Torys

According to satisfied clients, Torys’ ‘depth of power knowledge and experience is unparalleled’. Leveraging well-staffed platforms in both Toronto and Calgary, the sizeable national practice is well weighted between transactional and regulatory work and it enjoys close relationships with some of Canada’s largest utilities, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Hydro One — among other major industry participants. Toronto-based transactional power expert Krista Hill co-heads the practice and recently advised OPG on multiple matters, including on the Darlington small modular reactor project. The Toronto team also draws on fellow department co-head Charles Keizer, who specializes in regulatory matters; Valerie Helbronner, who is highly regarded for power project development and financings; transactional partner Huw Evans, who impresses with his ’great negotiation skills’; and Jonathan Myers, whose practice spans energy regulation and project development. In Calgary, office managing partner Lou Cusano and senior counsel David Wood are names to note for regulatory matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Torys is uniquely knowledgeable on key business matters. The team takes the relationship seriously and provides sound advice. Lawyers are extremely responsive and hard working.’
‘Huw Evans is the most technically sound partner I have ever worked with. He is very responsive and always takes on work no matter how busy he is. Senior associate Mike Meguid is technically strong, very responsive and hard-working.’
‘Tory's Calgary office provides power and utility regulatory support that is extremely pragmatic, responsive and genuine. It considers the client's perspective and unique industry challenges when providing advice – and also provides fair billing.’
‘I work primarily with Lou Cusano, David Wood and associate Nick Ettinger, who stand out because they really try to understand the nature of the work and they can balance between providing practical solutions and alternatives for clients and the most conservative approach based on the needs of the file.’
‘Hands down, we believe it is the best Canadian firm in this category. Its depth of power knowledge and experience is unparalleled. It has the bench strength and experience to navigate novel issues and provide excellent advice. Another distinguishing feature is its ability to fully cover US law and US transactions.’
‘Torys does an exceptional job of getting to know its clients - both personally and professionally. It understands our key issues and is always willing to help and be one step ahead. Lawyers are extremely knowledgeable and truly put their clients first. 10/10 in my books, particularly Krista Hill for power.’
‘A very strong energy team, able to help clients across different streams (M&A, contract negotiations, regulatory aspects, land acquisition). Responsiveness is excellent, and the collaboration between partners and associates is well managed, providing high-quality advice to clients while controlling legal fees.’
‘Huw Evans is extremely available for clients, with great negotiation skills and very strong on the technical details. He was key in making a very complex deal move forward and protecting his client's interests. I would recommend working with Huw with no hesitation.’

Key clients

Ontario Power Generation
Northleaf Capital Partners
Toronto Hydro-Electric System
Oneida Energy Storage
Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch
Wataynikaneyap Power
Hydro One
NRStor
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
OMERS Infrastructure Management

Work highlights

Advised Ontario Power Generation on multiple matters, including on the Darlington small modular reactor project.
Acted for Northleaf Capital Partners on its acquisition of Provident Energy Management.
Advised Toronto Hydro on its custom incentive rate application to the Ontario Energy Board for approval of 2025-2029 electricity distribution rates.

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