McCarthy Tétrault > Quebec, Canada > Firm Profile
McCarthy Tétrault Offices
500, Grande Allée Est
9e étage
Québec QC G1R 2J7
Canada
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McCarthy Tétrault > The Legal 500 Rankings
Canada > Banking and finance
The banking and finance practice at McCarthy Tétrault strikes a balance between transactional and regulatory mandates, while the firm’s comprehensive national network also ensures that work is well weighted between Canada’s key business hubs. In Toronto, Richard Higa is sought after for transactional matters; he acted as Canadian counsel to Golub Capital Markets, and a syndicate of lenders, on the financing of Excelitas Technologies Corp. Other transactional specialists in Toronto include Gordon Baird; Justin Lapedus; and project finance specialist Stephen Furlan. Additionally, Joseph Palin and counsel Michel Deschamps are noted for lending deals in Calgary and Montreal respectively. The deep and broad group also includes regulatory and fintech expert Ana Badour, who recently acted alongside Hartley Lefton to advise Novacap on the regulatory aspects of its partnership with online financial marketplace, Ratehub.ca. Other key contacts include Ian Mak; recently promoted partner Noel Chow; and debt capital markets expert Marc MacMullin, who leads the overarching financial services group — all are focused on transactions and based in Toronto. Mary Jeanne Phelan departed in October 2023.Practice head(s):
Marc MacMullin; Ana Badour
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of America Securities, and Bank of America (Canada Branch)
National Bank of Canada, National Bank Financial
ATB Financial
Bank of Montreal
Fiera Capital
Wells Fargo & Company
Brookfield Infrastructure
Instar Asset Management
Morgan Stanley
Pinch Financial
Canada > Capital markets Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault’s first-class financial institutions offering is reflected in its capital markets practice, where the firm is widely recognized for its record in representing underwriters on debt and equity offerings. Among its recent highlights in this sphere, Montreal-based capital markets co-head Patrick Boucher advised a syndicate of dealers, led by National Bank Financial, on a C$750m offering of medium-term notes. The team is also a regular fixture on the issuer side, as evidenced by its its work for Cameco Corporation on its $747.6m bought deal offering; high-profile capital markets co-head Andrew Parker led the group’s involvement in that deal from Toronto. Other key contacts include Toronto-based national financial services chair Marc MacMullin, who is a go-to name for structured finance; Toronto’s Jo-Anna Brimmer, who specializes in securitization, covered bonds and debt capital markets; structured finance co-lead Dean Masse, who is also in Toronto; and Calgary-based Alyson Goldman.Practice head(s):
Patrick Boucher; Andrew Parker; Marc MacMullin; Jo-Anna Brimmer
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canadian Western Bank
Empire Life Insurance Company
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Bruce Power
Li-cycle Corp
HSBC
Stelco Holdings
Summit Industrial Income REIT
Canadian Tire Bank
Deutsche Bank
Canada > Competition and antitrust Tier 1
The practice at McCarthy Tétrault is best known for expertise in merger, joint venture and foreign investment review. The group is well-versed in handling civil and criminal cartel investigations, as well as class actions. At the helm of the department, leading figure Jason Gudofsky focuses his practice on merger review, risk assessments and guiding corporate clients through investigations conducted by the Canadian Competition Bureau. Additional key partners at the Toronto office include Oliver Borgers and Debbie Salzberger, who focus on domestic and multinational merger review, as well as Casey Halladay, who majors on cartels and contentious matters. At the Montreal office, Dominic Thérien‘s practice encompasses merger and joint venture review, and criminal cartel and bid-rigging investigations. Donald Houston and Jonathan Bitran left the firm in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Jason Gudofsky
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dominic Thérien is a real professional – very up to date in his field. He’s available and all his documents and work are perfectly done. He’s able to find solutions and to properly explain the risks associated with the decisions made.’
‘Dominic Thérien is very down to earth, and his explanations are easy to understand. We can see he has dealt with similar files before, so he can easily address our concerns.’
‘Jason Gudofsky and Debbie Salzberger are the go-to M&A antitrust team in Canada. They are commercially efficient, responsive and out-of-the-box thinkers.’
‘The McCarthy Tetrault competition and antitrust team is the best in Canada. They work with us on the most complex and ‘bet the company’ antitrust matters. They work seamlessly with the global team on all types of antitrust matters. They are very sophisticated, business-friendly and great advocates.’
‘Jason Gudofsky is the best competition lawyer in Canada. Casey Halladay is a great lawyer and very good with clients.’
Key clients
BlackBerry
Brookfield/Royal Lepage
Certarus
Cummins
Grieg Seafood ASA
Hitachi Rail
Hockey Canada
Luxottica
Parkland
Ritchie Bros.
