Bennett Jones LLP > Calgary, Canada > Firm Profile

Bennett Jones LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Canada > Cannabis Tier 1

Bennett Jones LLP had a hand in many of the largest cannabis deals to hit the market over the past year. In a highlight example, go-to cannabis transactional specialist Aaron Sonshine advised Cresco Labs on its $2bn acquisition of Columbia Care, which made Cresco the largest cannabis producer and retailer in the US at the time of the transaction. Toronto-based Sonshine co-heads the practice together with firm vice chair and Toronto managing partner Dominique Hussey, who specializes in advising cannabis clients on IP and regulatory matters; she notably provides ongoing regulatory advice to Canopy Growth. Other key contacts include corporate finance specialist Angela Blake, who splits her time between Toronto and Vancouver; Toronto’s Kim Lawton, who is well versed in cannabis-related capital markets and securities issues; and Toronto-based IP and life sciences partner Melissa Dimilta.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 1

The Alberta group at Bennett Jones LLP demonstrates strength in commercial litigation involving the mining, oil and gas, construction and tech sectors, and has experience representing individuals and multinational companies in all levels of the Canadian courts. In addition, the team’s corporate litigation expertise covers shareholder disputes, post-M&A litigation, securities litigation and breach of contract. Christine Plante heads up the department; additional key partners include Blair Yorke-Slader KC, whose workload includes contract, shareholder, securities and trust disputes; and Munaf Mohamed KC, who specializes in financial crimes matters and also has broad arbitration experience. Michael Mysak‘s work has an emphasis on fraud litigation, securities litigation and shareholder disputes; Laura Gill is active on energy and corporate disputes, including indemnity claims and joint ventures.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1

Energy powerhouse Bennett Jones LLP is widely recognized as a leader in the oil and gas space, where it routinely represents key industry stakeholders (both private and public sector participants) on the full life cycle of matters. Fielding a deep bench of specialists, including regulatory, environmental law and transactional-focused experts, the Calgary-based group brings to bear deep expertise in each of the upstream, midstream and downstream spheres. Firm vice chair and Calgary managing partner Patrick Maguire remains a go-to name for commercial matters and recently represented Canada Oil Sands Co on the sale of its equity interest in Japan Canada Oil Sands to a special purpose acquisition vehicle owned by Greenfire Acquisition Corporation. Other recommended transactional names include up-and-coming partner Luke Morrison and practice co-head Ashley White. On the regulatory side, department co-head Shawn Munro is highly regarded. Additional regulatory specialists include Lawrence Smith KC, Brad Gilmour and Martin Ignasiak, who recently joined from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Vivek Warrier recently left for Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Canada > Environment Tier 1

Bennett Jones LLP’s comprehensive environmental law practice is distinguished by its broad practice scope, with strong skill sets in project development, operational matters, transactional support and litigation. Leveraging the wider firm’s premier oil and gas practice, the group is particularly recognized for its experience in energy and natural resources-related work but it also handles matters in the real estate, infrastructure, food processing and manufacturing spheres, among others. Go-to Toronto-based specialist Leonard Griffiths co-heads the national department alongside Vancouver managing partner Radha Curpen. The deep bench also draws on Calgary-based regulatory lead Brad Gilmour; Toronto-based climate change co-head Sarah Gilbert, whose practice spans a mix of environmental, and health and safety issues; and Calgary-based energy regulatory specialist Martin Ignasiak, who recently joined the team from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Transport > Aviation Tier 1

Bennett Jones LLP houses a strong practice that is well-versed in corporate financing, aircraft financing, leasing, acquisition, debt restructuring, compliance issues, litigation and regulatory matters. The group is routinely instructed by major airlines, aircraft operators and aircraft manufacturers for advice on purchase and sale agreements with manufacturers and for used aircraft. Aircraft leasing companies and financiers seek out the team for assistance with lease structures, aircraft purchase, lease novations, aircraft financing and aircraft security issues. The team also demonstrates adept handling of contentious matters, and has experience representing clients in litigation relating to maintenance standards and aircraft crashes. Calgary-based Patrick Brennan steers the practice and focuses on aircraft acquisition, dispositions and financings. Also stationed in Calgary, key partner Noriko Shimura majors on aircraft leasing and financing transactions.

