercial dispute between one of the largest growers of mushrooms in North America and one of their suppliers.
- Defended the Warner Bros. entities in a proposed class action regarding allegations of illegal fees in mobile games.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s Ontario group is recognized for its expertise in commercial litigation, securities litigation, IP litigation, class action and product liability matters, as well as arbitration. The team is frequently retained by clients in the automotive, energy, transportation and aerospace segments. The group is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; Beagan Flood has focused her practice on commercial disputes, including appeals and class actions on privacy, antitrust, product liability, insurance and consumer protection issues. Fischer, for her part, has particular expertise in the media and defamation space. Additional key litigation-focused partners include Michael Barrack, Jeff Galway and Gordon McKee. Bradley Berg is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Cathy Beagan Flood; Iris Fischer
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ford Motor Company
Belinda Stronach
BentallGreenOak (Canada)
Ontario Power Generation
Olympia Trust Company
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
BDO Canada LLP
Toronto Transit Commission
Air Canada
BluEarth Renewables
Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1
A popular choice for both major M&A and development projects, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s oil and gas group enjoys strong relationships with leading domestic and multinational oil and gas companies. Based in Calgary, the full-service group can additionally draw on teams from across its national network as required. Next-generation partner Christine Milliken co-heads the department; she recently paired up with Calgary office head Ben Rogers to advise PrairieSky Royalty on its C$728m acquisition of 1.9m acres of royalty lands in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from Heritage Royalty. Keith Byblow co-leads the practice and advised Canadian Pacific Railway Company on its C$30m Hydrogen Locomotive Program. Other transactional specialists include Chris Harris and Mungo Hardwicke-Brown. Alongside its commercial expertise, Terri-Lee Oleniuk spearheads a broad energy regulatory practice that includes Lars Olthafer and Katie Slipp. At the associate level, Ashton Menuz provides capable support on energy transactions.Practice head(s):
Keith Byblow; Christine Milliken
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Suncor Energy
TC Energy Corporation
Shell Canada Energy
Trans-Mountain Pipeline
PrairieSky Royalty
Strathcona Resources
Canadian Pacific Railway
Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada)
Cenovus Energy
Imperial Oil
Work highlights
- Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on its C$11.4bn joint venture with KKR & Co to merge their Western Canadian natural gas processing assets.
- Advised PrairieSky Royalty on the C$728m acquisition of 1.9m acres of royalty lands in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from Heritage Royalty.
- Advised Suncor on its participation in the British Columbia Utilities Commission inquiry into gasoline and diesel prices in BC and related matters regarding the Fuel Price Transparency Act.
Canada > Environment Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP 's extensive national coverage and ability to draw on resources from across the wider, full-service firm marks it as a popular choice for large-scale or complex matters, from major project approvals through to environmental incidents. The team also handles day-to-day environmental law issues, including advising on environmental assessments, transactional support matters and risk management. Toronto-based Jonathan Kahn spearheads the department and is sought after for his record in major mining projects and high-stakes environmental law disputes. Other senior names include Charles Kazaz, who splits his time between Montreal and Toronto and is noted for his experience in the mining, industrial and waste-management spheres; Tony Crossman, who fronts the Vancouver environmental and natural resources practice; Toronto-based Lana Finney, who handles a mix of advisory and contentious matters; and Calgary-based Terri-Lee Oleniuk. Counsel Anne-Catherine Boucher recently left to join CN Rail.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Kahn
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
CRH Canada Group
Enel Green Power North America
Imperial Oil
Elemental Energy
Individual Investment
RWE Renewables Canada Holdings
Stella Jones
Work highlights
- Advised Blackrock on its investment in Environmental 360 Solutions, a company in the waste management and treatment business operating across approximately 120 sites in Canada.
- Advised Imperial Oil on multiple contaminated lands actions commenced by neighbouring property owners.
- Advised Stella Jones on a challenge to a purported ban on certain pesticides by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency by way of judicial review.