Shell Canada
Summit Industrial Income REIT
Surge Energy
Square Enix Holdings
TDK
Transdev
Uber Canada
Viterra
Xylem
Canada > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
With a nationwide presence and offices abroad in London and New York, McCarthy Tétrault continues to act as a first port of call for major public and private companies (including Blackstone and Rio Tinto) and private equity firms involved in high-value domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The firm’s comprehensive service covers M&A, corporate finance and capital markets matters. The practice’s roster spans such sectors as mining, manufacturing, software, oil and gas, media, IT, private equity and pharmaceuticals, with the practice displaying particular strength in the mining space. Cameron Belsher, who works in the Vancouver and Toronto offices, brings expertise to M&A and private equity matters and co-leads the group with Jonathan See, a specialist in files related to the gaming, infrastructure and power industries, and Shea Small in Toronto and London, who provides extensive experience in joint ventures, strategic investments and capital markets. Clemens Mayr in Montreal acts for issuers and underwriters in Canadian and cross-border public financings. Shevaun McGrath handles complex leveraged buyouts, minority investments and restructurings in Toronto, where David Woollcombe advises on M&A and securities offerings.Practice head(s):
Cameron Belsher KC; Jonathan See; Shea Small
Other key lawyers:
Shevaun McGrath; Patrick Boucher; Clemens Mayr; Roger Taplin; Patrick Shea; David Woollcombe; Chrystelle Chevalier-Gagnon
Key clients
British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
Blackstone
Brookfield Asset Management
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Cameco Corporation
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
CVC Capital Partners
Endeavour Mining
Fairfax Financial
Instar Asset Management
Magris Resources Canada Inc.
Mubadala Investment Company
Newcrest Mining Limited
Novacap
OMERS
Partners Group
Rio Tinto plc
Slate Asset Management
TD Bank and TD Greystone Asset Management
Vision Ridge Partners, LLC
Canada > Dispute resolution: British Columbia Tier 1
The British Columbia practice at McCarthy Tétrault demonstrates skilful handling of mining, environmental, Aboriginal and energy-related disputes. The group is also regularly sought out by national and international clients in the retail, healthcare, tech and financial services segments. Jill Yates steers the department and oversees major commercial cases for finance, agribusiness and pharmaceutical-sector clients. Additional key team members include leading litigator Michael Feder KC, who has substantial experience acting on consumer class action matters; and Aidan Cameron, who shines in construction, mining, insurance and real estate litigation. Alexandra Cocks and Patrick Williams, who was recently promoted to the partnership, are additional key contacts. Una Radoja specializes in filing or defending claims by public and private companies against directors and officers. Partner Miranda Lam left the firm in January 2022, moving in-house.Practice head(s):
Jill Yates
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Endo Pharmaceuticals
Meta Platforms
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
Sanofi
JUUL Labs
Newmont
TDK
Unilever Canada
British Columbia Ferry Services
Syngenta
TD Bank
Canada > Dispute resolution: Ontario Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault houses a strong Ontario disputes practice which counts class action, product liability, professional liability and securities litigation, as well as white-collar defence, arbitration and regulatory matters, among its specialties. The team is regularly engaged in disputes touching on mining, environmental, Aboriginal and energy matters. Arbitration, technology, professional negligence and contractual disputes specialist Thomas N.T. Sutton heads up the almost 140-strong group. Paul Steep majors on securities litigation and has experience appearing before all levels of Ontario courts, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada; Sarit Batner has particular experience in matters involving breach of contract, professional negligence and shareholder disputes. Junior Sirivar chairs the firm’s international arbitration group and is well-versed in mining, banking, healthcare and telecoms disputes. Other key names include Moya Graham, Christine Lonsdale and Adam Goldenberg. Eric Block left the firm in July 2023. Marina Sampson joined in February 2024.Practice head(s):
Thomas N.T. Sutton
Other key lawyers:
Paul Steep; Sarit Batner; Junior Sirivar; Moya Graham; Christine Lonsdale; Adam Goldeneberg; Marina Sampson.
Key clients
Abbott Laboratories
Bank of Montreal
Bell Canada
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Infrastructure Ontario
JUUL Labs
Metrolinx
Nigig Power
Pretium Resources
Rio Tinto
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges
Sanofi
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Canada > Dispute resolution: Quebec Tier 1
The Montreal-based group at McCarthy Tétrault is active on class action disputes, regulatory and product liability matters, securities litigation and arbitration. The team is well-versed in commercial litigation involving the pharmaceutical, tech and biotech segments, and routinely appears before all levels of the Quebec courts. Steeves Bujold directs the group. Ex-practice head Mason Poplaw remains active on complex commercial, corporate and securities disputes, and has additional experience of financial product liabilities cases and banking class actions. François Giroux majors on shareholder disputes, banking litigation and class actions involving securities violations and privacy disputes. Isabelle Vendette is noted for her expertise in injunctions, financial services and securities litigation, as well as privacy and contract disputes. Gabriel Querry is an additional name to note. Kristian Brabander left the firm.Practice head(s):
Steeves Bujold; Sunil Kapur
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Abbott Laboratories
Bell Canada
Bombardier
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
CIBC
Cogeco Communications
Compagnie de Matériaux de Construction BP Canada
Desjardins Group
Heritage Education Funds, Knowledge First Financial Institution, Children’s Education Funds
HGrégoire International
National Bank of Canada
Raymond Chabot Administrateur Provisoire
TD Bank/TD Waterhouse Canada
Telecon
Energy and natural resources > Power Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault maintains a dominant commercial power practice that harnesses the wider firm’s signature corporate strength, which is additionally supported by significant regulatory capability. The team’s industry expertise spans a varied mix of wind, hydro, nuclear, and co-generation power projects, while its broad national footprint ensures that it is routinely involved in matters across the country — it also handles US-related work. Toronto-based Seán O’Neill spearheads the department and has a focus on power transactions; he recently advised Renewable Energy Systems Canada on the sale of the Bekevar Wind Project to Innagreen Canada Holdings C and Innagreen Canada Holdings D. The group additionally draws on high-profile infrastructure and projects expert David Lever and transactional power partner Suzanne Murphy — both of whom are based in Toronto — as well as Calgary-based energy regulation specialist Kimberly Howard. Former energy regulation lead George Vegh retired.Practice head(s):
Seán O’Neill
Other key lawyers:
David Lever; Suzanne Murphy; Kimberly Howard; Marc Dorion; Sven Milelli; Louis-Nicolas Boulanger