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

The practice at Bennett Jones LLP demonstrates skill in both merger review and competition litigation. The group is co-directed by Washington, D.C.-based former Commissioner of Competition Melanie Aitken, who specializes in litigation, and global antitrust and competition law. Alongside her, noted litigator Randal Hughes co-leads from Toronto. Additional key partner-level names to note include Adam Kalbfleisch, who is experienced in foreign investment review and regulatory matters; and litigator Emrys Davis, who has focused his practice on criminal and civil investigations, in addition to class action defence.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Bennett Jones LLP leverages the deep bench strength of offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and New York, to advise domestic and multinational corporates and financial institutions on high-value, cross-border M&A, corporate financings, divestitures, take-over bids, restructurings and leveraged buyouts. M&A practice vice chair Curtis Cusinato brings over 25 years of experience to assisting public and private companies and private equity groups at the Toronto office, alongside corporate finance and securities expert Linda Misetich-Dann and Kris Hanc, who advises on public offerings, proxy contests and special committee processes to clients in such sectors as utilities and cannabis. Private equity practice head John Mercury specializes in the energy, financial services, consumer products and manufacturing spaces in Calgary, where Brent Kraus handles M&A and corporate governance matters across the oil and gas, natural resources and transport industries. Other key figures include Patrick Maguire KC, who manages major purchase and sales transactions in the energy sector, and seasoned senior partner Perry Spitznagel KC in Calgary; and Christian Gauthier, who started the firm’s Vancouver office.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 2

The Ontario team at Bennett Jones LLP is known for its handling of cross-border restructuring, fraud, class actions, insolvency, energy, mining, technology and M&A disputes. Practice head Richard Swan specializes in complex commercial litigation and arbitration matters and has experience representing clients before all levels of the Ontario and Federal Courts. Additional key department figures include Robert Staley, who handles commercial and securities litigation, securities regulation and class actions; and commercial litigation and class proceedings specialist Michael Eizenga, who takes care of product liability and class action matters. Other key names include Cheryl Woodin and Jeffrey Leon KC.

Energy and natural resources > Mining

Bennett Jones LLP leverages the deep bench strength of its locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and New York, to advise issuers, underwriters, agents and multinational mining companies involved in multi-jurisdictional, high-value M&A transactions, in addition to complex matters related to project finance, capital markets, construction, securities and the environment. Mining industry expert Sander Grieve leads the team, assisting with high-value M&A and matters involving global mining exploration, development and extraction. Other key figures include Abbas Ali Khan, a specialist in securities and corporate commercial law, who works in the Vancouver and Toronto offices; Linda Misetich Dann, who negotiates and structures asset and share acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and corporate reorganizations; and Andrew Disipio, who advises public companies on corporate and securities law obligations. Osie Ukwuoma was promoted to partner in March 2023. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 2

Historically better known for its oil and gas practice, Bennett Jones LLP additionally possesses a prominent power offering, which is particularly active in renewable energy and energy transition-related matters. The Calgary-based group enjoys a strong relationship with local energy heavyweight ATCO, with power and renewables lead David Macaulay recently advising ATCO entity Yukon Electrical Company on multiple matters involving Indigenous renewable project development. Other key contacts include transactional partner Thomas McInerney, who has a focus on power, climate change and emissions trading; and energy regulation head Martin Ignasiak, who recently arrived from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Deirdre Sheehan departed in February 2023.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 2

Historically best known for its record in energy-related infrastructure, Bennett Jones LLP continues to expand its projects reach. Most notably, Vancouver-based construction and infrastructure specialist David Little teamed up with Vancouver’s Charlene Hiller to advise the BC government, through Transportation Investment Corporation, on a new eight-lane immersed tube tunnel that will replace the existing George Massey Tunnel. Other infrastructure industry sweet spots include healthcare, transport and social infrastructure. Calgary-based Jason Roth anchors the group and specializes in representing owners, developers and contractors on infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy, natural resources, and agriculture spheres.

