Dentons > Calgary, Canada > Firm Profile
Dentons Offices
850 - 2ND STREET SW
15TH FLOOR, BANKERS COURT
CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 0R8
Canada
Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings
Canada > Media and entertainment Tier 1
The full-spectrum media and entertainment practice at Dentons provides a one-stop-shop service to clients across the industry, with producers, broadcasters, Hollywood studios, streamers, distributers and banks all on the team’s books. Arguably best known for its reputation in the audiovisual field, the group also shines in music publishing and video game-related matters. In Toronto, Ken Dhaliwal is sought after for his expertise in national and international film, television and streaming work, where he acts for all key sector stakeholders. Other key names in Toronto include media finance and copyright specialist Jim Russell; up-and-coming production and licensing partner Jayme Alter; and talented counsel Bob Tarantino. In Vancouver, Juliet Smith ranks among the go-to experts in British Colombia for audiovisual production and financing.Practice head(s):
Ken Dhaliwal; Juliet Smith; Jim Russell
Other key lawyers:
Jayme Alter; Bob Tarantino; David Steinberg
Key clients
Banger Films
Lionsgate Films
Shopify – Shopify Studios
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Anthem Entertainment
Kilometre Music Group
Spyglass Entertainment
Work highlights
- Advised New Metric Media on various matters related to the production of several television series in 2022, including the latest seasons of the ‘Letterkenny’ series and its spin-off ‘Shoresy’.
- Acted as Canadian production counsel on the first season of the television series ‘SkyMed’, produced by Piazza Entertainment for Paramount+ and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Advised Anthem Entertainment on various matters, including on the acquisition of a publishing catalogue of hits by songwriter Alex Izquierdo (professionally known as Eskeerdo).
Canada > Business immigration Tier 2
The team at Dentons is known for its skilled handling of work permits, intra-company transfers, business visitor entry preparation, applications to address criminal or medical inadmissibility, as well as the preparation of employment contracts for foreign candidates. The group is co-directed by Toronto-based Henry Chang, who specializes in United States and Canadian immigration law and is regularly sought out by multinationals and professional services firms. Co-leading from Vancouver, Helen Park routinely assists clients in the entertainment, manufacturing, software development, pharmaceutical, and food and hospitality sectors with Canadian work permit applications. Key contacts at associate level include Jonathan Mor and Denise Alba.Practice head(s):
Henry Chang; Helen Park
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ulkasemi
Stellar Creative Lab
Barnstorm VFX
Aldea Services
Fix Network
Capital Power
Champion Petfoods LP
Alamos Gold
ICICI Bank Canada
Work4ce
VFS Services (Canada)
Young Life
Modern Manufacturing
Canada > Construction Tier 2
The cross-Canada team of global firm Dentons provides a comprehensive service, advising on major construction and infrastructure projects in both the private and public sectors. With an active client base spanning such areas as energy, utilities, transport, real estate, healthcare and government, the practice assists with procurement, contract drafting and negotiation, contract administration, in addition to litigation involving construction and engineering contractual disputes, design issues, professional liability, construction bonds and tendering processes. The team is led in Vancouver by Jana Mansour, a specialist in the procurement of transportation and energy projects for domestic and multinational clients, and Karen Martin KC, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator. At the Edmonton office, Dennis Picco KC brings over 30 years of experience to litigation and dispute resolution matters in the construction and energy sectors. Simon Elzen-Hoskyn (also in Edmonton) and Chelsea Wilson in Vancouver were promoted to partner in February and June of 2023. Partner Morgan Burris in Vancouver joined from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP in May 2023. Jonathan Hillson in Edmonton departed in June 2023.Practice head(s):
Jana Mansour; Karen Martin KC
Other key lawyers:
Dennis Picco KC; John Haythorne; Pierre Grenier; Karen Groulx; Lampros Stougiannos; Alexis Barr-Gusa
Key clients
Acciona
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
JGC Fluor BC LNG Joint-Venture
Régie Régionale de la Santé et des Services Sociaux du Nunavik (RRSSSN)
Attorney General of Canada
City of Richmond
Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay
Montréal Port Authority
Enbridge
EllisDon
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel for Acciona, a multinational wastewater treatment plant contractor, against a municipal owner, the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District (GVS&DD).
- Advising JGC Fluor BC LNG Joint Venture in its role as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the construction of a multi-billion dollar LNG export terminal in Kitimat, BC.
- Acting for plaintiff Enbridge in a claim against a pipeline construction consortium, which struck one of Enbridge’s pipelines while constructing an expansion.
Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2
Dentons’ strong skill sets in the midstream, CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) and petrochemical sectors continues to pay dividends and the team is routinely engaged to handle major development projects for multinational energy clients. Among its recent highlights in this space, department co-head and transactional specialist George Antonopoulos is spearheading the group’s advice to Enbridge on the corporate, commercial and regulatory aspects of its proposed multibillion-dollar CCUS project. The Calgary-based team also draws on experienced counsel Michael Hurst, who is noted for transactional work, as well as regulatory experts Bernard Roth and Laura Estep.Practice head(s):
Michael Hurst; George Antonopoulos; Bernard Roth
Other key lawyers:
Laura Estep; Hazel Saffery
Key clients
Enbridge
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Kingston Midstream (formerly Tundra Energy Marketing)
Cenovus Energy
Enhance Energy
BP Canada Energy Group
Suncor Energy
Syncrude Canada
Shell Canada
PETRONAS Canada
Carbon Engineering
ERCE
Saturn Oil and Gas
IPC Canada
Work highlights
- Advising BMO Capital Markets, as the agent, on a project-finance style offering of approximately C$865.2m of fixed-rate senior secured amortizing bonds.
- Advising Enbridge on all corporate, commercial and regulatory aspects of its proposed Carbon Capture Utilization Storage project.
- Advising the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Inter Pipeline on its response to an unsolicited takeover bid by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, involving an auction process that concluded with Brookfield increasing its offer at a valuation of approximately C$15bn.
Canada > Telecoms Tier 2
The expertise of the practice at Dentons encompasses telecoms matters involving mobile satellite systems, online streaming services, user generated content platforms and cloud-based computing systems. Domestic and foreign satellite operators, broadcasters and tech companies regularly feature on the group’s client roster. Ottawa-based Monica Song steers the department; her practice has a particular emphasis on the satellite and wireless industries and cloud-based technology companies, with an increasing focus on earth observation satellite service licensing and broadband expansion projects. Key counsels include Gregory Kane KC, who represents telecoms clients in regulatory and appellate litigation, and Margot E Patterson, who advises multinational media companies on broadcasting regulatory matters.Practice head(s):
Monica Song
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ligado Networks LLC
Spire Global
WorldVu Development LLC dba OneWeb
Transport > Aviation Tier 2
The team at Dentons is well-versed in aviation issues, namely complex and structured financing transactions and compliance mandates. International aviation financiers, commercial and business aircraft lessors, aircraft chartered companies, airports and private operators routinely feature on its broad client roster. Vancouver-based practice co-head Robert Quon specializes in assisting aviation and aerospace clients with corporate and commercial transactions. Alongside him, Kathryn McCulloch co-leads from Toronto and has niche expertise in the regulatory structure for drones; her robust traditional aviation practice includes representing commercial air operators in litigation. In Montreal, partner Marie-Josée Couture assists with financing transactions.Practice head(s):
Robert Quon; Kathryn McCulloch
Other key lawyers:
Canada > Cannabis Tier 3
Canada > Capital markets Tier 3
Led out of Calgary by national lead Bennett Wong, the capital markets practice at Dentons benefits from an additional five platforms across the country. The team is well-placed to represent all sides in debt and equity offerings, with a notable focus on debt issuances. Among its other attributes, the group is noted for its activity in the mining, technology and life sciences — including cannabis — spheres, as well as for its record in cross-border work. Additional key contacts include Calgary-based Dan Shea, who specializes in capital markets and private equity work; and Toronto’s Ora Wexler, whose securities focus spans transactional and regulatory matters.Practice head(s):
Bennett Wong; Ora Wexler; Eric Lung; Julien Bourgeois; Francois Brabant; Danny Wakeling
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Johnson; Bill Gilliland; Dan Shea; Ben Iscoe
Key clients
RBC Capital Markets
National Bank Financial Markets
BMO Capital Markets
TD Securities
CIBC Capital Markets
Corus Entertainment
Capital Power Corporation
Silver Mountain Resources
ATB Capital Markets
Canaccord Genuity Corp.
VIQ Solutions
AbraSilver Resource Corp.
Echelon Wealth Partners
Aya Gold & Silver
Eight Capital
Aldebaran Resources
Saturn Oil & Gas
Work highlights
- Advised BMO Capital Markets, as lead agent and structuring advisor, on a C$865.2m project-finance style offering by DBRS Morningstar.
- Advised the underwriters (RBC Capital Markets and National Bank Financial Markets) on Tamarack Valley Energy’s debt and equity offerings during 2022, totalling approximately C$444m.