Canada > Indigenous law Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a strong Indigenous law group that is routinely instructed by developers and operators of mines, pipelines and energy projects that operate in First Nation territories, as well as First Nations governing bodies and First Nation-owned businesses. Commercial ventures, taxation issues, Aboriginal consultation, project financing and contentious matters are all within the scope of the team’s expertise. The practice is led by a duo of experienced Vancouver-based partners. Leading figure Roy Millen specializes in contentious matters, particularly those relating to the natural resources and energy segments. Alongside him, Sam Adkins is known for advising on Aboriginal negotiations for large-scale LNG projects. Terri-Lee Oleniuk is the key partner-level contact in Calgary, while Vancouver-based associate Rochelle Collette supports the partners on contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Roy Millen; Sam Adkins
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Barrick Gold
BC Treaty Commission
BMC Minerals
FPX Nickel
Grand River Enterprises
Mowi Canada West
NexGen Energy
Nutrien
Teck Resources
TransCanada PipeLines
Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance
Vopak Development Canada
Work highlights
- Advised NexGen on its Rook I uranium project in northern Saskatchewan.
- Assisted ABO with legal and regulatory advice for applications to the Alberta Utilities Commission to construct and operate the 514.6 MW Buffalo Plains Wind Farm located near Lomond, Alberta.
- Assisted with Indigenous negotiations and consultation on LNG developments in Canada, including LNG Canada.
Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 1
The infrastructure group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP combines strong experience in acting for both private and public-sector participants on major development projects. Demonstrating comprehensive coverage of all key asset classes, the national team is active across the country on major rail, road, hospital, port and airport projects, among others. Among the senior names in Toronto, Catherine Doyle is noted for her private sector-side expertise, with a strong track record in representing lenders, developers and sponsors. Doyle is acting alongside Mark Johnson, who splits his time between Toronto and Ottawa, to advise the ONConnects consortium on its bid for the DBFOM contract for the Ontario Line – Rolling Stock Systems, Operations and Maintenance Project. Other key contacts in Toronto include procurement specialist Marianne Smith. Department head Jeffrey Merrick and Montreal group lead Alain Massicotte are additionally recommended in Vancouver and Montreal respectively.Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Merrick
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Doyle; Alain Massicotte; Marianne Smith; Mark Johnson; Alyssa Shivji
Key clients
Coastal GasLink Pipeline
City of Calgary
Aecon Concessions, Siemens Project Ventures and Keolis
City of Toronto
VIA Rail Canada
City of Winnipeg
Amico Concessions, Sacyr Concesiones SI and SNC-Lavalin Capital
City of Mississauga
Calgary Airport Authority
Work highlights
- Advising the City of Calgary on the development of a C$5bn light rail transit line in Calgary, Alberta.
- Advising the City of Toronto on the C$2.3bn rehabilitation of the FG Gardiner Expressway.
- Advising the ONConnects consortium on its bid to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Ontario Line – Rolling Stock Systems, Operations and Maintenance Project in Toronto, Ontario.
Canada > Insurance Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP possesses an impressively well-rounded insurance practice that is well positioned to handle high-level litigation as well as transactional and regulatory matters. A popular choice for major domestic and international insurers and reinsurers, the group is frequently involved in the most headline-grabbing matters to hit the market. Among the names to note, Calgary-based David Tupper is highly regarded for contentious insurance work; he is representing a nuclear power mutual insurance company in a C$50m dispute with its reinsurer. Montreal-based Matthew Liben is also recommended for insurance litigation. On the regulatory side, Toronto-based department co-head Paul Belanger is sought after for his broad financial services expertise. Other key names on the non-contentious front include financial regulation specialist Bonny Murray as well as transactional-focused partners Jake Gilbert and Michael Elder – all operate from Toronto.Practice head(s):
David Tupper; Paul Belanger
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty
Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada
Canada Life Assurance Company
Chubb, Temple Insurance Company
Ensign Energy Services
Definity Financial Corp (formerly Economical Mutual Insurance Company)
Green Rise Foods
Hub International
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Intact Financial Corporation
Lloyd’s Underwriters and Lloyd’s Canada
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada
Sagen MI (formerly Genworth MI Canada)
Standard Life
Starstone Underwriting
Zurich Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Advised Lloyd’s Underwriters, Lloyd’s Canada and Marc Lipman, in his capacity as Attorney in Fact for Lloyd’s Underwriters, on a series of high-profile class action matters relating to the issue of insurance coverage for business interruption losses sustained as a result of Covid-19.
