Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

The practice group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is well-placed to handle tax planning for M&A transactions, transfer pricing matters and cross-border tax controversies, for which it is routinely instructed by clients in the financial services, energy, real estate and telecoms segments. Paul Stepak directs the national group; Mark Tonkovich heads up the tax litigation and controversy group; and Jeffrey Shafer acts as transfer pricing lead. Stepak specialises in income tax planning and capital markets transactions; Tonkovich is well-versed in representing clients in administrative appeals and before federal and provincial courts. Shafer, for his part, has substantial experience in M&A, international transfer pricing and the taxation of various investment vehicles. Additional key contacts include Calgary-based Dan Jankovic, who deals with both tax planning and litigation; and Zvi Halpern-Shavim (tax compliance, planning, audit and disputes) and Andrew Spiro (tax matters involving REITs), both of whom are based in Toronto.