F.F. (Rick) Coburn

Senior Counsel

Toronto
[email protected]
416.367.6038

Rick practises environmental law with an emphasis on environmental aspects of major development initiatives and transactions involving heavy industry, transportation, energy and infrastructure projects, and brownfields redevelopment.

With members of BLG's litigation practice groups, he also acts as defence counsel on regulatory prosecutions and in civil actions. 

Experience

  • Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, in its US$35 million acquisition of satellite antenna manufacturer ASC Signal from CPI.
  • Environmental aspects of numerous corporate, commercial and real estate transactions, including the conduct of extensive environmental due diligence in connection with Canada-wide acquisitions and financing transactions.
  • Environmental approvals for major construction and energy projects and operating permits.
  • Civil actions (including class actions) and regulatory proceedings relating to alleged spills and contaminant migration.
  • Spill reporting and emergency response requirements.
  • Assessment and management of endangered species issues.
  • Full range of land and planning approvals, including official plan and group amendments, site plan control, and building permit issue.

Beyond Our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Ontario Bar Association

Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized in the 2025 edition (and since 2014) of The Best Lawyers in Canada (Environmental Law, Municipal Law) and since 2022 (Energy Law)
  • Recognized in the 2021-2024 and 2016 editions of The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (Environmental Law), the 2022 edition (Property Development), and in the 2020 edition (Infrastructure Law).
  • Recognized in the 2023 and previous editions of the Lexpert Special Edition - Canada's Leading Energy Lawyers.
  • Recognized in the 2020 edition of The Lexpert®/ROB Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers.
  • Recognized in the 2019 edition of the Lexpert Special Edition - Canada's Leading Infrastructure Lawyers.
  • Martindale-Hubbell® BV® Distinguished™ 4.4 out of 5 Peer Review Rated.
  • Recognized in the 2014 and 2013 editions of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Environmental Law).

Bar Admission & Education

  • Ontario, 1990
  • LLB, University of Toronto, 1988
  • MA, University of Toronto, 1981