- Advised HUB Financial on its acquisition of the BridgeForce companies, bringing together two of the largest independent managing general agents in Canada.
- Advised Definity Financial (formerly, Economical Mutual Insurance Company) on the first property and casualty demutualization in Canada.
Canada > International expertise Tier 1
A regular fixture in major multi-jurisdictional deals involving Canada, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its reputation for transformative corporate transactions involving the energy and natural resources, financial services TMT and life sciences sectors, among others. The group’s thriving cross-border activity is supported by well-staffed platforms in London and New York, while its focus on Canadian law work ensures that it also enjoys close referral relationships with international firms. Names to note in London include Jennifer Maxwell, who is well versed across a range of M&A, private equity and corporate finance matters; and go-to M&A specialist Jeffrey Lloyd, who manages the London office. Following the recent elevation of former New York managing partner Geoffrey Belsher to firm chair, corporate and securities partner Kevin Rusli now anchors the US office.Practice head(s):
Geoffrey Belsher
Other key lawyers:
Jeffrey Lloyd; Jennifer Maxwell; Kevin Rusli; Michael Kariya
Work highlights
- Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on its C$11.4bn joint venture with KKR & Co to merge their western Canadian natural gas processing assets.
- Advised Turquoise Hill Resources, owner of the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia, on its C$4.3bn going private acquisition by its controlling shareholder Rio Tinto.
- Advised Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Fonds de solidarité des travailleurs du Québec on their acquisition of a 65% interest stake in Bonduelle Americas Long Life, with an enterprise value of C$850m.
Canada > Pensions Tier 1
The team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is well-equipped to handle the gamut of pensions matters, and is routinely instructed by Canadian government bodies, as well as corporations in the oil and gas and manufacturing segments. The group advises on jointly sponsored pension plans, pensions and employee benefit schemes, de-risking and plan consolidation and executive compensation issues. Toronto-based partners Kathryn Bush and Jeffrey Sommers lead the department; Bush focuses on advising on the structuring of pension, benefit and executive compensation arrangements and investments, while Sommers advises clients on the taxation, funding, administration and wind-up of pension and group benefit plans. Additional key partners in Toronto include Jeremy Forgie and Adam Ngan, while Natalie Bussière at the Montreal office is noted for her expertise in both employment and pensions work. In Calgary, Sean Maxwell majors on employee benefits matters and deferred compensation plans. In Toronto, Maggie Carmichael is of note at the associate level. Counsel Philipp Knoll joined the team from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in March 2022. Partner Lindsay McLeod left the firm in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Kathryn Bush; Jeffrey Sommers
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
LifeWorks
Royal Bank of Canada
Siemens Canada
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
Pembina Pipeline
Suncor Energy
BlackRock
BC Financial Services Authority
Work highlights
- Advised LifeWorks in its capacity as plan administrator of the Sears Canada Pension Plan.
- Advised Siemens Canada on a wide variety of Canadian pension and employee benefit plan matters relating to the worldwide spin-out of Siemens AG’s healthcare business into Siemens Healthineers AG.
- Advised the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on its acquisition of HomeQ Corporation from Birch Hill Equity Partners Management and the other minority shareholders of HomeQ.
