Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Toronto, Canada > Firm Profile

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Canada > Banking and finance Tier 1

Combining standalone offerings in both banking regulation and financial transactions, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP fields one of the broadest financial services practices in the market. Through its well-staffed platforms in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver, the team enjoys close relationships with major Canadian banks, and its New York and London offices also mark it as a popular choice to advise multinational financial institutions. On the regulatory side, national financial services head Paul Belanger is widely regarded as a market leader; in a notable pathfinder mandate, he advised Definity Financial (formerly Economical Mutual Insurance Company) on the first property and casualty demutualization in Canada. Jacqueline Shinfield and up-and-coming partner Bonny Murray are also key contacts for regulatory work. On the transactional front, Michael Matheson represents financial institutions and alternative lenders on many of Canada’s largest financings; he recently advised BMO, and a syndicate of lenders, on providing $1.4bn of credit facilities to support Brookfield Infrastructure’s C$8bn acquisition of Inter Pipeline. Other senior names include Calgary-based Michael McIntosh KC, who specializes in energy-related financings; Simon Finch, who routinely acts for both lenders and corporate borrowers; and seasoned finance expert Michael Harquail. The group also leans on Calgary-based next-generation partner Nick Tropak and counsel Mena Bellofiore, whose practice is dedicated to regulatory compliance. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.

Canada > Capital markets Tier 1

A go-to practice for both equity and debt deals, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP ranks among Canada’s most active capital markets groups. The firm’s top-tier banking practice combines with its formidable corporate offering to ensure that it is a popular choice to advise the full range of underwriters, issuers and selling shareholders, while its transactional firepower gives it a prominent platform for large-scale, event-driven offerings. In a highlight example of the latter, Toronto-based Catherine Youdan advised Definity Financial Corporation on its C$1.6bn IPO and C$800m concurrent private placements related to the demutualization of Economical Mutual Insurance Company. On the debt side, Calgary-based Jeff Bakker acted for TC Energy Corporation on its $2.2bn debt offering. Toronto-based group head Eric Moncik steers a national team that also includes corporate finance heavyweight Tim Andison, securities, M&A and corporate governance specialist Jeffrey Lloyd and Chris Hewat, who focuses on securities, M&A and private equity, all of whom are based in Toronto. Ross Bentley, who splits his time between Calgary and London, and Montreal-based Pascal de Guise are also noted.

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s team handles both contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Navin Joneja and Julie Soloway are often involved in competition law and policy issues. Joneja’s position as immediate past-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Competition Law Section, the leading advocacy organisation for Canadian competition lawyers, enables him to give clients seamless advice and insight. Soloway also acquires extensive expertise having served over 11 years on the American Bar Association Section of Antritrust Law; the pair co-lead the practice from Toronto. The team is also acclaimed for its litigation expertise and often oversees abuse of dominance cases, as well advertising cases and contentious mergers. Mention is also given to Brian Facey, Randall Hofley, Robert Kwinter and Cassandra Brown for their collective expertise in mergers, litigation and foreign investment. The team welcomed Elder Marques from the Government of Canada while David Dueck and Julia Potter were promoted to partner in January 2022.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP leverages a broad national footprint, in addition to overseas office in London and New York, to support on a variety of public and private M&A matters, both domestic and multinational. Calgary lawyer Ross Bentley has transacted some of the largest capital market transactions and M&A deals over recent years, many of which are valued in the multi-billions, meanwhile, at the Toronto office, practice co-head David Kruse serves as a leading authority on all-manner of matters within the automotive sector. Based alongside him is Michael Gans, a go-to for both middle market and industry redefining deals, as well as Jeffrey Lloyd who supplements his dealmaking prowess with knowledge of corporate governance, shareholder activism and securities law. At the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Linda Tu is a high-flyer, active on M&A, public and private offering transactions, disclosure requirements and corporate finance. The workload covers a far-reaching range of sectors including financial services, health and pharmaceuticals, insurance, food and beverage, gaming, power and automotive, among many others.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1

National powerhouse Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP fields a standalone oil and gas practice, which provides full-service advice to domestic and global energy companies. A top choice for transformational M&A and corporate finance matters, the group also brings to bear strong expertise in project development, operational issues and regulatory work. Transactional partners Keith Byblow and Christine Milliken jointly lead the team, with Calgary managing partner Ben Rogers providing core support. Talented next-generation partner Chris Harris is also a key contact for energy deals and recently advised Shell Canada Energy on the C$900m sale of its Duvernay shale light oil assets to Crescent Point Energy. The group’s regulatory capability is equally extensive, with senior partner Lars Olthafer particularly sought after for his experience in regulatory approvals processes connected to large-scale LNG projects. Terri-Lee Oleniuk and Katie Slipp also specialize in regulatory work, while Mungo Hardwicke-Brown has broad transactional experience. All named attorneys are based in Calgary.

