Dentons > Ottawa, Canada > Firm Profile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.