Key clients
Renewable Energy Systems Canada
Enwave Energy Corporation
Noventa Energy Partners
NextEra Energy Resources
Innergex Renewable Energy
Invenergy
EDF Renewables Canada and Cypress Renewable Energy Centre
Vale Canada
BHE Rattlesnake Canada, BHE Canada, as Berkshire Hathaway Company
X-Energy Canada
Canada > Environment Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault houses a full-spectrum environmental law practice, which routinely acts for a varied mix of Canadian and multinational organizations and government bodies. From its platforms across the country, the group is well versed in a range of regulatory, transactional support and contentious matters, with strong experience before provincial and federal agencies. Calgary-based Kimberly Howard focuses on environmental, energy and regulatory law and co-heads the national team together with Cindy Vaillancourt, who splits her time between Montreal and Quebec City, and Vancouver-based litigator Nicholas Hughes. The department was additionally boosted in May 2023 with the hires of Vancouver-based Una Radoja and Toronto-based Laura Weingarden, who joined from Harper Grey LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP respectively. Selina Lee-Andersen left in January 2023, while Joanna Rosengarten departed in March 2023.Practice head(s):
Nicholas Hughes; Kimberly Howard; Cindy Vaillancourt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘When compared to other law firms, McCarthy Tétrault’s environmental law practice is able to better anticipate potential issues or hurdles that need to be cleared. This provides meaningful execution certainty.’
‘McCarthy’Tétrault has an exceptionally strong alternative fee arrangement process, where it is willing to modify billings to reflect transaction risk; where the team shares some risk with the client by billing less at early stages, etc., which was appreciated.’
‘Kimberly Howard paid significant attention to detail and mapped out the work from start to finish, which allowed us to consider an approach that would reduce hurdles or other issues that could arise.’
‘A very broad and diverse legal team to draw on.’
‘Una Radoja has an exceptional ability to follow complex issues and provide excellent advice promptly for our company. She is the best I have worked with in 35 years in business.’
Key clients
Canadian National Railway Company
Clean Harbors Canada
Hydro-Québec
Lightening Grid Québec
Shell Canada
Peace River Hydro Partners
LNG Canada
Gold Fields
Neptune Terminals
Canada > Infrastructure projects Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault’s infrastructure projects practice is evenly distributed between its offices, which translates into comprehensive national coverage of all major infrastructure spheres, including rail, health, government buildings, and energy and natural resources. Toronto-based David Lever co-heads the practice and is recommended for his focus on project finance and energy-related matters. Department co-head Linda Brown, based in Vancouver, specializes in infrastructure projects, with experience across the full range of bidding processes, project finance and secondary market activity. Vancouver-based Morgan Troke is also highly regarded for infrastructure work and recently paired up with Vancouver’s Samantha Cunliffe to advise the ONxpress Transportation Partners consortium on the DBOM contract for the GO Rail Expansion On Corridor Project. Toronto-based real estate and construction specialist Godyne Sibay and Vancouver-based next-generation partner Liezl Behm are also recommended for projects work.Practice head(s):
David Lever; Linda Brown
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canada Infrastructure Bank
CDPQ Infra
Elemental Energy
Infrastructure Ontario
The lenders to a borrower formed by Graham Capital Partners
Metrolinx
Niagara Health System
ONxpress Transportation Partners
The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
Trillium Health Partners
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada > International trade Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault’s comprehensive international trade and investment law practice thrives across the full scope of compliance, enforcement and contentious matters. The group is particularly sought after for its expertise in economic sanctions and trade control and also for its experience in representing clients before major trade and investment law bodies, including the CITT, FTA binational panels, and the WTO. Department co-head John Boscariol is widely acknowledged as an authority in the field and is equipped to advise public and private sector clients on an array of trade issues, including economic sanctions, anti-corruption laws, export controls and the enforcement of international trade and investment protection agreements. Other recommended names include group co-head Martha Harrison, who specializes in international trade and product regulatory law; next-generation partner Robert Glasgow; and capable associate Ljiljana Stanic.Practice head(s):
John Boscariol; Martha Harrison
Other key lawyers:
Robert Glasgow; Carmen Francis; Ljiljana Stanic
Key clients
Meta
Cameco
Siemens Energy Canada
General Electric
Atlantic Towing
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
Irving Shipbuilding
Home Depot
Nuctech
Canada > Real estate Tier 1
The powerhouse practice at McCarthy Tétrault remains a market leader, pairing a nationwide presence and offices abroad in London and New York with the experience of its team to advise private and publicly-traded investors, major lenders, pension funds, REITs, developers and governmental bodies, on a comprehensive array of real estate matters. With a client base that features such key market players as the National Bank of Canada and the Bank of Nova Scotia, the group’s full service covers development, acquisitions and dispositions, access agreements, project financing and leasing, in addition to securitization, property management and public-private joint ventures. The practice is led by industry authority John Currie in Toronto, who brings expertise to such transactions as large and mid-scale secured financings, construction contracts and asset management and development agreements. Counsel Abraham Costin specializes in acquisitions, insolvency and realization work related to real property. Other key figures include Jamie Orzech, who employs experience in acting for clients in ground lease and sale leaseback transactions, and Keith Burrell KC in Vancouver, who assists developers of large residential and mixed-use projects engaged in presale activity. Sarit Pandya, who advises clients on syndicated bank facilities, construction financings and mortgage lending, was promoted to partner in January 2023. All lawyers, unless noted, work in the Toronto office.Practice head(s):
John Currie
Other key lawyers:
Abraham Costin; Jamie Orzech; Keith Burrell KC; Danny Grandilli; Olivia Colic; Tzen-Yi Goh; Annie Gagnon-Larocque; Madeleine Hawkins; Sarit Pandya; Craig Shirreff
Key clients
QuadReal and bcIMC Realty
Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg
Investment Management Corporation of Ontario
Otéra Capital Inc.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Infrastructure Ontario
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
University of Windsor
Slate Asset Management
Quartier RoyalMount Limited Partnership /Carbonleo
Kingsett
Great West Life
Fiera Properties
Carttera
HOOPP
Canderel
Broccolini
Industrial Alliance
Groupe Maurice
Desjardins
Manulife
CMLS
Groupe MACH /Groupe Petra
National Bank of Canada
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Lithia Motors, Inc.
