Dentons

Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy

Office Managing Partner

John is an accomplished business leader who is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy matters. Born and raised in western Canada, he has been involved in almost every recent major restructuring and insolvency case in British Columbia and has acted for clients across every industry including cannabis, mining, forestry, real estate, aviation, energy, retail, media, technology, and manufacturing.

John acts regularly for companies in need of restructuring as well as for trustees, receivers, financial institutions, commercial lenders, noteholders and other creditors. His extensive experience extends to restructurings under both the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Actand the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. He has been involved in real estate, technology, forestry and mining industry matters and had conducted substantial cross-border work that has provided him with a clear understanding of the United States Bankruptcy Code. John regularly advises global companies on lending and remedy issues in Canada and is frequently retained by other international law firms for his insight on Canadian bankruptcy issues.

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in October 2018, John has developed a particular niche in this area. He is considered one of the province’s authorities on the insolvency and bankruptcy issues arising in the developing   legal cannabis industry.

A natural leader who takes a refreshing  approach to his  work  cementing solid relationships through superior service and an in-depth knowledge of his clients,  John will confidently take on complex mandates and provide innovative solutions with integrity and alacrity.

John is a former member of the Canada Region Board and served on Dentons’ Advisory Board of the Asia Pacific Region and Global Advisory Committee.  Under John’s tenure, Dentons’ Vancouver office has solidified its reputation as Vancouver’s true global law firm. It has been recognized repeatedly as one of B.C.’s Top Employers attracting and retaining talented, vibrant and diverse individuals who thrive in a non-hierarchical culture deeply connected to the local community.

English

Board Member, Insolvency Institute of Canada Board Member, Risk Management Association Member, Law Society of British Columbia, 1997 to present Member, Law Society of Upper Canada, 1991 to present Member, International Bar Association, Section of Insolvency, Restructuring and Creditors' Rights Member, The American Bankruptcy Institute Member, Editorial Board of the National Creditor Debtor Review Member, The Turnaround Management Association Past Executive of the Insolvency Subsection of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch Member, The Leaders Network/MacKay CEO Forums

University of Toronto, 1989, LLB