Dentons > Montreal, Canada > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Canada > Media and entertainment Tier 1

A destination practice for media and entertainment work, Dentons is equipped to advise on the full life cycle of industry matters, from production and distribution issues, through to IP, corporate transactions and regulatory work. In Toronto, Ken Dhaliwal is highly regarded for his experience in representing major Canadian and international independent producers, broadcasters, studios and streaming platforms, among other industry participants, on corporate, finance, IP and tax law. In Vancouver, Juliet Smith supports a range of financial institutions, TV networks, Hollywood Studios and independent production companies on media and entertainment mandates. Other key contacts include senior specialists Jim Russell and David Steinberg; next-generation partner Jayme Alter; and up-and-coming counsel Bob Tarantino — all of whom operate from Toronto.

Canada > Business immigration Tier 2

Dentons's business law capabilities take in work permit applications, intra-company transfers and the preparation of employment contracts for foreign candidates. The group’s diverse client roster regularly features multinationals working in the tech, financial services, film and entertainment, oil and gas, manufacturing and professional services segments. Toronto-based Henry Chang and Vancouver-based Helen Park share leadership of the practice. Chang is well-versed in both US and Canadian immigration law, and Park has extensive experience in the gamut of work permit applications. Following the February 2024 promotion of Jonathan Mor to the partnership, Denise Alba is the key associate-level contact.

Canada > Construction Tier 2

On the non-contentious side, Dentons’ construction group is well versed in procurement, contract drafting and negotiation, contract administration and disputes avoidance. The practice additionally houses a robust contentious offering, which is equipped to handled both judicial and arbitral disputes. In Vancouver, Karen Martin KC is a go-to construction litigator; she is currently acting alongside Edmonton-based construction disputes partner, Dennis Picco KC, to represent Acciona in litigation against the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District concerning a contract for a wastewater treatment plant. Vancouver-based Jana Mansour is recommended for non-contentious work, including procurement, financing and construction matters — he co-heads the department alongside Martin. Additionally, Pierre Grenier is a key contact in Montreal, while Karen Groulx is noted in Toronto. Edmonton-based senior associate Robert Gilroy provides dedicated practice support.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

Particularly prominent in the regulatory space, Dentons’ oil and gas practice additionally houses a thriving transactional offering. The Calgary-based team is arguably best known for its expertise in the midstream sphere, where it is frequently engaged to advise domestic and multinational energy clients on pipeline-related work. The upstream sector is another key source of mandates. Transactional partner George Antonopoulos co-heads the department and recently advised Enbridge on its C$400m acquisition of the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facilities from FortisBC Holdings. Seasoned counsel Michael Hurst is also noted for energy deals. Group co-head Bernard Roth is a go-to specialist in oil and gas regulation, with Laura Estep and Dan Collins also highly regarded for regulatory work.

Canada > International trade Tier 2

Dentons’ practice demonstrates extensive experience across the full gamut of international trade matters, with strong recent showings in trade remedies, export controls and sanctions, supply chain issues and customs law compliance. Toronto-based department head Paul Lalonde is a regulatory specialist with expertise in all key pillars of international trade, government procurement and anti-corruption law. Toronto-based counsel Sean Stephenson provides dedicated practice support.

Canada > Public procurement Tier 2

The practice group at Dentons is well-placed to assist both suppliers and buyers in public procurement projects and is frequently instructed by tech, government authorities, retail and healthcare-sector clients. The department is directed by Toronto-based Paul Lalonde, who has experience representing clients in government-contracting disputes before the Federal Court of Canada and provincial tribunals. Lalonde’s expertise takes in the full procurement lifecycle, including pre-tender activities, the bidding process, contract administration, termination and related disputes. Sean Stephenson is an additional key contact for government contracting mandates.