Simon Fraser University
United Overseas Bank Limited
Bank of Nova Scotia
Wells Fargo Bank
Seasons Retirement Communities
Bank of Montreal
Regency Retirement Resorts
Canada > Tax Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault‘s ‘top-shelf’ tax team is routinely retained as tax counsel in high-profile transactions and is frequently instructed by financial institutions, REITs, private equity funds and pension funds. Litigation is an additional area of expertise. Toronto-based practice co-head Raj Juneja handles both corporate tax planning and contentious matters. Brett Anderson also co-leads from the Calgary office and specializes in public reorganizations, M&A and international tax matters. In Toronto, Stephanie Dewey, Patrick McCay and Stefanie Morand are noted for their tax planning expertise, while Jeff Oldewening is praised for his ‘truly outstanding technical knowledge’. May 2022 saw the arrivals of Simon Douville and Dominic Bédard-Lapointe; Leonard Nesbitt and Michael Dolson also joined the group in March and June 2023, respectively.Practice head(s):
Raj Juneja; Brett Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding global view. Top-shelf practitioners. By far the best tax firm in Canada.’
‘Raj Juneja is one of the preeminent tax practitioners on the global stage. A giant among Canadian tax advisors. Very practical and creative.’
‘Jeff Oldewening is a market leader. His technical knowledge is second to none. A world renowned expert in butterfly transactions – truly outstanding.’
Key clients
Bell Media/BCE
Cameco Corporation
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
Cascade Investment
Cenovus Energy
Enercare
Fortis
Innergex Renewable Energy
Lithium Americas
Rio Tinto
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Summit Industrial Income REIT
Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank)
Canada > Technology Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault houses a strong technology practice that specializes in major technology procurements, acquisitions and outsourcing mandates. The team is regularly called upon by banking, insurance, government, energy and retail-sector clients, who also benefit from the group’s privacy and cybersecurity expertise. Toronto-based practice head Christine Ing leads on transactional matters and is knowledgeable on emerging technologies including AI and blockchain. Also in Toronto, Michael Scherman's expertise covers cloud services and licensing. In Montreal, Charles Morgan is noted for his cybersecurity, AI and data protection knowledge. David Crane, who is well-versed in IT procurement, cloud and e-commerce matters, is the key name to note in Vancouver.Practice head(s):
Christine Ing
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Nesto
The Province of BC (Ministry of Finance)
The Province of BC (Ministry of Citizens’ Services)
Canadian Securities Administrators
Canada > Telecoms Tier 1
McCarthy Tétrault's practice is noted for regularly representing clients in contentious broadcasting and telecommunications cases, in addition to advising on the application, regulation and commercialization of emerging technologies. The team is frequently instructed by telecoms companies, satellite carriers, mobile and fixed wireless networks, cable operators, financial institutions and regulators. Of counsel and Toronto-based practice lead Grant Buchanan has focused his practice on broadcast and telecoms financing, Copyright Board work and regulatory matters. Counsel Keith Rose is active on non-contentious matters involving 5G, satellite communications and consumer and medical devices.Practice head(s):
Grant Buchanan
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bell Canada
Bell Media
TELUS Communications
Jewelry Television
telMAX LP
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Word of God Fellowship
Ericsson
Loral Space & Communications (Loral)
Transport > Other transport Tier 1
The department at McCarthy Tétrault is known for acting for producers, rail and motor carriers, warehousers and governmental stakeholders in order to minimize transportation delays. With regards to litigation, the group has significant experience representing Canadian motor carrier fleets and inter-city bus operating authorities, appearing before the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada, Transport Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency and the Transportation Safety Board. Quebec City-based practice co-head David Blair is noted for his expertise in international transportation, safety standards regulation, carriers’ liability and trade-related issues. Alongside him, Brian Lipson also co-leads from Quebec City. Partner as of June 2022, Lipson handles regulatory compliance, surface and air transportation licensing and warehousing matters.Practice head(s):
David Blair; Brian Lipson
Key clients