Canada > Public procurement Tier 1
The group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is instructed by both public and private sector-clients for its expertise in complex procurement processes, which spans from conception to award. It also handles the development and implementation of enterprise-wide procurement policies. At the helm of the Toronto-based practice, Marianne Smith is well-versed in advising clients on the development and preparation of public tenders and procurement processes. Key younger partners include Alyssa Shivji, who regularly assists procuring entities and bidders with the procurement process, and has particular experience relating to projects involving transportation, civil, wastewater and mining infrastructure; and Stephanie Console, who focuses on the development, preparation and ongoing administration of public tenders. Meaghan Parry and Karishma Prasanna are the key names to note at the associate level. Partner Judy Wilson passed away in March 2023.Practice head(s):
Marianne Smith
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
City of Calgary
City of Toronto
VIA Rail Canada
City of Mississauga
City of Winnipeg
Marine Atlantic
Ontario Securities Commission
University of Toronto
Work highlights
- Assisted the City of Calgary with the development of a light rail transit line in Calgary, Alberta.
- Assisted the City of Toronto with the rehabilitation of the F.G. Gardiner Expressway.
- Assisted VIA Rail with its Corridor Fleet Replacement Project, a project aimed at procuring a new bi-directional fleet of 32 trainsets to replace VIA Rail’s fleet operating in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor.
Canada > Real estate Tier 1
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP continues to be a dominant player in the practice area, utilizing the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa and abroad in London and New York, to advise a broad client base (which includes Royal Bank of Canada and Sycamore Partners Management) of domestic and international institutional and private entities, developers, banks, pension funds, fund managers, insurance companies, REITs, retail and commercial property owners and occupiers, hotel owners and government agencies, on diverse spectrum of real estate matters. The practice, which is particularly dynamic in the retail and financial services spaces, is led in Toronto by Thomas Von Hahn, who brings expertise to the acquisition and disposition of real property and mortgage portfolios, and John Hutmacher, who draws on extensive experience advising clients on acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, sales and leaseback transactions. Other key figures include Silvana D’Alimonte, who specializes in complex financings involving investors, fund managers and asset managers; Daniel Kofman, who acts as real estate lead on multi-billion-dollar acquisitions in the financial services sector; and Garth Anderson in Calgary, who draws on over 25 years in the real estate arena to counsel life insurance companies, REITs and utility companies. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.Practice head(s):
Thomas von Hahn; John Hutmacher
Other key lawyers:
Silvana D’Alimonte; Daniel Kofman; Garth Anderson; Daniel Ferreira; Joseph Grignano; Neil Katz; Greg Umbach; Jay Geers; Patrick Gordon; Rachel Lehman; Jean-Simon Lamarre
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Slate Asset Management L.P.
Sycamore Partners Management, L.P.
Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust
Granite REIT
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Sycamore Partners in its $400m acquisition of Lowes Companies’ Canadian retail business including Lowes’ Canada and Rona stores.
- Advised global investment and asset manager Slate and its subsidiaries on the acquisition of the Stelco steel mill and redevelopment site in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
The department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP assists both debtors and lenders with restructuring and insolvency matters, and has particular sectoral expertise in mining, real estate, energy, cannabis and retail. Pamela Huff heads up the national group from Toronto and is knowledgeable in all aspects of insolvency. In Vancouver, Peter Rubin co-leads and majors on supporting debtor companies, lending syndicates and secured and unsecured creditors with insolvency mandates. Calgary head Kelly Bourassa leads significant restructuring mandates, both domestic and cross-border, and has particular expertise in the energy segment. In Montreal, Bernard Boucher is charged with managing the practice and has experience appearing before the Superior Court, the Quebec Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Toronto-based partners Linc Rogers and Chris Burr, as well as associate Caitlin McIntyre, are additional key contacts.Practice head(s):
Pamela Huff; Peter Rubin; Kelly Bourassa; Bernard Boucher
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Deloitte Restructuring
Royal Bank of Canada
FTI Consulting Canada
Investissement Quebec
Trevali Mining Corporation
LTL Management LLC
Romspen Investment Corporation
Flower One Holdings
Alvarez & Marsal
KSV Restructuring
Work highlights
- Advised the court-appointed monitor in the insolvency proceedings of JTI-Macdonald.
- Advised LTL Management LLC on its cross-border recognition proceedings.
- Acted for Trevali Mining, a public mining company with active mining operations in Canada, Namibia and Burkina Faso, in connection with its CCAA proceedings.