Canada > Environment Tier 1

With environmental experts residing across its Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary offices, the team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP provides clients a seamless coast-to-coast service; its vast environmental knowledge extends into risk assessments, audits and project approvals and the team is well-equipped to oversee complex business transactions, property acquisitions and financings. Aside from its non-contentious expertise, the practice is also well known for its litigation capabilities, having represented clients before all levels of Canadian courts and tribunals concerning varying environmental disputes. Toronto-based Jonathan Kahn heads the practice and his focus lies within environmental regulation and management, corporate compliance and due diligence. Charles Kazaz, who splits his time between the Toronto and Montreal office, is recognized for his mining, industrial and waste management knowledge. Tony Crossman oversees the Vancouver natural resources and environmental team which handles all regulatory, compliance and litigation matters. Calgary-based Terri-Lee Oleniuk is noted for her wealth of knowledge on project-related environmental matters while Lana Finney, a new name at the Toronto office, is a leading practitioner for a wealth of matters, including the environmental issues arising from transactions.  

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s team has an extensive understanding of Aboriginal law with its expertise is sought by Fist Nation governing bodies, First Nation-owned businesses and non-profits, natural resource entities and developers of pipelines. Aboriginal consultation, taxation issues, commercial ventures, industrial and infrastructure project initiation and project financing are some of the many matters the experienced team oversees. The Vancouver-based group is well-positioned to advise over the full spectrum of Indigenous-related matters across all provinces, and this extends to contentious work. Leading the team is Roy Millen who is equipped to handle the most sensitive of disputes, having represented clients in the natural resource and energy project space before the courts. Sam Adkins expertise includes advising on aboriginal negotiations for large-scale LNG projects.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 1

Routinely retained by public and private sector clients, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s infrastructure team is active nationally from its well-staffed platforms in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Equally adept at procurement, project development, infrastructure investment and financing matters, the team is frequently involved in Canada’s most innovative projects. Among its recent private sector-side highlights in Toronto, Catherine Doyle paired up with Mark Johnson to represent Harbour City Resources as the successful proponent in the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Organics Management Infrastructure and Long-Term Operating Contract PPP. On the public sector side, Toronto-based procurement specialist Marianne Smith advised the City of Toronto on the rehabilitation of the FG Gardiner Expressway. Other senior names include Vancouver-based Jeffrey Merrick, who anchors the practice and combines infrastructure and real estate expertise; Toronto-based Judy Wilson, who specializes in procurement and infrastructure development; and Montreal-based infrastructure specialist Alain Massicotte.

Canada > Insurance Tier 1

Widely recognized as a market leader for insurance work, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its record in cutting-edge mandates. In a recent example, Toronto-based financial services lead Paul Belanger advised Definity Financial (formerly, Economical Mutual Insurance Company) on the first property and casualty demutualization in Canada, which involved the establishment of a new legal framework and a C$1.6bn IPO. Alongside its transactional and regulatory expertise, the group also houses strong contentious capability. Calgary-based litigator David Tupper frequently handles complex insurance litigation and is representing a nuclear power mutual insurance company on a C$50m reinsurance dispute. Up-and-coming Montreal-based litigator Matthew Liben also has an emphasis on insurance and reinsurance disputes. Other key contacts include Jake Gilbert and Bonny Murray, who are noted for transactional and regulatory insurance matters respectively, both are in Toronto.

Canada > International expertise Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s international expertise is reflected throughout its service offering, with the firm’s cross-border work spanning energy and natural resources, TMT, financial services and life sciences, among other industries. A popular choice for both domestic and foreign corporations and banks, the firm leverages its platforms in New York and London to provide assistance with major inbound and outbound deals involving Canadian law. Geoffrey Belsher, chair elect of the firm, splits his practice between New York and Toronto and is sought after for his cross-border M&A and corporate finance expertise; he recently advised US-based Penn National Gaming on its $2bn acquisition of Canada’s Score Media and Gaming. Ross Bentley, who works between London and Calgary, is also recommended.

