Valued for its ‘deep bench across Canada’, Norton Rose Fulbright’s banking and finance practice benefits from strong platforms in all of the country’s key business hubs. In Alberta, Rick Borden is highlighted by some as ’the best banking lawyer in Calgary’; he is particularly recognized for his record in energy-related financings. Other key contacts in Calgary include Marlow Gereluk, who is dual qualified in England and Alberta, and recently promoted partner Joe Mooney, who is ‘great on complicated files’. A strong bench in Montreal draws on David Lemieux, who recently advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and a syndicate of lenders on a C$538m project financing; Arnold Cohen, co-head of the asset-backed lending team; Peter Wiazowski, who focuses on cross-border banking and debt capital markets transactions; and Michèle Friel, whose practice spans corporate finance, financial services and general banking law. In Toronto, asset-backed lending co-chair David Amato and financial services and regulation head Tim Stewart are also names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An incredibly intelligent team that does an excellent job at communicating, in clear terms, the legal implications of credit structures and insolvency matters, bridging those implications with commercial negotiations for best practice. Particularly David Amato, Noah Schein, Matthew Lippa and Laura DeLuca.’
‘The NRF team has the capability to provide service to large and smaller sized clients. Lawyers were responsive to our needs and had the in-depth knowledge to support our organization.’
‘The firm stands out for its strong expertise, experienced senior legal counsel, and network depth. We highlight David Lemieux (Montreal) for his significant experience, exceptional business acumen, ability to provide both legal and business advice, and highly practical approach.’
‘NRF is our 'go-to' law firm in Calgary. Rick Borden is head of the practice and is one of the most knowledgeable but practical lawyers in Calgary. It also fields a deep bench of supporting lawyers.’
‘Rick Borden is very knowledgeable and pragmatic. I view him as the best banking lawyer in Calgary. Joe Mooney, only recently promoted to partner, is very easy to deal with and is great on complicated files. Marlow Gereluk is a senior lawyer with expertise on ISDAs and other specialized matters.’
‘A deep bench across Canada. It can execute cross-border transactions from Montreal. Our lawyer acts almost exclusively for lenders so is a good trusted advisor for dedicated counsel work.’
Key clients
- National Bank of Canada
- Bank of America
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Toronto-Dominion Bank
- Bank of Montreal
- Wells-Fargo Bank
- Alamos Gold
- Bombardier
- CAE
- TC Energy Group
Work highlights
Advised Oak Hill Advisors on the $2.1bn debt recapitalization transaction of Alkegen.
Advised CAE, together with its international offices, on several debt finance matters, including on a $200m term loan, and also on the amendment and extension of its $1bn senior revolving credit agreement.
Advised Bombardier on the increase and extension of its $450m, five-year syndicated secured revolving credit agreement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Peter Wiazowski; Tim Stewart; David Amato; Marlow Gereluk
Other key lawyers
Rick Borden; Joe Mooney; David Lemieux; Arnold Cohen; Michèle Friel; Noah Schein; Matthew Lippa; Laura DeLuca