Canada > Telecoms Tier 2

Transport > Aviation Tier 2

Canada > Cannabis Tier 3

Dentons’ full-spectrum cannabis practice encompasses a broad spread of commercial and regulatory work, with its recent experience covering M&A, securities, IP and real estate, among other areas. The wider firm’s enviable international platform is a significant draw for multinational clients and the team is routinely involved in cross-border transactions, particularly US-related matters. The department is led jointly by Toronto-based Andreas Kloppenborg and Vancouver-based Kimberly Burns, both of whom handle a mix of corporate, capital markets and M&A.

Canada > Capital markets Tier 3

The capital markets practice at Dentons’ is distinguished by its ability to lean on its generous international network for support on cross-border transactions. The team additionally stands out for its focus on debt capital markets as well as for its activity in the cannabis, tech, and energy and natural resources sectors. Calgary-based Bennett Wong fronts a national group that also includes Calgary-based corporate and securities partner William Gilliland and Ora Wexler, who leads the securities area in Toronto. In February 2024, Dan Shea moved to Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

The corporate practice at Dentons leverages the bench strength of its global network and experienced team to advise major multinationals (including Lions Gate Entertainment and Motorola Solutions) involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. With a client base spanning such segments as tech, cannabis, mining, telecoms, infrastructure, energy, biotech and entertainment, the group’s comprehensive service covers matters ranging from M&A, restructurings, proxy fights and competition and antitrust matters to joint ventures, regulated industries and transactional tax issues. The practice is led by Jason Saltzman in Toronto, who brings expertise in share purchases, take-over bids, asset purchases, exchange offers and plan of arrangements; and capital markets and corporate finance specialist Danny Wakeling in Edmonton, who was promoted to the role in July 2024. Other key figures include Alex Farcas (also in Toronto), who brings extensive M&A experience and niche expertise in the cannabis space. Other key figures include blockchain and mining specialist Kimberly Burns in Vancouver; Edmonton corporate lead Leanne Krawchuk KC; and Kelli Patel, corporate finance expert Ora Wexler and senior associate Alex Eckler in Toronto.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 3

Boasting offices in both Calgary and Edmonton, Dentons is equipped to represent clients in a range of corporate and commercial litigation matters in Alberta. The team has particular expertise in energy, white collar, financial services and competition litigation. John Cusano heads up the Calgary office, while Wendy Moody and Michael Sestito share leadership of the Edmonton office. Additional key contacts include Edmonton-based Dennis Picco KC, a specialist in construction and energy litigation; and Gordon Tarnowsky KC, who brings strength to corporate, commercial and energy disputes; and co-leader of the national litigation and dispute resolution group, Rachel Howie, in Calgary.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 3

Dentons' Ontario disputes offering takes in commercial litigation, insurance litigation, shareholder dispute litigation, product liability litigation and class actions. The practice is directed by Douglas Stewart, who also co-leads the firm’s insurance group, and who specializes in commercial and civil litigation, with an emphasis on professional liability matters. Also noted are Matthew Fleming (class actions, securities litigation, product liability, regulatory and professional liability matters); Michael Schafler (arbitration and litigation); and Mark Evans (business disputes, securities-related frauds and the recovery of misappropriated assets). Marina Sampson left the firm in February 2024.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 3

Dentons‘ Quebec disputes group is well-versed in commercial litigation, contentious construction mandates, product liability, and class actions. Its diverse client roster regularly features domestic and international companies in the automotive, retail, insurance, and e-commerce segments. Practice head Margaret Weltrowska is based in Montreal and specializes in multi-party litigation and commercial arbitration. Additional names to note include experienced litigators Claude Morency and Pierre Grenier. Vikki-Ann Flansberry majors on civil and commercial litigation, primarily in the fields of insurance, civil liability, and product liability. Erica Shadeed, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, takes care of regulatory matters, professional and product liability, and insurance litigation.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3

The mining practice at Dentons leverages the strength of its global network and experienced team to advise major multinational mining companies (including BlackRock Metals) involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional financings and complex M&A. The firm's full offering extends to project development, environmental matters and high-stakes litigation and arbitration. The practice is headed by Greg McNab, an expert in mining and capital markets in Vancouver; Robin Longe in Vancouver, a specialist in joint ventures, in addition to the purchase and sale of mines and mining-related assets. Other key figures include Leanne Krawchuk KC in Edmonton, who brings expertise to M&A and supply and streaming agreements; François Brabant in Montreal, who specializes in securities and corporate governance matters; and Ora Wexler in Toronto, who draws on experience in M&A and royalty transactions.