Canada > Pensions Tier 1

With offices spanning across Canada, the team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is entrusted by an array of clients to oversee the full spectrum of pensions matters. Canadian governments often instruct the team to advise on jointly sponsored pension plans. The group also excels in its oversight of national plans, pensions and employee benefit schemes and executive compensation issues. Kathryn Bush and Jeffrey Sommers head the practice from Toronto. Bush’s specialisms include structuring pension plans and advising on benefit and executive compensation agreements and investments, whereas Sommers has over 25 years’ worth of experience handing taxation, funding, and group benefit plans. Natalie Bussière supports the team with her extensive employment and pension knowledge. Jeremy Forgie is noted for his pension fund investment expertise, while Sean Maxwell has a breadth of knowledge on deferred compensation plans. Lindsay McLeod‘s expertise extends into pension investment matters, with particular focus on related ESG issues. Mention is also given to Adam Ngan for his knowledge on employee benefit schemes in the context of corporate transactions. Philipp Knoll joined the team from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

Canada > Public procurement Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP fields a dedicated procurement team which caters to clients from both the public and private sectors, including those at federal, provincial and municipal levels. Expertise include compliance and contentious issues and also extends into the development of the procurement process and procurement documentation, specifically for bidders and stakeholders. The practice is led by Toronto based, Judy Wilson who is often sought by clients to oversee contracts which engage private sectors in traditional government service provisions. Marianne Smith‘s expertise includes advising clients on the development and preparation of public tenders and procurement processes. Alyssa Shivji often advises procurement entities and bidders on the procurement process, including fairness issues and risk management.

Canada > Real estate Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP excels in all facets of real estate, from colossal developments, leasing and cross-border investments through to REIT-related activities, financings and securitisations. The practice enjoys an in-depth knowledge of office, retail, hotel, industrial, development and leisure assets, among others, and is co-chaired from Toronto by Thomas Von Hahn, whose practice covers acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures, alongside John Hutmacher, a lawyer with a track record in significant retail, office and industrial developments; the pair are based alongside Silvana D’Alimonte, who leverages three decades worth of experience in market leading transactions, as well as Chris Huband, a key port of call for pension and mutual funds, life insurance companies and other institutional investors involved in high-value property deals. Daniel Kofman, another star name, runs a broad practice spread across leasing, development project, transactional and financing affairs.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

The nationwide practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP advises both debtors and lenders. The team is equipped to oversee restructuring and insolvency matters across an array of sectors such as energy, mining, real estate, retail and cannabis. Insolvency expert Pamela Huff heads the practice from Toronto while co-heads include Peter Rubin, Kelly Bourassa and Bernard Boucher who practice from Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal respectively. Rubin has represented clients in all levels of Court in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta, in addition to the SCC. Bourassa is acclaimed for her knowledge of restructuring matters, having acted as lead counsel to stakeholders such as Bellatrix Exploration. Bouchers is noted for his advisory to financial institutions and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings. Mention is also given to Linc Rogers whose expertise includes both domestic and cross-border insolvency matters.

Canada > Tax Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s premier tax practice is particularly recognized for its strength in cross-border transactions, complex securities matters and commodity tax. Paul Stepak leads the national team and is noted for his niche expertise in acting for foreign private equity players on the tax aspects of their Canadian investments. Mark Tonkovich spearheads the tax litigation and controversy group and routinely represents clients in proceedings against the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Department of Justice. Up-and-coming partner Jeffrey Shafer continues to handle a mix of transactional tax, litigation and transfer pricing matters; he recently led the tax advice to Penn National Gaming on its $2bn acquisition of Score Media and Gaming. Other key contacts include high-profile senior counsel Jeffrey Trossman, Zvi Halpern-Shavim, who has an emphasis on indirect tax, and Andrew Spiro, who is noted for real estate investment-related matters. All named practitioners are based in Toronto.

Canada > Technology Tier 1

The dedicated technology team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP spans across its Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary offices. Clients from all industries entrust the team to handle the full scope of technology law matters, including M&A, commercial transactions and regulatory work. Industry expertise includes defence, transportation, pharmaceutical, financial services, energy, medical devices and telecommunications. The team is also supported by specialists in IP, tax, data privacy, dispute resolution and antitrust. The practice is led by Montreal based expert, Sunny Handa whose vast expertise encompasses outsourcing, e-commerce, data protection, open-source software and licensing. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Robert Tremblay in August 2021.