Greyhound Canada Transportation
Lithia Motors
Kruger Energy
Canadian National Railway Company
CDPQ Infra/REM
CSX
Autocars Orléans Express
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
Via Rail Canada
First Student
Stoneridge
Federal Express Canada
Canada > Business immigration Tier 2
Operating from five strategically-located Canadian offices, the team at McCarthy Tétrault is experienced at supporting clients from the oil-and-gas, mining, energy, banking, retail, hospitality and agriculture segments with a range of business immigration matters. Stéphane Duval, who splits his time between Montreal and Toronto, steers the practice and handles all stages of the visa, work permit and permanent residence application processes; he has additional knowledge of corporate restructurings and M&A. Key partner Julie Resetarits in Montreal frequently assists both domestic and multinational corporations, focusing on professional mobility, work permits and global immigration matters. Senior associate Amy Dupuis-Sène (also at the Montreal office) brings strength to immigration compliance issues. Associate Shefali Tanna in Toronto provides the partners across-the-board support on immigration issues.Practice head(s):
Stéphane Duval
Other key lawyers:
Canada > Cannabis Tier 2
McCarthy Tétrault’s cross-practice cannabis group plugs into various departments across the full-service firm to provide comprehensive coverage of the sector, with notable expertise in M&A, litigation, governance and regulatory law, among others. Transactional specialist Ranjeev Dhillon is considered by many as a leader in the field; he recently paired up with Rami Chalabi, also noted for his transactional focus, to advise SNDL on its C$138m acquisition of The Valens Company. Regulatory and litigation partner Awanish Sinha co-heads the department together with Dhillon. Litigator Shane D’Souza is also a key contact. Named lawyers are based in Toronto.Practice head(s):
Ranjeev Dhillon; Awanish Sinha
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Inner Spirit Holdings
Truss Beverage.
Independent Retail Cannabis Collective
Huge Shops
SNDL (formerly Sundial Growers)
Aurora Cannabis
Canopy Growth Corporation
Tilray
Auxly Cannabis Group
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
TILT Holdings
TRYGG Collective Holdings
Greenhill & Co
420 Investments
Canaccord Genuity Corp
Bank of Montreal
Canada > Dispute resolution: Alberta Tier 2
The 29-strong Calgary group at McCarthy Tétrault handles insolvency, securities, construction, IP, oil and gas and insurance disputes. Practice head Douglas Yoshida has focused his practice on corporate-commercial litigation in the oil and gas and energy segments, including oil sands facility failures and joint venture disputes involving international companies. Key partner Sean Smyth KC is noted for his expertise in commercial contracts work, class action, shareholders' rights and directors' liability claims, while Kara Smyth is specialized in oil and gas, real estate, product liability, agro-science and technology-related disputes. Bryan West routinely represents corporations and partnerships in disputes relating to major construction and redevelopment projects.Practice head(s):
Douglas Yoshida
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Cleaver-Brooks
Navistar
Uber
Alberta Electric System Operator
VINCI Infrastructure Canada
QuadReal and bcIMC Realty
Goldenkey Oil
Wood Canada
Aurora Cannabis
Lafarge Canada
MEG Energy
Enbridge
Cenovus Energy
Energy and natural resources > Mining
The mining group at McCarthy Tétrault continues to employ the bench strength of its national presence and offices abroad in London and New York, to advise major multinational mining companies (including Glencore, Silvercorp, Rio Tinto), on complex, high-value multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions. The practice is headed by M&A expert Eva Bellissimo in Toronto, who handles complex corporate finance matters; Shea Small, who operates out of the Toronto and London offices, and who brings over 25 years of experience; and Roger Taplin in Vancouver, who specializes in joint ventures and metal streaming. Daniel Bornstein in Toronto brings strength to advising clients on permitting matters and Aboriginal and environmental law. Shawn Doyle, head of the firm’s Latin America group, who operates out of the Vancouver and Chile offices, displays regional expertise.Practice head(s):
Eva Bellissimo; Shea Small; Roger Taplin
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Anglo-American
Appian Capital Advisory LLP
CMOC
Stellantis
Gold Fields
Deterra
Glencore
KGHM International Ltd.
Mubadala
Newmont
Newcrest Mining
Rio Tinto
Royal Gold Inc.
Silvercorp
Sumitomo Metal Mining
South32
Taseko
Wheaton Precious Metals
Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd.
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd.