Canada > International trade Tier 2

Demonstrating robust activity in trade remedy cases, Bennett Jones LLP’s full-service international trade and investment group is also well positioned to advise on treaty disputes, economic sanctions and trade controls, customs issues and anti-corruption law. Led in Toronto by veteran trade specialist Darrel Pearson, who has notably acted on more than 200 trade remedy matters, the team also includes talented up-and-coming Toronto-based partners George Reid and Sabrina Bandali, who are establishing broad trade and investment practices. Toronto-based Jessica Horwitz is also recommended. Senior counsel Valerie Hughes left to go freelance in July 2023. Alison FitzGerald, who co-headed the team at Norton Rose Fulbright, joined in October 2023, and specializes in international arbitration.

Canada > Real estate Tier 2

Bennett Jones LLP combines the deep bench strength of offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and New York to advise a broad client roster of developers, investors, portfolio managers, landlords, tenants, retailers, financial institutions and municipal districts, on a comprehensive range of matters across the practice space. They range from joint venture development and purchases, financings and leasings to asset transactions and M&A. In addition, the team assists with the real estate and construction aspects of energy and infrastructure projects. The practice is led by Jane Helmstadter in Toronto, who brings expertise to transactions involving office, retail and industrial property, multi-family residential developments and renewable energy projects; Alixe Cameron in Calgary, who assists clients with the development of bareland and conventional condominium projects; and Mark Lewis in Vancouver, who specializes in senior housing transactions, rail and aviation transportation-related transactions, as well as work in the forestry, pulp, energy and mining sectors. In Toronto, Simon Crawford draws on extensive experience to advise on private equity matters, fund formation, joint ventures, income trusts and the purchase and sale of real estate assets and real estate companies; and John van Gent acts for both landlords and tenants on commercial leasing, sub-leasing and land leasing arrangements. Other key figures include Paul Mantini (also in Toronto) who displays excellence in lending and project finance matters, and Larry Sandrin in Vancouver, who brings over 40 years in the practice area to manage complex, government-funded infrastructure projects.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

The group at Bennett Jones LLP advises clients on the gamut of restructuring and insolvency matters, regularly acting on behalf of creditors, debtors, and court-appointed monitors. Working closely with colleagues in the firm’s litigation, corporate and M&A practices, the lawyers demonstrate sectoral expertise in energy, oil and gas, healthcare, construction and cannabis. The practice is led by Toronto-based Kevin Zych, who majors on private loan workouts and judicially supervised restructurings under the CCAA. Partner Sean Zweig and Kelsey Meyer additional key contacts. Ex-practice head Christopher Simard was appointed a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, effective June 2023.

Canada > Tax Tier 2

Bennett Jones LLP‘s practice offers tax planning advice, as well as transactional and tax controversy support. Non-contentious strengths include advising on tax aspects of M&A, divestitures and other business ventures, while on the contentious side, the group regularly represent clients in negotiations with the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial tax authorities, and in tax appeals. The practice is co-led by Toronto-based contentious and non-contentious practitioner Thomas Bauer, and Calgary-based tax planning specialist Anu Nijhawan. Alongside them, on the contentious side, tax litigation head Edwin Kroft KC works from both the Vancouver and Toronto offices; Calgary-based Jehad Haymour completes the leadership team. Also in Calgary, partner Darcy Moch is noted for his international tax planning expertise.

Canada > Banking and finance

Predominantly active on behalf of corporate borrowers, Bennett Jones LLP also advises lenders on finance transactions, including alternative lenders such as private equity clients and hedge fund debt investors. In Toronto, Mark Rasile is recognized for his experience in advising borrowers and lenders on a mix of syndicated loans, acquisition finance and restructuring transactions, among other matters. The Toronto team also includes regulatory specialist John Teolis; up-and-coming transactional partner David Rotchtin; and banking and secured transactions co-head Simon Grant. In Calgary, department co-head Karen Dawson and high-profile aviation finance expert Patrick Brennan are recommended. Former group co-head Steve Lutz left the firm in September 2022.