- Advised RBC Capital Markets, as the underwriters, on Keyera Corp’s debt and equity offerings during 2022, totalling approximately C$630m.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 3
Operating from branches in Calgary and Edmonton, the group at Dentons has experience advising on a wide range of commercial litigation matters in Alberta. Its key strengths include energy, competition and financial services litigation, product and professional liability litigation, and domestic and international arbitration. Leadership of the department is shared by four seasoned partners: Mercedes Hitesman and Wendy Moody direct the Edmonton office, while Kelly Osaka and John Cusano lead from Calgary. National practice head Rachel Howie is also based in Calgary, along with key litigator Gordon Tarnowsky, who is highly specialized in energy and oil and gas matters. Other key names include Dennis Picco KC and Simon Elzen-Hoskyn in Edmonton.Practice head(s):
Kelly Osaka; John Cusano; Mercedes Hitesman; Wendy Moody
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Edison and Edison International
Tilray
Sawridge Trust and the Sawridge Trustees
Wawanesa
British Petroleum (BP) Canada Energy Group
Niko
Dynasty Power
Canadian National – CN
Suncor
EPCOR
Work highlights
- Represented Edison and Edison International after Geophysical Services Incorporated advanced a claim against them alleging breach of contract and copyright, amongst other accusations.
- Represented Tilray in a proposed national class action filed in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench that challenges the potency of several Canadian cannabis companies’ products.
- Acted for the Sawridge Trustees in connection with a complex litigation concerning the distribution of assets estimated at $70m to a group of beneficiaries.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 3
The Ontario group at Dentons offers clients support on commercial litigation, insurance litigation, shareholder dispute litigation, product liability litigation and class actions. Its varied client roster regularly features mayor players in the tech, retail, metallurgical, transportation, finance and insurance segments. Practice head Douglas Stewart majors on commercial and civil litigation with an emphasis on professional liability and insurance related matters. Key partner Matthew Fleming has forged a prominent reputation for class action, professional and product liability, regulatory and securities-related disputes. Other noted figures include experienced litigators Marina Sampson and Michael Schafler.Practice head(s):
Douglas Stewart
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canadian National Railway
Amazon
UD Trading
BDO
AIG
Honda
Kia Canada
The Salvation Army
Deloitte
Canadian Airport Authorities
Work highlights
- Represented three Amazon companies: Audible, Amazon and Amazon Canada, in putative class actions in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec regarding an alleged conspiracy with Apple and Apple Canada to allocate the market for digital audiobooks on a worldwide basis.
- Represented Niantic following the allegation in class actions that elements of their games infringe the Competition Act.
- Represented UD Trading in a $650m claim for damages and related relief against TransAsia Private Capital.
Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 3
The Quebec group at Dentons brings together solicitors and litigators to act for clients involved in construction, retail, e-commerce, hospitality, automative and healthcare disputes. Montreal-based Margaret Weltrowska heads up the department and leads on commercial and civil litigation, class action, franchising and product liability matters. Key partner-level litigation contacts include Pierre Grenier and Claude Morency. They are supported by senior associate Erica Shadeed, who is active on commercial, marketing, and media-related disputes.Practice head(s):
Margaret Weltrowska
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Expedia, Travelscape, Hotels.com
FCA Canada
Audible, Amazon.com, Amazon.com.ca
Avis Budget
Wal-Mart Canada
Nissan Canada
AIG Insurance Company of Canada
Ernst & Young
Niantic
Unico
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3
The mining practice at Dentons utilizes the strength of its global network to advise major multinational mining companies (including Rio Tinto) involved high-value, multi-jurisdictional financings and complex M&A. In addition, the firm provides comprehensive support with project development, environmental matters and with high-stakes litigation and arbitration. The group is chaired by Leanne Krawchuk KC in Edmonton, who brings expertise to M&A and supply and streaming agreements; and Robin Longe in Vancouver, who advises on joint ventures and the purchase and sale of mines and mining-related assets. Another key figure is François Brabant in Montreal, who assists with securities and corporate governance matters. In addition to Brian Abraham KC, Kevin Rooney retired from the firm in February 2023. Jennifer Poirier departed in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Leanne Krawchuk KC; Robin Longe
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alamos Gold
Cerrado Gold
Procon
Sierra Metals
Black Rock
Aya Gold and Silver
Silver Mountain Resources Inc.
Kiska Metals
Ascendant Resources Inc.
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Millennial Lithium on its acquisition by Lithium Americas Corp.’s proposed plan of arrangement.
- Advising Aya Gold & Silver Inc. on its C$92m underwritten prospectus offering of common shares.
- Advising Cerrado Gold Inc. in connection with a $20m secured note and stream agreement with Sprott Resource Streaming and Royalty Corp. to finance its Monte do Carmo gold project in the State of Tocantins, Brazil.
Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 3
Over recent years, Dentons’ power group has increasingly leveraged the wider firm’s strong oil and gas offering to work at the intersection of energy transition matters. It also continues to maintain a robust standalone power practice, which has experience across all industry segments, including generation, distribution, transmission, and battery energy storage. Department co-head Vivek Bakshi splits his time between Toronto and Calgary and is recommended for power-related transactions, including M&A and project development. Calgary-based energy regulation specialist Bernard Roth and Montreal-based litigator Pierre Grenier are also noted.Practice head(s):
Vivek Bakshi; Bernard Roth
Other key lawyers:
Pierre Grenier; Helen Newland; Hazel Saffery
Key clients
Capital Power Corporation
Rio Tinto Alcan
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Ontario Power Generation
Syncrude Canada
Canadian Solar
Enbridge
Investment Management Company of Ontario
Alberta Electric System Operator
Atura Power
Work highlights
- Advising Alberta Investment Management Corporation, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and Investment Management Corporation of Ontario on negotiating co-investment arrangements and the collective acquisition — alongside others — of AusNet Services, worth approximately A$10.2bn.
Canada > Environment Tier 3
Dentons’ integrated environmental law offering leans into the firm’s Indigenous law, corporate and regulatory law practices to provide full-service coverage of related issues, particularly in the natural resources sphere. Calgary-based counsel Alex MacWilliam heads both the environment and natural resources group and the climate change strategies practice; he frequently represents Canadian and multinational clients on an array of environmental law matters, from regulatory approvals and compliance, through to emergency response and crisis management. Mira Gauvin is a key contact in Montreal. Mai Rempel recently retired.Practice head(s):
Alex MacWilliam
Other key lawyers:
Mira Gauvin; Hazel Saffery; Colin Lipsett
Key clients
Alberta Conservation Association
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Enbridge
Great West Life Realty Advisors
Orkin Canada
PETRONAS Canada
Syncrude Canada
World Fuel Services
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Rain Carbon
Work highlights
- Advising the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on environmental matters relating to all aspects of its operations, including potable water system, wastewater treatment system, solid waste landfills and engineering operations.
- Advising EPR Properties on its acquisition of the Village Valcartier hotel and water park complex, together with the Calypso Park waterpark complex, including contractual and environmental matters.
- Advising Air Products Canada on existing contamination issues concerning the investigation and acquisition of a property, for the purposes of construction and operation of a hydrogen plant just outside of Edmonton, Alberta.
Canada > Indigenous law Tier 3
The group at Dentons focuses on representing industry clients in matters involving Aboriginal law issues, both before regulators and courts, including the Supreme Court and provincial superior courts. In addition, land claims, treaty rights and the evaluation of Aboriginal risks in the context of project financings come under the umbrella of the group’s expertise. Calgary-based practice head Bernard Roth focuses on energy regulation and administrative processes, while Laura K. Estep is noted for assisting major energy companies through all stages of the regulatory process, including representation before the Canada Energy Regulator.Practice head(s):
Bernard Roth
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Enbridge
Enbridge Pipelines
PETRONAS Canada
Syncrude Canada
Hydro-Québec
Teal Jones Group
Canada China Business Council
Work highlights
- Advised on the nature and extent of the client’s delegated consultation obligations and on how to effectively negotiate with First Nation communities.
- Prepared a report which analysed the legal, political, and economic barriers to engagement by Indigenous businesses with the Chinese market, and outlined potential solutions to address those challenges.
- Representing and advising in four litigation matters brought by the Innu of Uashat and of Mani-Utenam in relation to their assertion of Aboriginal title and rights on lands affected by hydroelectric projects of Hydro-Québec, and which also involve claims in damages of approximately C$2bn.
Canada > Insurance Tier 3
Dentons’ national insurance practice remains in growth mode. Following the hire of a large team from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP in February 2022, the practice was further enhanced in December 2022 with the hire of Montreal-based insurance specialist Nathalie Durocher, who has a focus on professional liability and regulatory compliance. The arrival of Durocher, who joins from a lawyers collective, provides the group with a valuable Quebec platform. The national department continues to be led from Toronto by corporate and regulatory insurance expert Laurie LaPalme and insurance litigator Douglas Stewart.Practice head(s):
Laurie LaPalme; Douglas Stewart
Other key lawyers:
Arthur Hamilton; Derek Levinsky; Nathalie Durocher; Marisa Coggin
Key clients
AXA XL Insurance
Arch Insurance Canada
Wawanesa Life Insurance Company
Aviva Canada
AIG
Lloyds of London
NFP Canada Corp
Greenstone
Accelerant Holdings
Lockton
Work highlights
- Advising multiple insurance carriers in Canada on compliance with the new requirements of the French Language Charter under Bill 96.
- Advising Till Capital on the sale of Omega Insurance Holdings and its two wholly owned subsidiaries (Omega General Insurance Company and Focus Group) to Accelerant Holdings.
- Representing Arch Insurance in all actions brought against it relating to the cancellation of educational tours due to the global pandemic.