Canada > Indigenous law Tier 2
The group at McCarthy Tétrault is regularly retained to advise on the duty to consult, Aboriginal and treaty rights, risk management, the assessment of right assertions, the financing of Indigenous owned projects and matters arising from the Indian Act. Litigation is a noted strength of the group, and it is equally active on injunctions and disputes relating to revenue sharing agreements. Toronto-based practice co-head Bryn Gray specializes in both advisory and contentious matters. Co-leading alongside him, Daniel Bornstein majors on commercial, aboriginal and environmental matters. Partner Selina Lee-Andersen left the firm in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Bryn Gray; Daniel Bornstein
Key clients
Newcrest Mining
Vale Canada
CN Rail
Enbridge Pipelines
Foran Mining
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
J.D. Irving
Bruce Power
Metrolinx
Hydro One
Canada > Insurance Tier 2
McCarthy Tétrault’s insurance practice is well-weighted between contentious and non-contentious work, with extensive experience in regulatory matters, corporate transactions, demutualizations, securities and dispute resolution. The group counts a broad range of industry participants among its clients, including insurers, reinsurers, brokerages, Insurtech companies and insured corporations, and is frequently involved in complex, multi-jurisdictional mandates. Regulatory and transactional insurance specialist Nancy Carroll ‘knows what is important to regulators’ and co-heads the group together with Hartley Lefton, who also specializes in transactional, commercial, governance and regulatory insurance work — both are based in Toronto. On the contentious side, insurance litigators William Scott and Aidan Cameron are recommended in Toronto and Vancouver, respectively. Hovsep Afarian recently joined Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP.Practice head(s):
Nancy Carroll; Hartley Lefton
Other key lawyers:
William Scott; Aidan Cameron; Sonia Struthers
Testimonials
‘The firm is a leader in the financial services sector and one of the few go-to firms for insurance regulation/legislation.’
‘Nancy Carroll is the only member of the firm I work with. She is one of the top legal minds for financial sector law in Canada and has been of enormous assistance to us.’
‘McCarthy Tétrault has the expertise and specialists we need to handle our diverse business needs. From standard contract law, to M&A, to insurance, and other complex legal matters, it was able to help us navigate. The work is done quickly and within billable hour estimates.’
‘We highlight its experience and expertise in reinsurance. It provides advice you can rely on.’
‘Nancy Carroll is very knowledgeable and adept at speaking to regulators in their language. She knows what is important to regulators and what is not. On those rare occasions that issues can’t be resolved through discussion/negotiation, she has been able to call upon her litigation partners.’
‘Nancy Carroll is practical and responsive and always looking for new ways to add value.’
Key clients
Aon Canada Inc; Brown & Brown
Desjardins General Insurance Group Inc; Brown & Brown; Aon Canada
iA Financial Group
Siemens Canada
Sunwing Travel Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
True Wind Capital, Novacap
Vale Canada
Canada > Intellectual property Tier 2
McCarthy Tétrault operates across all key pillars of IP law, with strong offerings in prosecution, litigation, and multi-jurisdictional matters. Among the names to note in Toronto, senior counsel Barry Sookman stands as an authority in copyright and IP-related issues. IP strategy and prosecution head Lisa Melanson remains a key contact in this sphere. IP litigation head Steven Mason is highly regarded for his record in cutting-edge IP disputes, while David Tait focuses on patent litigation in the pharmaceutical and life sciences arenas. Other key names in Toronto include Fiona Legere and associate Kendra Levasseur. Vancouver’s Vincent Yip leads the firm’s Western Canadian IP practice. Since publication, Alfred Macchione has departed the firm.Practice head(s):
Steven Mason; Lisa Melanson; David Tait
Other key lawyers:
Barry Sookman; Fiona Legere; Kendra Levasseur; Vincent Yip; Steven Tanner; Sanjaya Mendis; Daniel Glover; James Holtom
Testimonials
‘The firm took over an existing matter, and looked at it with a practical eye, balancing the legal position with the needs of the company. The team was creative, responsive, and ultimately, successful.’
‘Daniel Glover (trademark prosecution) and David Tait (trademark litigation) jumped right into the matter; coordinated a seamless transfer; took years of proceedings and simplified and summarized, and moved forward in an effective and creative manner.’
‘An incredibly skilled and incredibly practical team. Daniel Glover is very intelligent, quick and pragmatic. He is our go-to for high-risk files.’
‘The firm has both litigators and prosecution attorneys with lots of experience in PM(NOC) cases, impeachment cases and multi-jurisdictional matters requiring coordination with a number of other countries. The firm is frequently involved in cross-border matters that involve the US and Europe.’
‘David Tait is a veteran litigator and a leading lawyer in the life sciences patent litigation team. He has a lot of experience with the Canadian patent linkage system, section 8 damages and impeachment actions. David has a scientific background, is easy to get on with, and gives sound, pragmatic advice.’
‘Fiona Legere is another experienced patent litigator with a technical background in life sciences patent litigation. She handles many patent linkage cases under PM(NOC) regulations, as well as administrative challenges, including judicial reviews.’
‘James Holtom is a recently promoted partner with excellent technical and legal knowledge. He has a lot of experience with administrative law matters which can be helpful in fast paced PM(NOC) matters. With great knowledge of the science behind the technology, Jamie is a rising star partner at McCarthy.’
‘Kendra Levasseur is a rising star mid-level associate and has been performing beyond her years of qualification. She is great to work with, and has a good amount of experience in biologics cases. She is tenacious and is not afraid to challenge complex science. A talent to watch out for in the future.’