Canada > Tax Tier 1
The tax department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP demonstrates strength in M&A tax planning work, cross-border tax controversy and transfer pricing matters. Paul Stepak heads up the national group; domestic and cross-border income tax planning, capital markets transactions and the taxation of mutual funds are amongst his specialities. Mark Tonkovich directs the tax litigation and controversy group and is well-versed in representing clients in proceedings against the Canada Revenue Agency. Transfer pricing lead Jeffrey Shafer assists clients with complex advance pricing arrangements. Zvi Halpern-Shavim has focused his practice on indirect tax matters, while Andrew Spiro majors on tax matters involving REITs and other real estate investment vehicles. Dan Jankovic in Calgary also brings tax litigation expertise. While senior counsel Jeffrey Trossman recently retired, the practice was strengthened with four new arrivals. Advisory tax partner Christopher Sheridan and litigator Sameer Nurmohamed joined the firm in June and July 2022, respectively. They were joined by indirect tax specialist Elena Balkos in October 2022 and Lara Friedlander in January 2023. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.Practice head(s):
Paul Stepak; Mark Tonkovich; Jeffrey Shafer
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Magnet Forensics
Royal Bank of Canada
Sycamore Partners Management
Pacific Woodtech
Galaxy Digital Holdings
Suncor Energy
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Audax Private Equity
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Imperial Oil
Redpath Sugar
Strathcona Resources
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Canada.
- Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on its $11.4bn joint venture with KKR & Co. to merge their western Canadian natural gas processing assets.
- Represented Redpath Sugar in transfer pricing litigation involving cross-border financing transactions before the Tax Court of Canada.
Canada > Technology Tier 1
With lawyers based in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, the technology group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP supports clients from a range of sectors with M&A and regulatory matters. The group is particularly well-versed advising clients in the financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms, tech and energy segments. Montreal-based practice head Sunny Handa provides transactional and regulatory support to tech, telecoms and defence-sector clients, and has additional knowledge of outsourcing, cloud computing, e-commerce, privacy and data protection. Additional key partners include transactional specialists Marie-Hélène Constantin and Joanna Myszka in Montreal, and David Feldman and Robert Percival, both based in Toronto. Joanna MyszkaPractice head(s):
Sunny Handa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Beneva Group
MAI Investments
Portage Cybertech
Sycamore Partners Management
Work highlights
- Assisted Beneva in connection with its sale of SSQ Dealer Services’ distribution business to Sym-Tech Dealer Service.
- Assisted Sycamore Partners with its acquisition of Lowe’s Companies’s Canadian retail business including Lowe’s Canada and Rona stores.
- Assisted MAI Investments with the sale of Eclipse Automation to Accenture PLC, as well as related corporate work.
Transport > Aviation Tier 1
Strategic aviation finance and regulatory advice are core strengths of the group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. The team is regularly instructed by aviation multinational corporations, manufacturers, financiers and lessors, and is well-versed in both aircraft and engine financings, aerospace M&A, airport and infrastructure financing and satellite financing. The group also boasts substantial knowledge on the federal government’s National Airports Policy. Toronto-based Jason MacIntyre steers the practice and offers significant expertise in aircraft repossessions, airline and aircraft maintenance licensing and certification, foreign investment in Canadian airlines and airport privatization. Auriol Marasco is highly active on aircraft financing and regulatory matters. Partner Donald Gray retired in December 2022. Eric Goneau focuses primarily on secured lending and structured finance transactions and is a key associate-level contact.Practice head(s):
Jason MacIntyre
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AerCap
Aergo Capital
Azorra Aviation Holdings
BOC Aviation
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Castlelake
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Jackson Square Aviation
PNC Bank Aviation Finance
The Boeing Company
TrueNoord
Work highlights
- Advised Azorra Aviation Holdings on the pre-delivery payment financing and sale-leaseback of 5xE195-E2 aircraft to Porter Airlines.
- Advised Aviation Working Group on the preparation of the AWG’s Cross Border Transferability (XBT) Handbook.