Canada > International trade Tier 3
Dentons has been busy on the economic sanctions and export controls front of late, where it has advised major domestic and multinational clients — and law firms — on complying with Canadian rules on Russia, among other jurisdictions. The group also handles customs law, trade remedies and trade policy matters. Toronto-based regulatory specialist Paul Lalonde heads the department and specializes in government procurement and international trade. Of counsel Sean Stephenson, also in Toronto, possesses growing experience in international trade, including investment treaty arbitration, WTO law and trade remedies.Practice head(s):
Paul Lalonde
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Motorola Solutions
Tosyali Algeria
Borets Canada
Spartan Controls
Kik Custom Products
World Vision Canada
Suncor Energy
Scierie Alexandre Lemay et fils
Trimark Tubulars
West-Can Seal Coating
Work highlights
- Represented Trimark in the antidumping investigation into certain oil country tubular goods 3 from Austria.
- Represented West-Can Seal Coating in an arbitration under the New West Partnership Trade Agreement bid protest mechanism and the Canada Free Trade Agreement against the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
- Advised Motorola Solutions on trade and export compliance due diligence concerning three M&A transactions during 2022.
Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3
The practice at Dentons supports clients across a range of labour and employment matters, including litigation and arbitration, wrongful dismissals, health and safety law, human resources issues, contracts, workplace investigations and training programs. While the firm fields offices located in six Canadian economic hubs, Toronto is the seat of national lead Andy Pushalik, who routinely assists clients with sensitive advisory human resources matters and labour and employment litigation. Additional key partners include Eleni Kassaris, who works from Vancouver; Montreal-based Christian Létourneau; and April Kosten (Calgary).Practice head(s):
Andy Pushalik
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canopy Growth Corporation
Rain Carbon
InnVest REIT (Hilton Quebec)
Alamos Gold
Work highlights
- Assisted Canopy Growth Corporation with general employment advice and conducting internal workplace investigations.
- Assisted ABCRC with counsel on all areas of labour and employment law.
- Assisted Champion Petfoods with corporate structuring, occupational health and safety and labour and employment advice.
Canada > Pensions Tier 3
Canada > Public procurement Tier 3
The expertise of the Dentons group encompasses public procurement at all levels of government, including federal, provincial, municipal and Crown corporations. The practice’s sectoral experience includes technology, energy, construction and defence. Practice head Paul Lalonde leads from Toronto and specializes in government procurement, international trade and arbitration. Partner Sean Stephenson is noted for his knowledge of government contracting law.Practice head(s):
Paul Lalonde
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Amazon Web Services
Waterfront Toronto
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Montréal’s University Health Services Centres CHUM, MUHC, Sainte-Justine UHC
TeamDynamix
VF Worldwide Holdings
West-Can Seal Coating
FTI Professional Grade
Tiree Facility Solutions
IBI Group
ECA Robotics
Fox News Network
Department of Justice Canada
Lifelabs
ECA Robotics
Campbell Drug Stores
Work highlights
- Represented Amazon Web Services in challenging the implementation of a federal Request for a Supply Arrangement for Government Contract Centre Services valued at $150m at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
- Represented Tiree Facility Solutions as the successful bidder in the procurement challenge at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal brought by Tiree’s competitor in relation to a project management project for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
Canada > Real estate Tier 3
Dentons leverages the bench strength of its global network to provide 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 diverse spectrum of real estate matters. The practice is led by Clark Kassian in Calgary, who brings expertise to acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, land development and commercial leasing; Katarzyna Sliwa in Toronto, who manages complex negotiations related to approval processes for development and redevelopment projects; rail, hotel and leisure specialist Lyle Zulak in Calgary; Robert Bothwell in Edmonton, who joined from Bennett Jones LLP in February 2023; Sheldon Disenhouse in Toronto, who focuses on commercial leasing; Philip Rimer in Ottawa, who specializes in real estate and infrastructure transactions with Indigenous stakeholders; Scott Wilson in Vancouver, who brings experience to acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations, and energy and infrastructure projects; and Marie-Andrée Thibault, who arrived at the Montreal office from Fasken in May 2023. Other key figures include 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. Isaiah Banach joined as counsel in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Clark Kassian; Katarzyna Sliwa; Lyle Zulak; Robert Bothwell; Sheldon Disenhouse; Philip Rimer; Scott Wilson; Marie-Andrée Thibault
Other key lawyers:
Jillian Shortt; Sonja Homenuck; Jules Mikelberg; Jeff Coape-Arnold; Wilfred Chan
Key clients
Parkland Corporation
Canadian National Railway
EPR Properties
Avenue 31 Capital Inc.
Mizrahi Development Inc.
Regional Municipality of Niagara
Flato Development Inc.
CanFirst Capital Management
Vopak Development Canada Inc.