Canada > Capital markets Tier 3

Bennett Jones LLP is predominantly active on behalf of issuers, with a focus on the energy, natural resources and cannabis spheres. The group routinely handles debt and equity matters and had a role in one of 2023’s rare IPOs, where it advised a portfolio company of Riverstone Holdings, as principal shareholder, on Lithium Royalty Corp’s C$150m IPO — Calgary-based John Lawless paired up with the New York office to lead that work. Calgary-based John Piasta and Toronto’s Kristopher Hanc co-head a group that also includes corporate co-head Brent Kraus (Calgary); and corporate and securities partner Harinder Basra (Calgary).

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 3

The group at Bennett Jones LLP is experienced in assisting clients with the negotiation of agreements with Indigenous groups relating to communications, capacity funding, benefits sharing and joint economic ventures. The team has additional expertise in dispute resolution work and advising communities on matters relating to governance and Aboriginal rights. Partners Sharon Singh and David Bursey co-lead the practice from Vancouver; ex-practice head Deirdre Sheehan left the firm in February 2023. Partner Radha Curpen is another name of note.

Canada > Intellectual property Tier 3

Bennett Jones LLP’s oil and gas offering is reflected in its patent practice, where it maintains a dominant position in oilfield-related issues. The group additionally boosted its profile in the agriculture and TMT areas with the recent hires of food and agriculture-focused IP partner Lorelei Graham and Fred Barbieri, who specializes in IP prosecution — the duo arrive from Norton Rose Fulbright in Toronto and Ottawa respectively. Dominique Hussey spearheads the IP litigation practice and is highly regarded for life sciences disputes and energy-related patent and trademark litigation. Stephen Burns focuses on the IP aspects of energy and infrastructure projects and transactions.

Canada > International expertise Tier 3

Among Bennett Jones LLP’s international strong suits, the firm is arguably best known for its signature oil and gas expertise and its broad regulatory offering. In terms of its capability in the latter sphere, it is particularly well placed to handle multi-jurisdictional competition issues, and trade and investment matters, where it can utilize its prominent domestic groups as well as its Washington DC-based team. Notably, former Competition Commissioner Melanie Aitken sits in DC and is sought after for her competition and foreign investment expertise. The group also maintains a New York office, which is steered by corporate and securities partner Gordon Cameron.

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3

Bennett Jones LLP‘s labour and employment group is well-equipped to handle both contentious and contentious matters. Litigation and arbitration matters make up the team’s contentious caseload; on the advisory front, it frequently counsels clients in the oil and gas, logistics and finance segments on labour and employment matters arising from mergers, acquisitions, takeovers and reorganizations. Calgary-based John Gilmore heads up the department and focuses on wrongful dismissal claims, M&A, arbitration and litigation. Also in Calgary, Christine Plante is active on human resources matters. Edmonton-based partner Laura Inglis and the Toronto-based Susan Seller are also noted.

Canada > Pensions Tier 3

The pension and benefits group at Bennett Jones LLP works under the umbrella of the firm’s broader employment practice. The team regularly assists clients with M&A and financing transactions and provides pension governance counsel to companies and their boards of directors on plan administration and pension fund investment. The practice is co-led from Toronto by Susan Seller, knowledgeable on executive compensation matters, pension asset transfers and surplus payments; and Jordan Fremont, who advises on pension, benefits and compensation plan design.

Canada > Technology Tier 3

Canada > Construction Tier 4

Bennett Jones LLP employs a strong national presence to advise major project owners (private and public) on matters ranging from high-stakes litigation and arbitration, project governance and risk mitigation to front end engineering and standard form procurement. The team is headed in Calgary by contract negotiation expert Jason Roth, who brings strength to assisting with domestic and international infrastructure, agriculture, mining, LNG, renewables, refineries and pipeline projects. Other key figures include seasoned litigator, mediator and arbitrator Brian Reid in Calgary and major infrastructure project specialist Geoffrey Stenger, who operates in both Calgary and Toronto. Partner John Craig KC departed in December 2022.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 4

Bennett Jones LLP's British Columbia practice is regularly sought out by clients in the real estate, construction, pharmaceutical, transport, oil and gas, retail and hospitality segments for its assistance with the resolution of disputes. The group works closely with the firm’s other offices on multi-province class actions and securities litigation. Practice head David Gruber specializes in corporate and commercial litigation and shareholder disputes, while partner Melanie Teetaert majors on energy, commercial and construction litigation, as well as commercial arbitration.