Gowling WLG leverages experience in representing domestic and foreign banks, non-traditional and speciality lenders and large corporations on financings. Toronto-based Christopher Alam heads the national lending practice and handles lending transactions, project finance, and restructurings. Also recommended are Elizabeth Burton, who leads the group in Calgary; Toronto-based Robert Farmer, who contributes ‘deep understanding of all types of real estate finance’; and Toronto partners Kelby Carter and Lisa MacDonnell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My experience with Gowlings has been great. The banking and finance practice in Ontario is well-known in the market to be strong. It has the right people, who have deep experience across different industries and types of transactions. Lawyers are quick, resourceful and understand our needs.’
‘I've truly enjoyed working with Kelby Carter (partner) and Kaila Scarrow (associate). They were very approachable and understood our needs. Deals often have moving parts and they were accommodating with last-minute requests. As bankers, we appreciate a team that is willing to walk together.’
‘We worked with Lisa MacDonnell and her team at Gowlings for a large and complex transaction with a lot of visibility internally. We had very tight, almost impossible, deadlines to respect and Lisa's team delivered. Lisa took the time to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute hurdles. Every party was impressed.’
‘For us, it is about the lawyers that we work with: Elizabeth Burton and Braden Sheps. We have a very strong working relationship and value their support. Elizabeth and Braden provide excellent service. They are very responsive, think ahead and deliver strong work product. We are very happy.’
‘Key strength is ensuring the banking requirements are met and helping the borrower/their legal counsel work through understanding how the bank can work with them. Robert Farmer is the most dedicated lawyer in the real estate market in Toronto, with deep understanding of all types of real estate finance. ’
‘Good capacity, strong reputation in the market, lots of experience working for — and opposite — Canadian Schedule A banks. Chris Colonval is smart, practical, timely and easy to work with.’
‘Lisa MacDonnell is an excellent lawyer and very practical. Unlike some other lawyers who primarily act for lenders, Lisa does not stand on ceremony and takes the time to work with counsel, her lender clients and the borrower to find creative and productive solutions to issues as they arise.’
‘The team has great customer focus, strong attention to detail, great people to work with, and works with a sense of urgency.’
Key clients
- Bank of Montreal
- Bank of Ireland
- Metropolitan Partners Group
- EFS Revision Group
- Campus Developments (Global)
- Windsor Private Capital
- Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
- Parallax Energy Operating
- Mattamy Asset Management Incorporated
- Apollo Administrative Agency
Work highlights
Advised Bank of Montreal on a private equity-sponsored acquisition facility.
Advised Bank of Ireland on a cross-border credit facility.
Acted for Metropolitan Partners Group in International Credit Experts' receivership.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christopher Alam
Other key lawyers
Elizabeth Burton; Robert Farmer; Kelby Carter; Lisa MacDonnell; Braden Sheps; Chris Colonval; Kaila Scarrow