Nature Conservancy Canada
North Central Co-operative Association Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted for the Mizrahi One Bloor Project Limited Partnership regarding the development, and other matters associated with the 1 Bloor Street West Project, an 85-story building with a current project budget of C$1.6bn.
- Advised CanFirst in multiple real estate transactions including a C$222.6m acquisition of a 13-property portfolio in Ontario from IG Investment Management Ltd.
- Represented EPR Properties in its acquisition of the Village Valcartier hotel and water park complex north of Québec City, together with the Calypso Park waterpark complex in Limoges, Ontario.
Transport > Other transport Tier 3
The transport group at Dentons routinely receives a variety of road, rail and public transit mandates. Its road transport expertise covers trucking and bus regulation and dangerous goods matters. In the rail sphere, it is equipped to advise on mixed-use systems and associated regulatory issues. With regards to public transit, the group regularly advises government agencies and private sector developers, operators, lenders and investors on public transit projects. Toronto-based practice head Michael Ledgett covers advisory matters, while Marina E Sampson is noted for her litigation skill.Practice head(s):
Michael Ledgett
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canadian National Railway Company
Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium
Department of Justice Canada
Ontario Public Transit Association
Work highlights
- Successfully advising Canadian National Railway Company in obtaining multiple injunctions in Ontario and across multiple provinces where unlawful blockades of CN’s railways crippled the country’s rail infrastructure and economy for several weeks.
- Advising Canadian National Railway Company in a lawsuit brought by Canadian Pacific Railway Company against Canadian National Railway Company, Procor Limited and Glencore Canada Corporation d/b/a Norfalco Sales.
- Advising Canadian National Railway Company in a high-profile lawsuit brought by the Province of Ontario.
Canada > Banking and finance
Dentons’ global network is reflected in a client list that encompasses a range of non-Canadian banks and alternative lenders. The group also routinely advises Canadian borrowers and domestic financial institutions, with a focus on the energy, infrastructure, TMT and financial services industries. Ryan Middleton and Robert de Guzman co-head the transactions-focused team from Toronto and Edmonton respectively. Other key names in Toronto include Dennis Wiebe, Michael Henriques and Heidi Clark. Joel Cabelli and Marie-Josée Couture are noted in Montreal.Practice head(s):
Ryan Middleton; Robert de Guzman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec
Canada Infrastructure Bank
TD Greystone Mortgage Fund
BDC Capital
Fiera FP Business
Certus Oil and Gas
Capital Power Corporation
Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation
Energera
Work highlights
- Advised Bank of Nova Scotia, as agent, on a syndicated C$360m non-revolving senior secured credit facility.
- Advised Energera on the refinancing of its term and operating credit facilities with HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Canadian Infrastructure Bank on its financing of clean energy infrastructure projects in the City of Markham, through Markham District Energy.
Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 4
The 14-strong group at Dentons leverages the firm’s international presence to provide counsel on cross-border and multi-region antitrust and competition law matters. Its expertise covers merger reviews, abuse of dominance, pricing practices, distribution arrangements and advertising. Toronto-based practice co-head Sandy Walker routinely represents clients in the financial services, technology, mining, oil and gas and entertainment sectors. Alongside her, Barry Zalmanowitz KC co-leads from Edmonton and advises clients on compliance with the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act.Practice head(s):
Sandy Walker; Barry Zalmanowitz KC
Key clients
Amazon
Bayer
Capital Power
Enbridge
Husky Energy
Lions Gate Entertainment
Lactalis Group
Meritage Entities
Ontario Power Generation
Shaw Communications
Sleeman Breweries
Suncor Energy
Transport Canada
The Herjavec Group
Work highlights
- Advised Groupe Touchette on the competition law aspects of its acquisition of National Tire Distributors from American Tire Distributors.
- Counsel to HSBC entities in connection with putative class actions in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice alleging that several major financial institutions and their subsidiaries conspired to fix and/or manipulate gold and silver prices.
- Advised KPS Capital Partners on multiple significant cross-border acquisitions, including its proposed $3.45bn acquisition of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope.
Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
The corporate practice at Dentons leverages the bench strength of its global network and experienced team to advise major multinationals (including Lions Gate Entertainment, Motorola Solutions and Polaris Renewable Energy) involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Assisting companies across such industries as tech, cannabis, mining, telecoms, infrastructure, energy, biotech and entertainment, the group’s full service extends to M&A, restructurings, proxy fights, competition and antitrust matters, joint ventures, regulated industries and transactional tax issues. The practice is led in Toronto by Alex Farcas, who utilizes extensive M&A experience and niche expertise in the cannabis space, and Jason Saltzman, who arrived from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in July 2022, and who is practiced in share purchases, asset purchases, take-over bids, exchange offers and plan of arrangements. Other key figures include blockchain and mining specialist Kimberly Burns in Vancouver; and corporate finance expert Ora Wexler and senior associate Alex Eckler in Toronto. Grant MacKenzie departed the firm in August 2023.Practice head(s):
Alex Farcas; Jason Saltzman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Gage Growth Corp
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
The Parent Company
FAX Capital Corp.
