Dentons > Ottawa, Canada > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Canada > Cannabis Tier 1

The global presence of Dentons allows the team to offer seamless and full-service cannabis-related advisory. Its expertise includes representation of producers and distributors, regulatory compliance, labelling and packaging, marketing and franchising. The practice is led by Eric Foster who, in addition to working on commercial agreements for cannabis industry participants, is also a go-to for media outlets such as The Globe & Mail, The Financial Post, CTV News and Leafly. Mention is also given to Kimberly Burns for her varying client list, including large public cannabis companies, industry players, regulated licensed producers and non-plant touching IP aggregators. Benjamin Iscoe  was promoted to partner in February 2022.

Canada > Media and entertainment Tier 1

The dedicated practice at Dentons advises clients on all media and entertainment matters. The team not only advises on the start-up of business ventures, but also guides them through the media industry, negotiating production deals with streamers, studios and independent content producers. The group’s global reach allows them to oversee all domestic and international matters, including film and television production, distribution, financing, government incentives and advertising. Juliet Smith is well -regarded for her representation of US networks, Hollywood Studios, streamers and Canadian independent production companies. Practising from Vancouver, her expertise includes the financing of productions and related tax incentives. Based in Toronto are the team’s leaders, Ken Dhaliwal and Jim Russell . Dhaliwal utilizes his commercial and corporate law expertise to advise on the establishment of new companies and businesses in the media sector. Russell’s practice focus lies within the production project financing, international and interprovincial productions and co-ventures and copyright. They head up the practice. Jayme Alter is noted for leading cross-border production matters and licensing issues.

Canada > Business immigration Tier 2

At Dentons, key fields of expertise include work permits, intra-company cross-border transfers, business visitor entry preparation and applications to address criminal and medical inadmissibility. The practice is led by both Henry Chang and Helen Park. Chang practices in both Canadian and US business immigration law and also has expertise in international business law, whereas Park’s expertise lies within immigration related matters concerning productions in the entertainment and media industry; her extensive experience in work permit applications assists foreign clients seeking to work on Canadian film productions. Jonathan Mor is another key contact.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

Dentons has enjoyed a strong year, which saw the team act on a well-balanced mix of regulatory, commercial and corporate work. Leveraging strong relationships with both domestic and global energy companies, the group’s representation of long-standing client Enbridge stands out, and it also provides ongoing advice to the Canadian energy giant on commercial and regulatory matters connected to the Enbridge Mainline system. Notably, all three department heads lead the Enbridge work, with sector specialist Bernard Roth providing regulatory support, while George Antonopoulos and counsel Michael Hurst handle commercial matters. Regulatory partner Laura Estep is also recommended. The Calgary-based group was recently boosted with the hire of natural resources-focused corporate partner Chris Wolfenberg from Fasken.

Canada > Indigenous law Tier 2

The practice at Dentons integrates its Aboriginal law expertise with its environmental and regulatory law experience to provide clients with seamless project planning advice in matters of natural resource development and transportation. Key strengths include the provision of land claims and treaty rights advice, the negotiation of impact and benefits agreements and the evaluation of Aboriginal risks arising from project financings. The team is led by Bernard Roth who practices from Calgary. Roth’s focus lies within energy regulation and administrative processes, while Laura K. Estep is best known for advising energy clients on project approval phases.

Canada > Pensions Tier 2

Canada > Telecoms Tier 2

The practice at Dentons focuses on emerging telecommunications matters including earth observation satellite systems, online streaming services, connected and interconnected wireless devices and user generated content platforms. Its multidisciplinary and integrated approach enables clients to receive end-to-end advice on entering the Canadian market. The practice is led by Ottawa-based Monica Song whose practice focus lies primarily in administrative and public policy work, with clients often relying on her expertise to assist digital growth. Gregory Kane is another key contact.

Transport > Aviation Tier 2

The team at Dentons utilizes its global outreach to advise clients on all aviation matters, from leasing and financing issues to complex compliance matters. Its broad array of clients includes international aviation financiers, governmental agencies, private operators, aircraft-chartered companies and airports. Airlines with operations in Canada, as well as those investing into the Canadian market, benefit from the team’s global aviation law expertise across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The team is led by Vancouver-based Robert Quon, a lawyer noted for his business investment expertise.