- Advised a drones delivery operator on aviation regulatory matters concerning foreign investment.
Canada > Cannabis Tier 2
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s multidisciplinary cannabis practice covers a broad range of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, with significant expertise in cross-border matters. Montreal-based corporate and commercial partner Tricia Kuhl co-heads the national group and recently advised Aphelion Real Estate on its C$11.5m acquisition of the shares and debt of 10252832 Canada (a subsidiary of Canopy Growth). Vancouver-based department co-head Kathleen Keilty is also noted for her experience in representing cannabis companies and investors on M&A and corporate finance transactions. Montreal-based associate Renée Tousignant provides support on IP, corporate, and commercial law issues.Practice head(s):
Tricia Kuhl; Kathleen Keilty
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Rose Lifescience
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Globe-Cann. Worldwide Cannabis Consultants
Aphelion Real Estate (LB Becker Consulting)
Flower One Restructuring
Willow Biosciences
RIV Capital
Canadian Securities Exchange
L5 Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Flower One Holdings, FO Labour Management and Flower One Corp on all aspects of the restructuring of Flower One.
- Advised RIV Capital on the Canadian corporate, securities and tax aspects of its acquisition of Etain.
- Provided commercial law advice to Rose Lifescience in connection with cannabis distribution, marketing and sale.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 2
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s Quebec team is well-versed in supporting automotive, banking, construction, energy, healthcare, financial services, retail and tech-sector clients involved in disputes. Practice head Francis Rouleau‘s broad litigation practice covers product liability, contract law, corporate litigation and shareholder disputes, securities, construction and real estate. Additional key contacts include litigator Claude Marseille, who has focused his practice on class actions, product liability, construction law and shareholder remedies; Simon Seida, who advises corporations and high-profile individuals on regulatory and securities matters; restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator Matthew Liben; and Ariane Bisaillon, who brings strength to advising clients in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and transport. Former Woods LLP managing partner Caroline Biron joined the firm in August 2023.Practice head(s):
Francis Rouleau
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bell Canada
Le Groupe Jean Coutu (PJC)
Kraft Heinz Canada
Sonder Canada
Air Canada
Sanimax
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Agiliti Health
SNC-Lavalin Group
Elad Canada
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel for defendant Air Canada in a class action lawsuit against Air Canada on behalf of all Québec consumers who purchased airline tickets through Air Canada’s online ticket purchasing platform in 2010-2012.
- Acted for Bell Canada in injunctive proceedings calling on Québecor to restore the broadcast signal that Groupe TVA unlawfully interrupted during the Stanley Cup playoffs; this was the first instance in Canada of a competitor interrupting a broadcast signal, in this case affecting more than 425,000 subscribers.
- Acted as counsel for Sanimax in a nuisance class action alleging that Sanimax is responsible for damages caused to residents in Montreal, Ste-Hyacinthe and Lévis due to odour, waste, and polluted gases allegedly emitted by their meat rendering plants in these municipalities.
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 2
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP harnesses the bench strength of national offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa, and abroad in London and New York, to advise junior, major and intermediate mining companies (including BHP and Teck Resources) and financial institutions involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional M&A and corporate finance matters. In addition, the practice assists with streaming transactions, post-restructuring, ESG and emerging technologies. The group is led by M&A expert John Wilkin in Toronto, who advises on securities law finance and corporate governance. Other key individuals include practice area authority Bob Wooder in Vancouver, who recently advised Sabina Gold & Silver, on its C$1.1bn sale to B2Gold; Charles Kazaz in Montreal, who specializes in mine acquisition and divestitures, mining agreements with First Nations, mine reclamations and closure issues; and Kathleen Keilty in Vancouver, who advises issuers and underwriters on public offerings, private placements and equity and debt securities related to mining M&A transactions.Practice head(s):
John Wilkin
Other key lawyers:
Bob Wooder; Charles Kazaz; Kathleen Keilty; Trish Robertson; Susan Tomaine; Sam Adkins
Key clients
Atlantic Minerals Limited
Barrick Gold Corporation
BHP
Corvus Gold Inc.