American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc.
Bayer
Polaris Renewable Energy Inc.
Energy Fuels Inc.
Starlight Investments Capital
Magnet Forensics Inc.
Saturn Oil & Gas Inc.
Aldebaran Resources Ltd.
Dye & Durham Corporation
Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation
Eagle Quest International Ltd.
Hangry Solutions
Jones Lang LaSalle Real Estate Services, Inc.
APM Global Holdings Pty Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented the special committee of the board of directors of Magnet in a publicly announced C$1.8bn acquisition by Thoma Bravo by way of a plan of arrangement.
- Represented Motorola Solutions (MSI) on four acquisitions in 2022, including: the acquisition of Australia-based Barrett Communications, the acquisition of Futurecom Systems Group, and the acquisition of Rave Mobile Safety.
- Representing Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation in a proposed separation of its Studio and Motion Picture business segment and its Streaming and Content business segment into two independent, NYSE-listed operating businesses.
Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 4
Dentons's Vancouver office handles a range of real estate and contractual disputes, as well as supporting clients in the transportation, tech and mining sectors with arbitration and litigation. Commercial litigation specialist Morgan Camley heads up the practice. Emma Irving, an up-and-coming partner, is acclaimed for her work on contract and transactional litigation, class actions and personal injury defence. Senior associate Mélanie Power's practice focuses on representing government, private and public sector clients on a broad range of litigation matters.Practice head(s):
Morgan Camley
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
CN Rail
Niantic
Canada Mink Breeders Association
HSBC
Swissport Canada
Well Health Technologies
Dell Technologies
AIG Insurance Company of Canada
Amazon
Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 4
Dentons enjoys a prominent reputation for transport-related infrastructure matters, where it has a strong record on behalf of public sector clients, including Transport Canada and Montréal Port Authority, among others. The group also acts for developers and lenders on Canadian and international projects. Montreal-based Ilan Dunsky co-heads the department and handles an array of procurement, project development and finance matters. Vancouver-based Jana Mansour co-leads the group and also contributes to the construction and project finance teams.Practice head(s):
Ilan Dunsky; Jana Mansour
Other key lawyers:
Mathilde Carrière; Lampros Stougiannos; Charles Bardou
Key clients
Department of Justice Canada (Transport Canada)
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Livent
JGC Fluor
Stadler
Montréal Port Authority
CIB
Enbridge
Knight Piésold
City of Victoria
Work highlights
- Advising the Department of Justice Canada and Transport Canada on the structuring and procurement of the High Frequency Rail Project.
- Advising Montréal Port Authority on the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of a new container terminal on its Contrecœur property.
- Advising Vancouver Fraser Port Authority on procurement and design-build matters for the expansion of the container terminal in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown waterfront.
Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4
Fielding offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, the national restructuring group at Dentons is well-versed in cross-border insolvency matters, in addition to representing clients before the Supreme Court of Canada. The department’s sectoral expertise spans energy, mining, retail, pension plans, natural resources and real estate restructuring, while clients include secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, and consulting firms. Robert Kennedy heads the Toronto team. Vancouver office managing partner John Sandrelli is another key contact. Former co-practice head David W Mann departed the firm in October 2023.Practice head(s):
Robert Kennedy
Key clients
Alvarez & Marsal
BP Energy
Wilmington Trust, National Association – Calfrac
Farber
Deloitte Restructuring
Clover Condo
SunTrust
PwC – Clover Calgary
BDO Canada
Deloitte – Express Gold
Wilmington Trust re: Dominion Diamond Mines
Laurentian Bank of Canada
Connect First Credit Union
Work highlights
- Counsel for Alvarez and Marsal Canada in its capacity as the Receiver of 55 large real estate properties formerly owned by Strategic Group, pursuant to the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
- Acted for BP Energy to negotiate an ongoing post-filing supply agreement where BP was owed approximately $230m from the insolvency of Just Energy.
- Acted for Deloitte Restructuring in its capacity as Monitor in the CCAA proceedings of Express Gold Refining.