Key clients
AbbVie
Bristol-Myers Squibb / Celgene
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals / Bayer
Bell Canada
Music Canada
Farmers Edge
Apple
Enbridge
Merck & Co
Allergan
Canada > International expertise Tier 2
McCarthy Tétrault is distinguished by its presence in multi-jurisdictional mining transactions, where it can leverage a significant London platform to support on major mining M&A and corporate-finance deals. Its premier Canadian offerings in financial services, power, real estate and tech are also key drivers of international work. Mining and M&A co-head Shea Small is based between London and Toronto and has a hand in many of the firm’s largest cross-border mandates; such as his recent work acting as Canadian counsel to Australia-headquartered Newcrest on its $19bn acquisition by Newmont Corporation. The London office also includes regional managing partner Robert Brant, who specializes in international M&A, equity capital markets and projects; and projects specialist Christopher Langdon, who splits his practice between London and Toronto. Matthew Cumming manages the New York office, where he focuses on M&A and Securities.Practice head(s):
Shea Small; Karl Tabbakh
Key clients
Blackstone
Brookfield Asset Management
Cameco Corporation
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Compañía Minera María Reyna
Glencore International
IAMGold
JCHX Mining Management
Merck & Co
Mubadala Investment Company
Newcrest Mining
Newmont Corporation
OMERS
Rio Tinto
Sagard Holdings
SoftBank Group
Stellantis
Wyloo Metals
Zijin Mining Group Co
Canada > Labour and employment Tier 2
The labour and employment practice at McCarthy Tétrault provides advisory and litigation support to finance, mining, retail and beverage-sector clients across Canada, delivered from offices in Toronto, Montréal, Québec City, Calgary and Vancouver. Toronto-based Tim Lawson leads the group at the national level, handling contentious and non-contentious work including collective bargaining and appearances before provincial and federal labour boards, often assisting clients in the energy, finance, transportation, retail and construction segments. Additional key contacts in Toronto include Toronto practice lead Sunil Kapur and all round labour practitioner Kate McNeill-Keller. Shana Wolch directs the Calgary team, which saw the promotion of Justin Turc to the partnership in January 2023. Partners André Baril (Montreal) and Christopher McHardy (Vancouver) are also noted for their activity in the practice area. John Gilmore joined the firm's Calgary office from Bennett Jones LLP in August 2024.Practice head(s):
Tim Lawson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of Montreal
Hudson’s Bay Company
Cirque du Soleil
Via Rail
ArcelorMittal
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Ericsson Canada
FedEx
Rolls-Royce Canada
Electronic Arts (Canada)
CM (Canada) Asset Management
Score Media and Gaming
OMERS
Enbridge
Canada > Pensions Tier 2
The pensions group at McCarthy Tétrault is well-versed in the establishment and management of pension, benefit and executive compensation plans, as well as advising on pension plan mergers and spin-offs, the designation of beneficiaries and fiduciary responsibilities. The team is regularly instructed by employers, administrators, sponsors, governments, regulators and service providers. Key partners Deron Waldock and Kelleher Lynch are active on advisory and transactional matters. Ex-practice co-head Randy Bauslaugh departed in January 2023 into private practice. The department was bolstered by the April 2023 arrival of new practice leader Susan Nickerson from Torys. Nickerson has focused her practice on the implementation of pension plans, fiduciary duties and risk management.Practice head(s):
Susan Nickerson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Rayonier Advanced Materials
CCMP Capital Advisors
Jamieson Laboratories
Paper Excellence Group
HSBC Bank
University of Windsor
OMERS
Enbridge
Credit Suisse
Brewers Retail
Climate Change Law Initiative
Christian Schools Pension and Benefit Plans Boards of Trustees
Wells Fargo
Nestlé
Canada > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2
McCarthy Tétrault‘s group handles both domestic and cross-border restructurings, work-outs and insolvencies. The team regularly represent debtors, major financial institutions and other capital providers, large corporate creditors and court-appointed monitors, receivers and trustees. In Toronto, practice head James Gage focuses on advising debtors, creditors, investors and court officers in work-out, restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Partner Sean Collins in Calgary majors on out-of-court and court-supervised restructurings, while Heather Meredith (also Toronto) covers commercial insolvency, restructuring and bankruptcy mandates, as well as related litigation. Lance Williams is a key contact at the Vancouver office. Other key figures include Alain Tardif and Jocelyn Perreault in Montreal.Practice head(s):
James Gage
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ayal Capital Advisors Fund
CannTrust Holdings
Deloitte Restructuring
Ébénisterie St-Urbain and Woodlore International
Endoceutics
Ernst & Young
Forage Capital Partners
Glencore International
Great Panther Mining
Immunovaccine Technologies
National Bank of Canada (Just Energy)
National Bank of Canada (Solution Highpoint)
Northern Pulp Nova Scotia
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. (Cresford)
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. (Flower One)
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges
SNDL
Canada > Construction Tier 3
With a strong national presence and offices abroad in London and New York, McCarthy Tétrault provides a comprehensive service in the construction space, advising a broad client base ranging from developers and lenders to contractors and architects on major projects domestically, and across Latin America, the US, the UK, Europe and the Middle East. With expertise across the energy, transport, retail, mining, healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors, the practice assists with regulatory compliance, risk management, transactional matters and construction dispute resolution, in addition to occupational health and safety issues. Scott Chalmers in Toronto heads the national practice and advises on major international infrastructure projects. Julie Parla, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator, manages the firm’s national construction disputes practice. Bryan West, who leads the Alberta construction and project disputes groups, also provides experience in commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Anca Neacsu, who heads the Quebec construction group, specializes in the energy and mining sectors. Aidan Cameron, an expert in multi-party contractual litigation, leads the British Columbia construction and project disputes groups.Practice head(s):
Scott Chalmers; Bryan West; Julie Parla; Anca Neacsu; Aidan Cameron
Key clients
VINCI Infrastructure Canada Limited
QuadReal
bcIMC Realty Corporation
Infrastructure Ontario
Metrolinx
Noventa Energy Partners
Berkshire Hathaway
Enwave Energy Corporation
Moderna
North American Lithium
ONxpress Transportation Partners
Work highlights
- Providing day-to-day services to the Canadian arm of Vinci Construction, in the development of the $744m Springbank Reservoir.
