Martin Ignasiak > Bennett Jones LLP > Calgary, Canada > Lawyer Profile

As a destination practice for oil and gas clients, Bennett Jones LLP is one of the few firms equally equipped to handle major energy transactions as well as complex regulatory matters, including industry-shaping litigation. The Calgary-based team is routinely engaged by the full spectrum of stakeholders, from emerging independent producers and operators, through to global industry players and government entities. Among its recent M&A mandates, high-profile department co-head Patrick Maguire acted alongside corporate partner Ashley White to advise Canada Oil Sands on the sale of its equity interest in Japan Canada Oil Sands, which has a 75% working interest in the Hangingstone Oil Sands Project. Luke Morrison is also a key contact for oil and gas transactions. A deep bench of regulatory specialists is anchored by department co-head Shawn Munro, who is highly regarded for environmental law. Other recommended names for regulatory work include Lawrence Smith KC, Martin Ignasiak and Sean Assié. Brad Gilmour joined Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in February 2024.

Contributing extensive experience in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, Bennett Jones LLP’s national power practice stands out for its thriving projects offering, where it is recognized for its record across the full chain of generation, transmission and distribution projects. The group also handles M&A, joint ventures and corporate finance matters on the commercial front, while its regulatory expertise covers a wide scope of energy, environmental and Indigenous law. The team is co-led out of Calgary by David Macaulay, who has an emphasis on energy transactions, and energy regulation head Martin Ignasiak.