The tax department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP demonstrates strength in M&A tax planning work, cross-border tax controversy and transfer pricing matters. Paul Stepak heads up the national group; domestic and cross-border income tax planning, capital markets transactions and the taxation of mutual funds are amongst his specialities. Mark Tonkovich directs the tax litigation and controversy group and is well-versed in representing clients in proceedings against the Canada Revenue Agency. Transfer pricing lead Jeffrey Shafer assists clients with complex advance pricing arrangements. Zvi Halpern-Shavim has focused his practice on indirect tax matters, while Andrew Spiro majors on tax matters involving REITs and other real estate investment vehicles. Dan Jankovic in Calgary also brings tax litigation expertise. While senior counsel Jeffrey Trossman recently retired, the practice was strengthened with four new arrivals. Advisory tax partner Christopher Sheridan and litigator Sameer Nurmohamed joined the firm in June and July 2022, respectively. They were joined by indirect tax specialist Elena Balkos in October 2022 and Lara Friedlander in January 2023. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.
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Leading individuals
Jeffrey practises in all areas of Canadian domestic and cross-border income tax law, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, international transfer pricing, private equity investment, domestic and international corporate and trust reorganizations, and the taxation of various investment vehicles. His practice also includes acting for taxpayers at all levels in the tax appeals process.
Paul is the National Practice Group Leader for the Blakes Tax group. Paul practises corporate and partnership income taxation, including advising on domestic and cross-border tax planning, private and public M&As, private equity and Canadian pension funds' investments, reorganizations, capital markets transactions, financings, and taxation of mutual funds, partnerships and other investment vehicles. Cross-border inbound structuring, including for private equity funds and their portfolio companies, is a significant component of his practice. Paul also has experience assisting clients with the resolution of Canadian federal and provincial tax audits and appeals at all stages. Paul frequently writes and speaks on domestic and international tax issues.
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The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Stepak, Mark Tonkovich, Jeffrey Shafer