Canada > Construction Tier 2

Dentons is active across the entirety of Canada on both front-end and back-end matters, providing in-depth expertise on procurement, contractual, dispute avoidance, design issue, professional liability, insurance and tendering mandates. The practice is co-headed from Vancouver by Jana Mansour, whose qualification in the US and UK renders him a go-to for cross-border projects, alongside Karen Martin KC, a leading expert in RFP, contract, engineering issue, negligence and builders’ liens-related litigation.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 2

Dentons, one of the largest firms globally, enjoys an active presence across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, operating across a varied spectrum of corporate, white-collar, financial services, banking, insurance and healthcare disputes, among many others. Gordon Tarnowsky is one of the market’s most seasoned energy and oil and gas specialists and works from the Calgary office alongside co-head of the national practice, Rachel Howie, who is principally active within the mining, natural resources and energy sectors. In Toronto, Matthew Fleming has forged a prominent reputation for class action, professional and product liability, regulatory and securities-related disputes meanwhile Vancouver-based Emma Irving, an up-and-coming partner, is acclaimed for her work on contract and transactional litigation, class actions and personal injury defence. At the Montreal office, local practice head Margaret Weltrowska holds distinct expertise in franchising litigation and is supported by Erica Shadeed, a senior associate with notable experience in insurance, general commercial, consumer protection and regulatory disputes.

Canada > Capital markets Tier 3

In addition to its far-reaching international platform, Dentons stands out for its broad national coverage, which takes in six offices across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Cannabis remains a core industry for the group, with Toronto-based sector specialist Eric Foster noted for his expertise in this area. Other key contacts include capital markets and private equity-focused Dan Shea; Toronto-based Ora Wexler, who specializes in cross-border offerings; and Calgary-based Bennett Wong, who spearheads the securities and corporate finance group nationally.

Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

One of the largest international firms, Dentons is naturally extremely active on the cross-border front, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters intersecting Europe, Latin America, China and Australia; its team is geared to handle both corporate M&A and private equity transactions and is well-versed in a number of sectors including energy, technology, cannabis, mining, infrastructure, telecoms and entertainment. Alex Farcas serves as M&A lead, boasting distinct know-how in go-private transactions and public company governance, while simultaneously supporting on a wealth of share and asset, take-over bid and restructuring transactions; he is based in Toronto alongside Ora Wexler, a partner who is forging a prominent reputation for her work on multi-jurisdictional capital market deals.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3

Dentons continues to invest in its Canadian mining practice, recently adding Chris Wolfenberg from Fasken and Jennifer Poirier from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP; the pair join in Calgary and Vancouver respectively. The team’s emphasis on M&A, capital markets and finance work is supplemented by significant activity in commercial and operational mining matters. Edmonton-based Leanne Krawchuk handles a mix of commercial, M&A and construction law and co-heads the team alongside Vancouver-based mining and forestry specialist Robin Longe. High-profile mining expert Brian Abraham KC is also recommended in Vancouver.

Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 3

Dentons‘ national power group forms a significant part of the firm’s overarching Canadian energy offering, with many key lawyers handling both power and oil and gas matters. Transactional partner Vivek Bakshi, who splits his time between Toronto and Calgary, co-heads the department alongside energy regulation specialist, Bernard Roth, in Calgary. Montreal-based litigator Pierre Grenier also has a significant power dimension to his practice.

Canada > Environment Tier 3

The team at Dentons is recognized for having extensive knowledge on climate change and sustainability. As part of the firm’s global environment and natural resources group, the practices utilizes its multidisciplinary abilities to advise on environmental assessments, ESG compliance, renewable energy projects, site remediation and environmental transportation issues. The team has a particular focus on developing areas such as renewables, clean fuel standards and extended producer responsibility for manufactured products. The practice is led by Alex G MacWilliam who is based in Calgary.