Transport > Aviation Tier 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s practice focus lies within strategic aviation finance and regulatory advice. The team often advises aviation municipal corporations, manufactures, lessors and financiers, with its financing expertise including both aircraft and engine financings, aerospace M&A, satellite financing and airport and infrastructure financing. Its breadth of knowledge on the federal government’s National Airports Policy benefits clients seeking advice on the regulations affecting Canadian airports and aerodromes. The practice is solely led by Jason MacIntyre from Toronto as of January 2022; he has over 17 years’ worth of experience in aviation and is entrusted by an array of clients such as investors, lenders and manufacturers. Auriol Marasco is well-regarded for her expertise in finance structuring and aircraft regulatory matters. Aviation law expert Donald Gray has overseen more than 900 aircraft financing and refinancings.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 1

At its Toronto office, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; the former hones her focus on privacy, antitrust, product liability, consumer protection and insurance disputes, boasting an extensive track record before the SCC, while the latter is a leading name in the media/defamation space. Gordon McKee is also a standout figure within the Ontario market and possesses over three decades in class action defence litigation. The firm is likewise a major player in Alberta where the group places a wealth of emphasis on contentious oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Renee Reichelt co-heads the offering, serving as a go-to for multinational technology companies faced with class actions, meanwhile David Tupper counts securities, environmental, reinsurance losses and property matters among the keystone of his practice. Michael Dixon is the other co-lead and supplements his extensive knowledge of energy and natural resources disputes with know-how in anti-corruption and anti-bribery affairs. Over in Vancouver, Sean Boyle co-fronts the team with Joseph McArthur whose capability for mining, infrastructure, financial services and utilities proceedings renders him a household name. Roy Millen is also a figure of prominence in the local market, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters which intersect public and administrative law. The team in Montreal provides extensive healthcare, retail, consumer product, software and computer services abilities and is home to restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator, Matthew Liben.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 1

At its Toronto office, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; the former hones her focus on privacy, antitrust, product liability, consumer protection and insurance disputes, boasting an extensive track record before the SCC, while the latter is a leading name in the media/defamation space. Gordon McKee is also a standout figure within the Ontario market and possesses over three decades in class action defence litigation. The firm is likewise a major player in Alberta where the group places a wealth of emphasis on contentious oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Renee Reichelt co-heads the offering, serving as a go-to for multinational technology companies faced with class actions, meanwhile David Tupper counts securities, environmental, reinsurance losses and property matters among the keystone of his practice. Michael Dixon is the other co-lead and supplements his extensive knowledge of energy and natural resources disputes with know-how in anti-corruption and anti-bribery affairs. Over in Vancouver, Sean Boyle co-fronts the team with Joseph McArthur whose capability for mining, infrastructure, financial services and utilities proceedings renders him a household name. Roy Millen is also a figure of prominence in the local market, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters which intersect public and administrative law. The team in Montreal provides extensive healthcare, retail, consumer product, software and computer services abilities and is home to restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator, Matthew Liben.

Canada > Cannabis Tier 2

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s practice consists of a substantial team which excels across all cannabis-related matters, including financings, corporate deals, dispute resolution, insolvency and M&A. Tricia Kuhl is well-known for her handling of transactions and regulatory issues within both the medical and recreational cannabis industry; she co-leads the practice alongside Vancouver-based Kathleen Keilty who often advises public and private issuers, private equity funds and investment dealers and is acclaimed for her cannabis expertise in securities and acquisitions.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 2

Full-service powerhouse Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is equipped to advise its extensive client roster of junior, intermediate and major mining companies and financial institutions on all core areas of mining law. The firm additionally brings to bear experience in niche areas such as streaming transactions, and mining disclosure and securities law regimes. Toronto-based corporate finance and M&A partner John Wilkin oversees a department that also includes high-profile Vancouver-based mining specialist, Bob Wooder. Wooder recently advised Great Bear Resources on its C$1.8bn acquisition by Kinross Gold. Vancouver managing partner Peter O’Callaghan is recommended for his experience in mining-related corporate and finance transactions.

