With a presence in both Calgary and Edmonton, Dentons‘ disputes team has a notable emphasis on corporate commercial litigation, in addition to energy and appellate litigation. Leadership of the Alberta group is shared between three partners: Calgary-based John Cusano, and Wendy N. Moody and Michael Sestito in Edmonton. Sestito leads multi-office litigation teams in infrastructure disputes, whilst Rachel A. Howie is the go-to advisor for arbitrations. Dennis Picco KC offers a wealth of experience in the construction and energy sector, and Gordon Tarnowsky KC is equipped to handle negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Knowledge and understanding of our business and priorities allows the firm to provide practical advice.’
- ‘The team is efficient, on the ball, and leads clients along with ease and guidance.’
- ‘Team is very well-rounded to assist with a full range of issues.’
- ‘This legal practice distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, responsiveness and a strong client-focused culture. Over the years, we have consistently relied on the firm not only for their legal acumen, but also for their pragmatic, business-oriented advice that takes into account the broader commercial context of our operations.'
- ‘The individuals we work with at the firm consistently demonstrate exceptional professionalism, deep legal knowledge and a strong sense of accountability. What truly sets them apart is their ability to combine legal precision with practical, solution-oriented thinking. They understand our business priorities and adapt their advice accordingly, which is not something we experience consistently with other firms.'
- ‘Dentons has possibly the most qualified and experienced group of litigation counsel in Alberta, with individuals that know both the operational and and legal implications of any dispute and the possible alternatives for ultimate resolution. Truly a law firm with a business mentality.’
Key clients
- Edison S.p.A. and Edison International S.p.A. Enbridge Sawridge Trust and the Sawridge Trustees Acciona Tilray Alberta Securities Commission Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. Niko Exploration (Block 9) Ltd. City of Abbottsford
Work highlights
Represents Acciona, a global wastewater infrastructure corporation, in a major litigation against the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District following the termination of a contract for a large-scale wastewater treatment plant.
Acts for the Sawridge Trustees in long-running, high-stakes litigation concerning the distribution of approximately $70m in trust assets derived from oil and gas revenues for members of the Sawridge First Nation.
Acts for Enbridge in litigation stemming from a pipeline strike during construction by a third-party consortium expanding a crude oil line.
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.
Simon Elzen-Hoskyn
Practice head
John Cusano; Wendy Moody; Michael Sestito
Other key lawyers
Rachel Howie; Dennis Picco KC; Gordon Tarnowsky KC