BMKP Law is well-equipped to advise clients on Canadian pension, benefits and executive compensation law. The firm is known for advising employers, universities and administrators on pension matters, such as pension plan designs and regulatory issues. The team also assists with pension issues related to M&A transactions, including pension and benefit plan restructuring. The team is jointly led out of Toronto by Elizabeth Brown, Terra Klinck, and Lindsay McLeod, while Sean Maxwell leads the team in Calgary. Brown advises public and private sector employers, sponsors and administrators, Klinck is an expert in defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, and McLeod often assists clients with equity-based compensation agreements, supplemental executive retirement plans and pension plans, while Maxwell is noted for his work on pension fund investments and plan terminations. Cary Wong and associates Pamela Odina and Maggie Carmichael are all noted for their expertise in pension matters. John Prezioso departed the firm in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sean Maxwell’s expertise in pension law is exceptional and stands out among his peers. He is consistently responsive, providing timely and practical guidance that is straightforward to implement. Sean has become our go-to trusted advisor in this area of law, and we greatly value his insight and support.’
- ‘The team is focused on pensions and benefits, and is exceptional in its expertise, pragmatism and ability to find creative solutions. I have worked alongside the firm, on the other side of the firm and have referred matters to them. It has always been a great pleasure and very rewarding.’
- ‘Elizabeth Brown especially can jump into any situation and get up to speed and make those around her feel understood and supported. She is a true service provider with high emotional intelligence.’
- ‘Specialization in registered pension plans and other employee benefits.’
- ‘Elizabeth Brown and Pamela Odina are superstars in this field. Brilliant and knowing when to push and when to hold back. I am not aware of any other firms that have this expert level of skill in such a unique area.’
- ‘Elizabeth Brown is a critical thinker and great at understanding the context in which our work exists. She is a great leader to her team and has benefited her clients by making the vast number of connections in the industry.'
Key clients
- Stelco
- The Employer Sponsor of the University Pension Plan Ontario
- Toronto-Dominion Bank
- United Church of Canada
- Hydro One
- Ontario Medical Association
- Western University
Work highlights
Advised The Employer Sponsor of the University Pension Plan Ontario on the management of the University Pension Plan Ontario, a jointly-sponsored pension plan established in 2020.
Advised Toronto-Dominion Bank on governance, investments, statutory and regulatory compliance and administration advice in respect of its Canadian registered pension plan arrangements.
Advised the United Church of Canada, providing ongoing pension governance, administration and compliance advice.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Elizabeth Brown
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.
Pamela Odina
Maggie Carmichael
Practice head
Elizabeth Brown; Terra Klinck; Sean Maxwell; Lindsay McLeod
Other key lawyers
Cary Wong; Jennifer Agnew; Pamela Odina; Maggie Carmichael