Mr John R. Sandrelli > Dentons > Vancouver, Canada > Lawyer Profile

Dentons
250 HOWE STREET, 20TH FLOOR
VANCOUVER, BC V6C 3R8
Canada

Work Department

John is a partner in Dentons' Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy group. He also serves as Managing Partner of Dentons' Vancouver office , where he oversees more than 70 lawyers offering client service excellence in business law and litigation to Canadian clients as well as clients in China  and Hong Kong seeking business opportunities in Canada.

Position

John is an accomplished business leader who is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy matters. Born and raised in western Canada, he has been involved in almost every recent major restructuring and insolvency case in British Columbia and has acted for clients across every industry including cannabis, mining, forestry, real estate, aviation, energy, retail, media, technology, and manufacturing.

John acts regularly for companies in need of restructuring as well as for trustees, receivers, financial institutions, commercial lenders, noteholders and other creditors. His extensive experience extends to restructurings under both the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Actand the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. He has been involved in real estate, technology, forestry and mining industry matters and had conducted substantial cross-border work that has provided him with a clear understanding of the United States Bankruptcy Code. John regularly advises global companies on lending and remedy issues in Canada and is frequently retained by other international law firms for his insight on Canadian bankruptcy issues.

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in October 2018, John has developed a particular niche in this area. He is considered one of the province’s authorities on the insolvency and bankruptcy issues arising in the developing   legal cannabis industry.

A natural leader who takes a refreshing  approach to his  work  cementing solid relationships through superior service and an in-depth knowledge of his clients,  John will confidently take on complex mandates and provide innovative solutions with integrity and alacrity.

John is a former member of the Canada Region Board and served on Dentons’ Advisory Board of the Asia Pacific Region and Global Advisory Committee.  Under John’s tenure, Dentons’ Vancouver office has solidified its reputation as Vancouver’s true global law firm. It has been recognized repeatedly as one of B.C.’s Top Employers attracting and retaining talented, vibrant and diverse individuals who thrive in a non-hierarchical culture deeply connected to the local community.

Career

Admitted to Bar: British Columbia, 1997; Ontario, 1991

Languages

English

Memberships

  • Board Member, Insolvency Institute of Canada
  • Board Member, Risk Management Association
  • Member, Law Society of British Columbia, 1997 to present
  • Member, Law Society of Upper Canada, 1991 to present
  • Member, International Bar Association, Section of Insolvency, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights
  • Member, The American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member, Editorial Board of the National Creditor Debtor Review
  • Member, The Turnaround Management Association
  • Past Executive of the Insolvency Subsection of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch
  • Member, The Leaders Network/MacKay CEO Forums

Education

University of Toronto, 1989, LLB

Lawyer Rankings

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency

(Leading individuals)

John Sandrelli –Dentons

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.