Ero Copper Corp.
First Quantum Minerals
GCM Mining Corp.
Orca Gold Inc.
Pretium Resources Inc.
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.
Seabridge Gold Inc.
Teck Resources Ltd.
Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp.
Turquoise Hill Resources
Work highlights
- Advised Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. on its C$1.1bn sale to B2Gold Corp.
- Advised Maverix Metals Inc. on its $606m acquisition by Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp.
- Advised Canaccord Genuity Corp, in relation to a syndicate of underwriters on the C$150m initial public offering of common shares of Lithium Royalty Corp.
Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 2
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s power practice has a strong orientation towards projects and transactional mandates, including M&A, joint ventures and financings. Toronto-based department co-head Vivian Kung is particularly sought after for her broad industry focus, which spans projects, finance, corporate and procurement-related issues. The group additionally benefits from the transactional experience of Keith Byblow, who heads the corporate and commercial group in Calgary; Scott Clarke, also based in Calgary; Montreal-based project finance specialist Sébastien Vilder; and Calgary-based up-and-coming energy partner Ky Kvisle. The team is also increasingly involved in standalone regulatory matters, with Calgary-based regulatory and environmental law expert Terri-Lee Oleniuk a key contact in this sphere.Practice head(s):
Scott Clarke; Vivian Kung; Sébastien Vilder
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Suncor Energy
Green Impact Partners
Capstone Infrastructure Corporation
Capstone Power Corporation
Elemental Energy
KFW Ipex-Bank
RES Forty Mile Wind
Nutrien
Work highlights
- Advised Suncor Energy on the disposition of its entire portfolio of wind and solar assets to Canada Utilities, valued at C$730m.
- Advised Green Impact Partners (GIP) and Amber Infrastructure on a strategic partnering agreement, whereby Amber agreed to purchase 50% of the equity in GIP’s Future Energy Park and Iowa Renewable Natural Gas projects, valued at up to C$485m.
- Advised Capstone Infrastructure Corporation on its acquisition from NaturEner USA of NaturEner Wild Rose 2 Energy, to indirectly acquire an in-development 217.6 MW renewable power generation project.
Canada > Construction Tier 3
The construction dispute specialists at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP bring expertise to representing domestic and multinational developers, owners, contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, lenders and insurers, involved in complex, high-value litigation and arbitration. The firm displays particular strength in the energy, transport, government, real estate and infrastructure sectors. The practice is led by David Tupper in Toronto, whose experience includes appearing before the courts of Alberta (at all levels) and in the Federal Court of Appeal. Other key figures include seasoned arbitrators Laura Cundari in Vancouver and Matthew Liben in Montréal, and Alyssa Duke in Calgary, who focuses on multi-party commercial disputes involving such matters as contractor delays, failure to properly maintain facilities, deficient work and construction product liability issues.Practice head(s):
David Tupper
Other key lawyers:
Laura Cundari; Matthew Liben; Alyssa Duke; Joe McArthur
Key clients
City of Calgary
Air Liquide
Elad Canada Inc.
The City of Edmonton
Boardwalk
Kinder Morgan/Pembina Pipelines
Work highlights
- Advised the City of Calgary on the development of a light rail transit line, assisting internal counsel with delivery methodology options, procurement strategies and the drafting of procurement and construction contracts.
- Representing Air Liquide, a producer of EPA Protocol Gas, in a C$550m lawsuit brought by Canadian Natural Resources, an oil and natural gas company.
- Representing the City of Edmonton in an arbitration case against IBI Group Architects for alleged design and construction deficiencies with respect to the Edmonton Police Services Campus building.
Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP's practice regularly advises clients in the telecoms, banking, oil and gas and retail segments on labour and employment aspects of M&A and corporate reorganizations, in addition to handling cross-border employment issues and related litigation. Practice head Andrea York leads from Toronto, where key partner Holly Reid (harassment and misconduct allegations) is also based. In Calgary, Birch Miller supports oil and gas clients with advisory work and civil and administrative litigation.Practice head(s):
Andrea York
Key clients
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
IGM Financial
Nestlé Canada
Omnicom Canada
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Royal Bank of Canada
Spence Diamonds
Strathcona Resources
Sycamore Partners Management
Suncor Energy
Work highlights
- Advised the Royal Bank of Canada on the employment and labour aspects relating to its acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Omnicom Canada on workplace law matters including employment-related claims, applications and complaints.
- Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on the employment and labour aspects of its joint venture with KKR & Co.
Canada > Telecoms Tier 3
The group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP advises a range of companies on telecommunications, broadcasting and radio communication compliance matters. Additional skill lies in disputes, hearings, regulatory enforcement actions and public consultation processes. Montreal-based Sunny Handa steers the practice and is well-versed in M&A, telecommunications and broadcasting matters. Also in Montreal, younger partner Céline Poitras assists corporations with their Canadian regulatory obligations.Practice head(s):
Sunny Handa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Affinity Network
Aryaka Networks
Bell Canada
Cisco Systems Canada
Equinix
GHGSat
Global Voice & Data
Inmarsat PLC
Pelion IoT (formerly ARM Limited)
SES
Work highlights
- Advised SES in connection with its Canadian operations and strategic approach in addressing the upcoming reallocation and clearing of C-band spectrum to support the deployment of 5G services in Canada.
- Advised GHGSat, a Montreal-based satellite company that monitors high-resolution greenhouse gas, in its $45m Series B funding round.
- Advised Inmarsat, a global player in the satellite communications space, in connection with its compliance with the Canadian telecommunications and radiocommunication regulatory regimes.
Canada > Intellectual property Tier 4
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s team continues to gain ground in the IP space. In particular, it is increasingly active on the contentious front under IP litigation practice head Andrew Skodyn, who frequently leads patent cases for clients such as Janssen and Actelion Pharmaceuticals. Chris Hunter spearheads the overarching IP practice and advises on IP strategy, acquisition, enforcement and exploitation, including patents, trademarks and copyrights; he also acts on the IP aspects of large transactions. Former team co-lead Melanie Baird left the firm in April 2024.Practice head(s):
Chris Hunter; Andrew Skodyn
Other key lawyers:
Sean Jackson
Key clients
Danaher Corporation
iGaming Ontario
Janssen
Knix Wear
McCain Foods
Medexus Pharmaceuticals
Mill Street Brewery
Pretium Resources
Royal Bank of Canada
Sycamore Partners Management
Work highlights
- Advised Danaher Corporation on its acquisition of Tilia Labs, a Canadian-based imposition AI software company.
- Acted for Mill Street Brewery (owned by Labatt) in a passing off, trademark infringement, copyright infringement and competition claim brought by Canadian band, The Tragically Hip.
- Advised Knix Wear on the $313m sale of an 80% interest in Knix to Essity.
Canada > International trade Tier 4
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s multidisciplinary trade team is particularly active in advising on customs law, economic sanctions, export controls, government contracting and trade policy-related matters. Less frequently, it also handles trade-related contentious work, including investment arbitrations as well as antidumping, procurement, and other disputes before the CITT. The department is led jointly by Toronto-based tax specialist Zvi Halpern-Shavim, who is noted for customs and import controls, together with Vancouver-based litigator Roy Millen, whose broad practice takes in commercial litigation and international trade.Practice head(s):
Zvi Halpern-Shavim; Roy Millen
Key clients
Capstone Infrastructure
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Work highlights
- Representing several subsidiaries for Capstone Infrastructure in the CITT antidumping investigation into wind towers from China.
- Advising law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, on potential extradition of non-Canadian directors resulting from overseas corporate operations.
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- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Competition and antitrust
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution: Alberta
- Dispute resolution: British Columbia
- Dispute resolution: Ontario
- Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Environment
- Indigenous law
- Infrastructure projects
- Insurance
- International expertise
- Pensions
- Public procurement
- Real estate
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax
- Technology
- Transport > Aviation