Canada > Insurance Tier 3

Dentons continues to raise its profile in the insurance law sphere following the hire of a nine-lawyer team from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP in February 2022. Laurie LaPalme, one of the five partners who made the switch to the new firm, spearheads the national corporate and regulatory insurance practice; she recently acted alongside Derek Levinsky to advise insurance broker and consultant NFP Canada Corp on its acquisition of Foster Park Brokers. Douglas Stewart co-heads the insurance practice and specializes in contentious work. Named lawyers are based in Toronto.

Canada > International trade Tier 3

Dentons‘ Canadian trade practice is particularly well-equipped to advise on sanctions, where it can draw on its global network to provide clients with coordinated advice across multiple jurisdictions, and trade remedies cases. The group also pairs up with the firm’s government and public policy unit for guidance on trade law policy. Toronto-based Paul Lalonde steers the group and brings to bear specialist expertise in government procurement and international trade law.

Canada > Labour and employment Tier 3

Dentons impresses clients for ‘matching the right lawyer to the project at hand‘. Well-versed in all elements of labour and employment law, the group has an emphasis on health and safety law, labour relations, restrictive covenants disputes and wrongful dismissals. With platforms in each of the four largest Canadian provinces, Toronto is the seat of national lead Andy Pushalik, who handles a mix of advisory and contentious matters. In Vancouver, clients highlight Eleni Kassaris for her ‘exceptional advice‘. Montreal managing partner Christian Létourneau and Calgary-based April Kosten are also recommended.

Canada > Public procurement Tier 3

The team's expertise at Dentons encompasses public procurement across all government levels including provincial, federal and crown corporations. Matters handled relate to a variety of key industries such as construction, defence, energy and technology. Dedicated procurement expert Paul Lalonde heads the practice from Toronto. His focus lies within international trade and arbitration. Sean Stephenson is a key contact for government contracting law.

Canada > Real estate Tier 3

Dentons, one of the globe’s largest firms, is particularly reputed for its planning and development work, though also handles transactional, leasing and financing affairs. The practice, which caters to investors, developers, pension funds and REITs, among others, is headed nationally from Calgary by Clark Kassian, a specialist in asset management, joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions. Asset knowledge encompasses retail, office, condominiums, industrial, hotels, shopping centres and industrial sites.

Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

Dentons deploys its restructuring expertise across all industries, including cannabis, energy, mining, natural resources, and real estate, to advise clients on restructuring and insolvency matters arising from all circumstances. In addition to non-contentious work, the team also represents clients before various courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. David W Mann  heads the team from Calgary, while John Sandrelli oversees a strong restructurings team in British Columbia. Clients include both secured and unsecured creditors, trustees and accountancy firms, and distress lenders and acquisitors.

Canada > Tax Tier 3

Distinguished by its broad national footprint, Dentons‘ Canadian tax team is split between five offices across the country; its ability to plug into the wider firm’s global group is also a significant differentiator. In Toronto, department head Mark Jadd has a focus on the tax aspects of M&A transactions and internal reorganizations. Also in Toronto, impressive up-and-coming partner Larry Nevsky is recommended for his adept handling of a range of transactional, advisory and contentious tax matters. Vancouver-based tax litigator Joel Nitikman is another key contact.

Transport > Other transport Tier 3

The transportation team at Dentons handles work from various industries such as rail, road and public transit. Its knowledge of the rail sector includes the shipment of dangerous goods, while road expertise encompasses the handling of cargo claims. Public transit experience is focused on advising developers and lenders on public transit projects. Both Michael Ledgett and Ilan Dunsky head the team, operating from Toronto and Montreal respectively.

Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 3

Dentons, one of the largest firms globally, enjoys an active presence across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, operating across a varied spectrum of corporate, white-collar, financial services, banking, insurance and healthcare disputes, among many others. Gordon Tarnowsky is one of the market’s most seasoned energy and oil and gas specialists and works from the Calgary office alongside co-head of the national practice, Rachel Howie, who is principally active within the mining, natural resources and energy sectors. In Toronto, Matthew Fleming has forged a prominent reputation for class action, professional and product liability, regulatory and securities-related disputes meanwhile Vancouver-based Emma Irving, an up-and-coming partner, is acclaimed for her work on contract and transactional litigation, class actions and personal injury defence. At the Montreal office, local practice head Margaret Weltrowska holds distinct expertise in franchising litigation and is supported by Erica Shadeed, a senior associate with notable experience in insurance, general commercial, consumer protection and regulatory disputes.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 3

Dentons, one of the largest firms globally, enjoys an active presence across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, operating across a varied spectrum of corporate, white-collar, financial services, banking, insurance and healthcare disputes, among many others. Gordon Tarnowsky is one of the market’s most seasoned energy and oil and gas specialists and works from the Calgary office alongside co-head of the national practice, Rachel Howie, who is principally active within the mining, natural resources and energy sectors. In Toronto, Matthew Fleming has forged a prominent reputation for class action, professional and product liability, regulatory and securities-related disputes meanwhile Vancouver-based Emma Irving, an up-and-coming partner, is acclaimed for her work on contract and transactional litigation, class actions and personal injury defence. At the Montreal office, local practice head Margaret Weltrowska holds distinct expertise in franchising litigation and is supported by Erica Shadeed, a senior associate with notable experience in insurance, general commercial, consumer protection and regulatory disputes.

Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 3

Dentons, one of the largest firms globally, enjoys an active presence across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, operating across a varied spectrum of corporate, white-collar, financial services, banking, insurance and healthcare disputes, among many others. Gordon Tarnowsky is one of the market’s most seasoned energy and oil and gas specialists and works from the Calgary office alongside co-head of the national practice, Rachel Howie, who is principally active within the mining, natural resources and energy sectors. In Toronto, Matthew Fleming has forged a prominent reputation for class action, professional and product liability, regulatory and securities-related disputes meanwhile Vancouver-based Emma Irving, an up-and-coming partner, is acclaimed for her work on contract and transactional litigation, class actions and personal injury defence. At the Montreal office, local practice head Margaret Weltrowska holds distinct expertise in franchising litigation and is supported by Erica Shadeed, a senior associate with notable experience in insurance, general commercial, consumer protection and regulatory disputes.

Canada > Banking and finance Tier 4

Dentons draws on its enviable international platform to handle a significant volume of multi-jurisdictional financings. The group also shines in matters relating to emerging legal markets, including the cannabis, fintech, and cryptocurrency and payments spheres. Toronto-based national group head Ryan Middleton is recognized for his representation of major Canadian banks in technology lending, while Toronto-based Dennis Wiebe co-chairs the global group and specializes in lending and restructuring transactions. Michael Henriques, who has an emphasis on sponsor/fund finance work, and financial institutions head Heidi Clark are also recommended in Toronto. Joel Cabelli spearheads the department in Montreal.

Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 4

The team at Dentons takes advantage of the firm’s global network to advise a range of clients on cross-border matters. The team is reputed for its merger control and litigation expertise with clients also seeking its advice on navigating challenges that arise from the Investment Canada Act. The practice is co-led by Sandy Walker and Barry Zalmanowitz KC from Toronto and Edmonton respectively. Walker’s practice focus lies within obtaining government approvals for M&A from the Competition Bureau and other regulatory agencies, meanwhile Zalmanowitz is a thoroughly experienced litigator.

Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 4

The sizeable team at Dentons possesses experience in large-scale projects, particularly in the transport sphere, where it has the ability to handle matters relating to procurement, construction and dispute resolution. Montreal-based Ilan Dunsky specializes in infrastructure development, PPP and project finance, with a focus on the energy, transport and health sectors; he co-heads the practice alongside Vancouver-based Jana Mansour, who handles construction and project finance work.

Canada > Technology Tier 4

The team at Dentons has particular expertise in cryptocurrency, fintech, blockchain, AI and virtual reality. The sizeable group is led by both David Little and Tom Sides who are based in Ottawa and Edmonton respectively. Little focuses on venture capital financings and buy-outs while Sides is best known for his IP and privacy expertise. Chris Wolfenberg joined the team from Fasken.

Canada > Intellectual property