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 3

Among Dentons’ key strengths, the power team is noted for its ability to combine its oil and gas and renewable energy offerings to advise on energy transition-related matters. It also stands out for its ability to lean on its international network for support on cross-border mandates. The department is co-led by Vivek Bakshi (Toronto/Calgary) and Bernard Roth (Calgary), who specialize in transactional and regulatory work respectively. Hazel Saffery (Calgary) is also noted for her record in power transactions.

Canada > Environment Tier 3

Dentons’ focus on the energy and natural resources sphere is reflected in its environmental law practice, which routinely acts for the firm’s key oil and gas clients on related matters, including Enbridge, PETRONAS Canada and Syncrude Canada. The team additionally keeps busy advising clients in the transport, infrastructure, chemicals and food and drink industries — among others — on environmental assessments and approvals, regulatory compliance and environmental disputes. Calgary-based counsel Alex MacWilliam heads the team and is widely regarded as a leader in the area. Montreal-based Mira Gauvin is also a key contact.

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 3

Dentons' practice group handles a range of advisory and contentious Indigenous law mandates, including representing industry clients in litigation; advising on land claims and treaty rights, as well as the implications of the governments’ duty to consult and accommodate; and the negotiation and drafting of commercial agreements on behalf of industry clients with Aboriginal groups. Calgary-based Bernard Roth (administrative and energy matters) and Laura Estep (energy and regulatory matters, land acquisitions) share leadership of the department.

Canada > Insurance Tier 3

Dentons’ insurance practice is oriented towards corporate and regulatory work, but it also continues to raise its profile on the contentious side. From Toronto, Laurie LaPalme co-leads the national insurance group and specializes in insurance transactions and regulatory matters; she is particularly noted for her experience in advising international insurance clients on establishing in Canada. Toronto-based litigator Douglas Stewart co-heads the team and handles a mix of coverage, E&O and D&O claims. In Montreal, Nathalie Durocher is recommended for insurance litigation and regulatory compliance.

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3

Dentons's labour and employment practice is equipped to represent clients in employment and benefits-related litigation, as well as providing transactional support, carrying out workplace investigations and training programs, and advising on health and safety matters. The national practice is co-directed by Toronto-based Andy Pushalik (workplace restructurings, discrimination and harassment complaints, contentious mandates) and Montreal-based Arianne Bouchard, who handles collective and individual labour matters. Additional key contacts include April Kosten (Calgary), Eleni Kassaris (Vancouver) and Virginie Dandurand (Montreal).

Canada > Pensions Tier 3

The pensions practice at Dentons provides clients from the healthcare, transportation and forestry sectors with pension governance administration assistance, the design of incentive plans and executive compensation plans, and advice on pension matters in the context of corporate transactions. The group is co-directed by Vancouver-based Scott Sweatman and Toronto-based Pamela Chan Ebejer. Sweatman has particular expertise in advising athletes on retirement compensation arrangements, while Chan Ebejer handles pensions, labour and employment work. Toronto-based counsel Barbara Walancik-Hatch joined the firm in November 2023.

