Charles Kazaz > Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > Toronto, Canada > Lawyer Profile

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.

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.