According to satisfied clients, lawyers in Norton Rose Fulbright’s construction group ‘pool their expertise to provide comprehensive and well-rounded solutions’. During 2023/24, the team was particularly active on behalf of utilities and local authorities, with its work spanning all stages of a construction project, from procurement and strategy development through to contract negotiation and dispute resolution. Montreal-based department head Claudia Déry is highly regarded for her broad transactional and contentious construction expertise; she contributes extensive experience in representing all project stakeholders, including owners, developers and investors. The sizeable national practice also draws on construction litigator Ian Gosselin in Quebec City, and the ’responsive and attentive’ Beth AllardJenya Hammond (who has a focus on non-contentious matters) and talented associates Jason Buttuls and Ryan Griffith, all of whom are based in Vancouver. Horia Bundaru departed the firm in September 2024, having been appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Our experience has been very strong with Norton Rose Fulbright. Starting with our key contact, Beth Allard. Beth has always been so responsive and attentive. Her advice is sage and informative and always helps to point situations in the right direction. Beth and her team listen and are very responsive and attentive.’
  • ‘We highlight the team for its excellence in collaboration and expert advice and services — pre- and post- contract — on complex construction projects, particularly Beth Allard, Jay LeMoine and Jenya Hammond.’
  • ‘It stands out for its experience in similar deals in the sector, legal acumen and professionalism. We note Sandra Nissan and Ethan Sinclair for their invaluable legal insights into the commercial and business decisions put forward and Michael Cochburn for his stamina throughout the deal-closing process.’

  • ‘The team's responsiveness and open communication has been excellent; any questions or concerns we had were addressed promptly and thoroughly. The collaborative spirit from the NRF team was evident, various team members pool their expertise to provide comprehensive and well-rounded solutions.’

  • ‘It was evident from our first meeting that Kelly Moffat-Burima had a strong background in construction disputes. Kelly was quick to get up to speed and able to strategize and provide detailed advice through clear and thoughtful communication. She combines legal acumen with warmth and humour.’

  • ‘A team that knows the construction sector in all its aspects. Great expertise but, above all, strong people in solution mode for the good of the project and the stakeholders, who provide win/win solutions and an impressive determination to resolve the dispute.’

  • ‘Ian Gosselin is undoubtedly one of the most respected lawyers in the industry with in-depth knowledge of all aspects, from calls for tenders to dispute resolution. Gosselin is particularly distinguished by his endless energy in search of solutions. He is not only a great jurist but a true legal artist.’

Key clients

  • Interior Health Authority
  • FortisBC Energy
  • Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure of British Columbia
  • Department of Justice (Canada) / Public Services and Procurement Canada
  • Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District)
  • Hydro-Québec
  • EBC
  • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
  • AtkinsRéalis

Work highlights

  • Representing Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District) in a claim by Acciona Wastewater Solutions concerning a contract to design and build a new wastewater treatment plant.
  • Advising Prince Rupert Port Authority on all aspect of the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform overall project.
  • Advising the Interior Health Authority on the procurement, design and construction of an expansion to the existing Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake, BC.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Claudia Déry

Other key lawyers

Ian Gosselin, Beth Allard, Jenya Hammond, Jason Butters, Ryan Griffith, Kelly Moffet-Burima, Keith Bustard, Ethan Sinclair, Sandra Nissan, Michael Cochburn, Jay LeMoine