Ottawa-based boutique Cassidy Levy Kent LLP is commended by clients as a ‘specialist practice with deep knowledge of international trade issues and strategies’. A strong performer in trade litigation, including trade remedies before the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), the team is additionally distinguished by its ability to act in tandem with firm’s Washington office on US-related matters. The group is co-led by Christopher Kent, who is widely regarded as a dean of the Canadian trade bar; Christopher Cochlin, who is sought after for his record in representing North American producers in trade remedies cases — he also advises on trade policy, trade treaty disputes and trade negotiations; and go-to trade litigator Andrew Lanouette. Other key contacts include Michael Milne, who focuses on trade remedies, and sanctions and customs compliance; and next-generation trade partners Marc McLaren-Caux and Hugh Seong Seok LeeSusana Lee recently left to join the CITT.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A professional and competent group of individuals, whose ability to collaborate by leveraging their unique skill sets results in powerhouse team. Lawyers deconstruct complex situations, analyze and leverage data masterfully to support case facts and are thorough with their researching.’

  • ‘These individuals perform outstanding work: Christopher Kent, Andrew Lanouette, Michael Milne, Hugh Seong Seok Lee, Jordan Lebold and Christopher Cochlin. We have worked with others (and have seen work from firms adverse to us) and can confidently state that our win ratio is significantly higher.’

  • ‘A truly client focused team. Focuses on the individuals and how they can influence the direction and outcome of the case. Relentless preparation with empathy. Lawyers are passionate individuals with a customized approach. Deep understanding of the trade domain with an outstanding success rate.’

  • ‘CLK is a specialist practice with deep knowledge of international trade issues and strategies. The team takes the time to learn the nature of the business issues first and becomes a strong partner attentive to actual business outcomes.’

  • ‘Andrew Lanouette is a pleasure to work with and effectively collaborates with other partners on complex cases involving multiple parties, developing and executing strategy. Andrew has surprised us with his in-depth knowledge of the specifics of our market, including product, supply chain and accounting practices.’

  • ‘An extremely knowledgeable, organized and professional trade law practice. Projects are budgeted very well. The team is great at organizing and analyzing data from varying companies and industry in order to put the best case forward.’

  • ‘I primarily work with Andrew Lanuoette, Christopher Kent, Marc McLaren-Caux and Jordan Lebold. All of them have demonstrated very good strategic and analytical skills, keep the schedule on point, and the individuals who I have seen litigate are extremely skilled in that facet.’

  • ‘Lawyers are knowledgeable and insightful, with understanding of the greater political dynamics and providing pragmatic advice. The lead lawyer for us is Christopher Cochlin and he is supported by a solid, collaborative and diverse team.’

Key clients

  • Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation
  • The Heico Companies (including Ivaco Rolling Mills 2004, Infasco, and Sivaco Ontario and Sivaco Quebec)
  • Hitachi Energy Canada
  • PTI Transformers Inc / PTI Transformers LP
  • Northern Transformer Corporation
  • Transformateurs Delta Star
  • Evraz Inc NA Canada
  • Bri-Steel Manufacturing
  • Gateway Tubulars
  • Barilla Canada, Barilla America NY, Catelli Montreal
  • Government of Nova Scotia
  • Dairy Farmers of Canada
  • Dairy Processors Association of Canada
  • Welded Tube of Canada Corporation
  • Leland Industries
  • ChampionX Canada ULC – Alberta Oil Tool
  • CertainTeed Canada; Saint-Gobain Gypsum USA

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented Barilla in the five-year expiry review of the antidumping order against dry wheat pasta from Turkiye.
  • Successfully represented every Canadian producer of liquid-dielectric power transformers with a top handling capacity above 60 MVA in the expiry review concerning large-power transformer imports from Korea.
  • Successfully secured the first-ever CBSA determination of the existence of a ‘particular market situation’, with respect to concrete reinforcing bar from Turkiye on the basis of ongoing hyperinflation and low-priced Russian imported raw materials.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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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.

Christopher Kent, Christopher Cochlin, Andrew Lanouette

Other key lawyers

Michael Milne, Gerry Stobo, Hugh Seong Seok Lee, Marc McLaren-Caux, Jordan Lebold