Canada > Tax Tier 4
Working from six Canadian offices, the 46-strong tax group at international firm Dentons is regularly instructed by Canadian and foreign multinationals, private equity funds and financial institutions for its tax structuring and litigation expertise. Toronto-based practice head Mark Jadd focuses on the income tax aspects of M&A, restructurings and financings, and has niche expertise providing tax counsel to film and television industry clients. Also in Toronto, partner Larry Nevsky handles a range of transactional, advisory and contentious tax matters. Vancouver-based litigator Joel Nitikman is an additional key figure.Practice head(s):
Mark Jadd
Key clients
Special Committee of Magnet Forensics
NFP and NFP Canada
Starton Therapeutics
Lions Gate Entertainment
Kerr Industries
Saturn Oil & Gas
Enbridge
Bonnefield Financial
Portage Ventures
Motorola Solutions
TPCO Holding
Collins Family Trust
Belmont Nominee
Damis Properties / Microbjo Properties
The Preston Family Trust II
Polystar Packaging
Work highlights
- Represented the Special Committee of the board of directors of Magnet in its C$1.8bn acquisition by Thoma Bravo by way of a plan of arrangement.
- Advised NFP and NFP Canada on its acquisition of Newport Private Wealth, a Toronto-based private wealth management firm.
- Argued before the Supreme Court of Canada in a tax case discussing the availability of the equitable remedy of rescission.
Canada > Technology Tier 4
The over 40-strong team at Dentons is known for assisting clients with matters relating to blockchain, fintech, cryptocurrency, virtual reality and AI, as well as offering regulatory and M&A counsel. Ottawa-based David Little co-heads the group and has focused his practice on venture capital financings. Alongside him, senior counsel Tom Sides co-leads from Edmonton and specializes in technology, intellectual property and privacy matters.Practice head(s):
David Little; Tom Sides
Key clients
Miovision Technologies Incorporated
Lytica
Beedie Investments / Beedie Capital
Graphite Ventures
Field Effect Software
Kinaxis
Colliers Group International
Hangry Solutions
FemTherapeutics
BDC Capital
KATEK SE
The Sampler App
EBOX
Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation on a Master Network Access and User Agreement (ISP services) and an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Services Agreement, for the construction of telecommunications networks in Alberta
- Advised Kinaxis on its acquisition of MPO, a European headquartered company that offers a unified global cloud-based SaaS platform for multi-party orchestration of orders, inventory and transport.
- Advised global cyber security company Field Effect on its $34.5m Series A financing led by Edison Partners.
Dentons > Firm Profile
Dentons is Canada’s Global Law Firm, where creative people deliver intelligent solutions. We have a bold vision—to redefine what is possible for our people and our clients, and shape the future together.
With more than 600 lawyers across our offices in all six of Canada’s key economic centers—Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver—we provide a tailored experience for our clients to help them grow, protect, operate and finance their business, wherever it takes them. We capitalize on our expansive geographic reach and national strength to provide leading and seamless legal services in common and civil law, in English and French.
Dentons is purposefully different. We collaborate with our clients and incorporate our deep understanding of their priorities to achieve the best outcome. We are more than legal advisors, we are global problem-solvers.
Our lawyers deliver practical business solutions across a full range of practice areas, including corporate commercial, mergers and acquisitions, securities, litigation and dispute resolution, class actions, international arbitration, real estate, banking and finance, employment and labour, pensions, immigration, tax, estate planning, ESG, regulatory, international trade, insolvency and restructuring, and privacy and cybersecurity. Our large business and institutional client base represents all facets of industry, from financial services, insurance, professional services, private equity, technology, real estate, energy transition, utilities, infrastructure and public-private partnerships, construction, mining, agriculture, retail, health care, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment.
Dentons is recognized as a top law firm in Canada for cross-border deals and cross-border litigation by Thomson Reuters Market Insights. We are also recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Canada’s Top 20 Family-Friendly Employers, and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. We continue to focus on creating a culture where our people feel a sense of belonging, and support their wellbeing, so that they can grow their careers and achieve the extraordinary.
Globally, Dentons operates across more than 80 countries around the world. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to our clients.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Global Chief Executive Officer | Elliott Portnoy | ||
Non-executive Global Chairman | Nick Park | ||
Canada Chief Executive Officer | Tim Haney | ||
Toronto (Office Managing Partner) | Blair McCreadie | ||
Edmonton (Office Managing Partner) | Mercedes Hitesman | ||
Vancouver (Office Managing Partner) | John Sandrelli | ||
Ottawa (Office Managing Partner) | David Little | ||
Montréal (Office Managing Partner) | Christian Létourneau | ||
Calgary (Office Managing Partner) | George Tai |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers in Canada : 600+ Number of lawyers globally : 10,000+ Total number of people globally : 18,000+Legal Briefings
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Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Business immigration
- Construction
- Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Telecoms
- Transport > Aviation
Firm Rankings
- Cannabis
- Capital markets
- Dispute resolution: Alberta
- Dispute resolution: Ontario
- Dispute resolution: Quebec
- Energy and natural resources > Mining
- Energy and natural resources > Power
- Environment
- Indigenous law
- Insurance
- International trade
- Labour and employment
- Pensions
- Public procurement
- Real estate
- Transport > Other transport