- Providing day-to-day services to bcIMC Realty Corporation, QuadReal and BentallGreenOak, in the development of the Post Vancouver office building.
- Advising on all aspects of the procurement and delivery of the Scarborough Subway Extension, a 7.8 km extension of TTC’s Line 2 Bloor-Danforth Subway.
Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3
McCarthy Tétrault’s transaction-focused oil and gas practice acts for a wide range of industry stakeholders, from emerging producers and operators through to leading industry players, such as Shell Canada and Suncor Energy. Department co-head Brian Bidyk handles an array of oil and gas and power deals, with experience in the upstream, midstream and service spheres. Fellow co-head Kerri Howard also specializes in transactional oil and gas, including M&A, intellectual property and finance-related issues. The Calgary-based group additionally draws on the regulatory, environmental and Aboriginal law expertise of Kimberly Howard, while Douglas Yoshida handles energy litigation.Practice head(s):
Brian Bidyk; Kerri Howard
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Shell Canada
Crescent Point Resources Partnership
Suncor Energy
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners
Surge Energy
Ridgeback Resources
Journey Energy
BHE Canada, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Pipestone Energy Corp
Paramount Resources
Canada > Public procurement Tier 3
The department at McCarthy Tétrault handles the range of all procurement matters, demonstrating particular strength in the structuring of procurements, defending clients procurements from legal challenges and preparing contracts. Toronto-based practice co-head Tristan Musgrave covers real estate matters and the resolution of procurement disputes, while David Crane has niche expertise in technology procurement. Disputes partner Julie Parla is an additional key contact.Practice head(s):
Tristan Musgrave; David Crane; Debra Finlay
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canada Infrastructure Bank
Ministry of the Solicitor General Ontario
Waterfront Toronto
Atlantic Towing
Niagara Health System
Irving Shipbuilding
Metrolinx
The Province of BC
Infrastructure Ontario
Trillium Health Partners
McCarthy Tétrault > Firm Profile
Built on a unique model of collaboration, innovation and efficiency, McCarthy Tétrault delivers strategic and innovative legal and business solutions for clients, wherever their business takes them. The firm advises on complex and significant matters for Canadian and international interests, offering clients access to unparalleled legal talent, practice experience, and deep knowledge of the industries driving the Canadian and global economies. The firm has worked with all levels of government to develop laws and regulations that have shaped — and continue to shape — the Canadian market. With offices in Canada’s major commercial centres, in New York and London, UK, McCarthy Tétrault delivers services in business law, litigation, tax, real estate, and labour and employment law. With a fully integrated platform, lawyers work seamlessly across practice areas and regions, representing major Canadian and international clients.
As Canada’s most innovative law firm, McCarthy Tétrault has led advancements in the legal profession and effectively adapted to changing client needs. The firm continues to re-imagine and restructure legal service delivery, driving value for clients through customised project management, alternative fee arrangements, creative staffing solutions and process re-engineering. McCarthy Tétrault has developed MT>Divisions & Client Solutions, a group of complementary business lines, either acquired or developed by the firm including MT>3, MT>Align, MT>Ventures, MT>Version, and MT>iplus. Each offering supports the proactive, technology-empowered nature of the enterprise and the ability to rapidly scale and launch innovative solutions.
Dedicated to investing in its people, clients, and communities, McCarthy Tétrault’s Inclusion Now program is an ambitious plan to accelerate a vision to be the firm of choice for clients and talent. A first-of-its-kind in the Canadian legal profession, McCarthy Tétrault has built an Inclusion Office that weaves together the values of diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility, informing every aspect of the firm.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Chief Executive Officer, Partner | Dave Leonard | ||
Chair of the Board of Partners, Partner | Sarit Batner | ||
British Columbia Managing Partner | Sven Milelli | ||
Alberta Managing Partner | Brett Anderson | ||
Ontario Managing Partner | Caroline Zayid | ||
Québec Regional Managing Partner | Karl Tabbakh | ||
Québec City Office Lead Partner | Charles-Antoine Soulière | ||
New York, US Managing Partner | Matthew Cumming | ||
London, UK Managing Partner | Robert Brant |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Philippe Leclerc | Partner in our Business Law Group in Québec City and Montréal. Philippe… | View Profile | |
Brian Lipson | Brian is a Partner and co-leader of the firm’s Transportation and Logistics… | View Profile | |
Karl Tabbakh | Karl Tabbakh is the Regional Managing Partner for Québec and Co-Leader of… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 292 Number of other lawyers : 415Languages
English French- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Competition and antitrust
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution: British Columbia
- Dispute resolution: Ontario
- Dispute resolution: Quebec
- Energy and natural resources > Power
- Environment
- Infrastructure projects
- International trade
- Real estate
- Tax
- Technology
- Telecoms
- Transport > Other transport