Dentons‘ restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy group are ’one of strongest in the Vancouver market’, fielding a strong bench of restructuring and insolvency specialists in British Columbia. The firm leverages its knowledge in various key sectors such as energy, mining, tech, hospitality, transport and real estate to advise clients in these sectors on restructuring and insolvency proceedings. It also assists with cross-border insolvency transactions. John R. Sandrelli leads the Vancouver team and acts for clients in CCAA proceedings, while co-head Robert J. Kennedy sits in Toronto and is well-versed in representing CCAA monitors, court appointed receivers and distressed companies. Associate Eamonn Watson is well-versed in Canadian insolvency law and is part of the Vancouver team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Dentons restructuring team is one of the largest teams in British Columbia. Its bench strength is helpful to ensure quality and timely responses. The team is extremely talented and business-minded, which made Dentons so successful in the restructuring field in British Columbia.’
‘John Sandrelli is one of the most senior restructuring practitioners in British Columbia. He is very commercial and always delivers extremely high quality work. Jordan Schultz is the lead partner in Dentons' Vancouver restructuring practice. He is very practical with his approaches, and also very commercial. Valerie Cross been the go-to for many banking clients - we see her in court representing various banks.’
‘Dentons has a robust team with experienced professionals and a very good base of lawyers at all levels.’
‘The members of the Dentons team are very pragmatic and excellent at solving complex legal problems. They are efficient and extremely reliable.’
‘What separates the Dentons team is their ability to serve as a strategic, commercial advisor as opposed to strictly advising on legal matters. The Dentons team has a client-centric mentality and is very organized, knowledgeable, and collaborative across practices. Dentons' global network has also been beneficial as we've had cases crossing multiple borders and required expertise in foreign jurisdictions.'
‘John Sandrelli demonstrates a remarkable ability to swiftly assess complex legal issues, articulate his position with clarity, and deliver advice that minimizes risk and limits loose ends. Eamonn Watson is always well-researched, organized and prepared. His insights and strategic recommendations on complex legal matters are consistently well-informed, pragmatic, and tailored to drive effective and efficient outcomes. ’
‘They are really able to get the job done in an efficient way and have strategic thinking that is the real value add.’
‘The Denton's restructuring team are one of strongest in the Vancouver market. Key strengths are the teams ability to be flexible due to solid communication between them keeping matters up to speed and seamlessly supporting each other. The team are also forward thinking, technically excellent and known to deliver sound but practically actionable advice. They are also able to bring in expertise from across their firm as required.’
'They are more responsive and timely than other firms I have used. I can call them and someone will respond instantaneously.'
'The people on Dentons' restructuring and insolvency team are top notch. They are personable, reasonable, and collaborative. I like working with the team because I know they are going to delver results.'
Key clients
- Bank of Montreal
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Grant Thornton
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Deloitte Restructuring
- Entourage Health
- Deloitte Restructuring
- Enbridge Employee Services Canada
- Royal Bank of Canada
- B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
- BDO Canada
- FTI Consulting
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Bifano Consolidated
Work highlights
Advising Bank of Montreal on CCAA restructuring proceedings of Pride Group.
Advised Royal Bank of Canada on CCAA restructuring proceedings of Pride Group.
Advised Grant Thornton on cross-border receivership proceedings involving the Big Rig Trailers.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Eamonn Watson
Practice head
John R. Sandrelli; Robert J. Kennedy
Other key lawyers
Jordan Schultz; Valerie Cross; Eamonn Watson