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 2

A key player in energy projects and transactions, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s national team is well-versed across an array of power sectors, including thermal, gas-fired and combined heat and power, nuclear and renewables. Among its recent highlights, Calgary-based Keith Byblow advised Capstone Power Corp on several acquisitions to indirectly acquire a 217.6 MW renewable power generation project. The group also leans on the transactional experience of Toronto-based infrastructure and M&A specialist. Vivian Kung, alongside Montreal managing partner Sébastien Vilder and increasingly active Calgary-based partner Ky Kvisle, whose practice spans a range of natural resources and industrial projects. Energy regulation specialist Terri-Lee Oleniuk, also based in Calgary, is also noted.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 2

At its Toronto office, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; the former hones her focus on privacy, antitrust, product liability, consumer protection and insurance disputes, boasting an extensive track record before the SCC, while the latter is a leading name in the media/defamation space. Gordon McKee is also a standout figure within the Ontario market and possesses over three decades in class action defence litigation. The firm is likewise a major player in Alberta where the group places a wealth of emphasis on contentious oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Renee Reichelt co-heads the offering, serving as a go-to for multinational technology companies faced with class actions, meanwhile David Tupper counts securities, environmental, reinsurance losses and property matters among the keystone of his practice. Michael Dixon is the other co-lead and supplements his extensive knowledge of energy and natural resources disputes with know-how in anti-corruption and anti-bribery affairs. Over in Vancouver, Sean Boyle co-fronts the team with Joseph McArthur whose capability for mining, infrastructure, financial services and utilities proceedings renders him a household name. Roy Millen is also a figure of prominence in the local market, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters which intersect public and administrative law. The team in Montreal provides extensive healthcare, retail, consumer product, software and computer services abilities and is home to restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator, Matthew Liben.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 2

At its Toronto office, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is co-led by Catherine Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer; the former hones her focus on privacy, antitrust, product liability, consumer protection and insurance disputes, boasting an extensive track record before the SCC, while the latter is a leading name in the media/defamation space. Gordon McKee is also a standout figure within the Ontario market and possesses over three decades in class action defence litigation. The firm is likewise a major player in Alberta where the group places a wealth of emphasis on contentious oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Renee Reichelt co-heads the offering, serving as a go-to for multinational technology companies faced with class actions, meanwhile David Tupper counts securities, environmental, reinsurance losses and property matters among the keystone of his practice. Michael Dixon is the other co-lead and supplements his extensive knowledge of energy and natural resources disputes with know-how in anti-corruption and anti-bribery affairs. Over in Vancouver, Sean Boyle co-fronts the team with Joseph McArthur whose capability for mining, infrastructure, financial services and utilities proceedings renders him a household name. Roy Millen is also a figure of prominence in the local market, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters which intersect public and administrative law. The team in Montreal provides extensive healthcare, retail, consumer product, software and computer services abilities and is home to restructuring, real estate, construction and reinsurance litigator, Matthew Liben.

Canada > Telecoms Tier 3

Clients across a range of industries entrust the team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP with complex telecommunications matters. Industry expertise includes technology, financial services, communications, automotive and retail, with the group also counting its in-depth knowledge of regulatory issues as a key differentiator. Sunny Handa heads the team from Montreal and has over 25 years’ worth of telecommunications and broadcasting experience.

Canada > Construction Tier 3

A team active across Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s construction litigation team represents developers, engineers, architects, building and facility owners, contractors and insurers, among others, in a broad variety of multi-party disputes. Calgary-based David Tupper has litigated throughout all levels of the Alberta courts, in addition to the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal; he co-leads the team alongside Seumas Woods, a Toronto lawyer with a track record in payment, extras, deficiencies and delay disputes. The wider team is also proficiency on front-end matters such as contractual, procurement and project financing affairs.

Canada > Intellectual property Tier 4

Adept in portfolio management, a wealth of disputes and the IP elements of corporate transactions, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s team is led from Toronto by Chris Hunter, Andrew Skodyn and Melanie Baird. Hunter runs a patent and trademark prosecution practice in addition to his brand protection and portfolio activities, whereas Skodyn is a disputes specialist with considerable knowledge of the biotech, technology and life sciences industries. Baird holds the distinction of serving as counsel in Canada’s first ever biologic patent and biosimilar patent case.

Canada > International trade Tier 4

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 4

Leveraging the firm’s top-tier corporate practice, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s group has a strong record in advising on the labour and employment aspects of major M&A and corporate transactions. The team also handles a steady stream of advisory and contentious work. Key names in Toronto include national department lead Andrea York as well as Holly Reid, both are well versed in transactional, advisory and contentious matters. In Calgary, Birch Miller is a first port of call for energy sector-based employers, while de Lobe Lederman is a talented associate.