According to satisfied clients, Dentons ‘truly understands the nuances of the media and entertainment industry’. As one of the most comprehensive media practices in Canada, the group is geared to provide support across the full industry life cycle, from financing and tax matters through to production, licensing and transactional mandates. In Toronto, Ken Dhaliwal is a go-to adviser to independent producers, broadcasters, Hollywood streamers, distributors and lenders. Dhaliwal recently teamed up with up-and-coming Toronto-based partner Jayme Alter to advise Spin Master on ’Paw Patrol 3’. In Vancouver, Juliet Smith is praised as an ‘ideal collaborator’ and acts for a diverse roster of studios, Canadian producers, visual effects and animation houses, and Canadian financial institutions. The Toronto bench also draws on experienced specialists Jim Russell and David Steinberg, while counsel Bob Tarantino and associate Karin Kazakevich provide dedicated support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a lot of experience with the overall entertainment industry, including US and international deals, with a deep understanding of Canadian deals including tax credits, and related financing structures, and guild deals.’
‘David Steinberg and Ken Dhaliwal both have expertise in distribution and production deals, Jayme Alter is excellent on all television and guild-related issues.’
‘It has deep understanding of legal (and financial) issues in the media and entertainment space and is our trusted legal advisor. The responsiveness of the Vancouver team is unparalleled; it goes beyond drafting documents to providing nuanced, thoughtful advice that is invaluable to our success.’
‘Juliet Smith's calm demeanour and deep expertise make her an ideal collaborator. She is incredibly patient and takes the time to walk through the related risks and potential solutions to mitigate these risks on complex transactions.’
- ‘Dentons is very strong in the media and entertainment sector in Canada — production, distribution, IP, financing/banking, M&A, etc. Fees are reasonable compared to other Toronto firms. Jim Russell provides incredible, proactive service and we use him as a sounding board for most material transactions.’
- ‘Dentons stands out because its expertise goes beyond just legal matters. It truly understands the nuances of the media and entertainment industry. It knows when a thoughtful, delicate approach is required, especially in sensitive situations. Its knowledge in these areas is exceptional and invaluable.’
- ‘David Steinberg brings veteran expertise to both music and music law. His experience spans a wide range of genres as well as complex legal issues and strategies.’
- ‘I have had the opportunity to work with Bob Tarantino and Jayme Alter, both of whom bring deep knowledge and a patient, thoughtful approach to the practice. Karin Kazakevich is another standout — she is highly knowledgeable and consistently quick to act, which we greatly appreciate.’
- 'I have worked with Jim Russell, a partner at Dentons (formerly a partner at Heenan Blakie), for almost 30 years. He provides incredible, proactive service and we use him as a sounding board for most material transactions.'
Key clients
- Lions Gate Entertainment
- Canadian Media Producers Association
- Scholastic Corporation
- Spin Master
- New Metric Media
- Piazza Entertainment
Work highlights
Advised Lions Gate Entertainment on a series of transactions to separate its Lionsgate Studios business from Starz.
Advised the Canadian Media Producers Association on the legal implications of generative AI for the Canadian film and television industry.
Advised Scholastic Corporation on its C$250m acquisition of a 100% economic interest in 9 Story Media Group.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ken Dhaliwal; Juliet Smith; Jim Russell
Other key lawyers
Jayme Alter; David Steinberg; Bob Tarantino; Karin Kazakevich