Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

A destination practice for both debt and equity offerings, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is regularly engaged by seasoned and debut issuers, as well as underwriters, to advise on headline-grabbing transactions. In a high-profile debt mandate, Calgary-based Jeff Bakker recently advised South Bow Corporation on its C$7.9bn notes offering related to the spin-off of TC Energy Corporation’s liquids pipelines business — the largest debt capital markets transaction in Canadian history. In Toronto, the formidably deep bench draws on Tim Andison, who focuses on M&A and capital markets; Catherine Youdan, who leads the capital markets team in Toronto; London managing partner Jeffrey Lloyd, who divides his time between Canada and the UK; and Michael Hickey, whose practice spans securities transactions and regulatory matters. Other key contacts in Calgary include local practice head Chad Schneider, as well as Kristopher Simard. The national team is additionally co-led by Vancouver head Kathleen Keilty, who is highly regarded for mining-related offerings, and Howard Levine, who fronts the department in Montreal.