Canada > Real estate Tier 3

Leveraging the bench strength of its global network, Dentons provides a comprehensive service to real estate companies and developers, entrepreneurs, owners and tenants of commercial retail, office and industrial buildings, shopping centres and hotels, in addition to purchasers, sellers and investors (financial institutions, pension funds, REITs), on a wide range of real estate matters. The practice is headed by Clark Kassian in Calgary, a specialist in acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, land development and commercial leasing; and Katarzyna Sliwa in Toronto, an experienced negotiator in approval processes for development and redevelopment projects. Other key figures include Philip M. Rimer in Ottawa, who brings expertise to real estate and infrastructure transactions with Indigenous stakeholders; Scott H. Wilson in Vancouver, who handles complex acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations and energy and infrastructure projects; Marie-Andrée Thibault, who leads the firm’s team in Montreal; and Jillian Shortt, who operates out of the Toronto and Calgary offices and who assists with the creation of single and two-tier joint venture structures and limited partnerships. Roberto Aburto joined the Ottawa office from Gowling WLG in January 2024.

Transport > Other transport Tier 3

Dentons' transport group is frequently instructed by private sponsors, public authorities, lenders, design-build contractors and operations and maintenance providers seeking advice on a range of road, rail and public transit mandates. The team has experience advising on trucking and rail regulations, cargo claims and the development of transportation infrastructure. The practice is directed by Toronto-based Michael Ledgett, who specializes in corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, M&A and air, bus, port, rail, transit and trucking work. Marina Sampson left the firm in February 2024.

Canada > Banking and finance

Dentons’ banking and finance team is a popular choice to advise on cross-border financings, where it can leverage the wider firm’s global platform. It also benefits from a generous national network, which encompasses six offices across Canada. The national department is co-led by Ryan Middleton in Toronto and Robert de Guzman in Edmonton. The Toronto group also includes Michael Henriques, Heidi Clark, Radha Khosla and Dennis Wiebe. In Montreal, Joel Cabelli and Marie-Josée Couture are key contacts.

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 4

Dentons' antitrust and competition law expertise encompasses merger reviews, abuse of dominance cases, pricing practices, distribution arrangements and advertising mandates. The practice is jointly directed by a duo of Toronto-based partners: Sandy Walker and Adam S. Goodman. Walker is experienced in M&A reviews, and Goodman is well-versed in class action defence, cartel defence and merger clearance under the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act. Edmonton-based senior counsel Barry Zalmanowitz KC is an additional key contact. Litigation-focused partner Marina E Sampson left the firm in February 2024.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 4

The British Columbia disputes offering at Dentons takes in real estate, agribusiness, public and constitutional law, contractual and insurance disputes, as well as commercial litigation involving the tech, retail, healthcare and financial services sectors. Morgan Camley, who also leads the national agribusiness practice group, steers the department and specializes in commercial litigation and administrative law. Additional key contacts include Emma Irving (class action, personal injury defence and product liability matters); and Morgan Burris (environmental, intellectual property and Aboriginal title disputes). Following Mélanie Power‘s February 2024 promotion to the partnership, Samantha Chang is the key name to note at senior associate level.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 4

During 2023/24, Dentons’ infrastructure practice handled a string of procurement matters on behalf of its public sector clients, including Department of Justice Canada and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The team also frequently acts for developers and lenders on infrastructure projects. The department is led jointly by Montreal-based Ilan Dunsky, who advises on infrastructure development and project finance; and Vancouver-based Jana Mansour, who acts for project owners, developers and contractors on a broad scope of procurement, development and finance-related matters.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4

The practice group at Dentons regularly represents secured and unsecured creditors, accountancy firms, trustees and corporations in the energy, mining, tech, hospitality and real estate segments in insolvency proceedings. The department is co-directed by Toronto-based Robert Kennedy, who has substantial expertise in receivership and bankruptcy proceedings, creditor rights and enforcement, and out of court restructurings and work-outs. Alongside him, Vancouver-based John Sandrelli has particular experience in the cannabis sector. Ex-practice practice co-head David W Mann left the firm in October 2023.

Canada > Tax Tier 4

Canada > Technology Tier 4