Frédérique Duchesne

Senior Associate

Montréal
[email protected]
514.954.2644

Frédérique's practice covers all aspects and stages of tax litigation and dispute resolution, involving both federal and Québec tax authorities.

She assists clients with audits, objections, and representations before the courts, whether in the context of an appeal or a judicial review. Frédérique also ensures that provincial tax authorities do not exceed the scope of their powers regarding their demands for information or documentation.

As an experienced tax lawyer and litigator, Frédérique advises clients in avoiding, managing or resolving disputes with tax authorities. She works with clients on complex issues to prevent or resolve tax problems, using her rigorous analytical skills to develop solutions. She regularly appears before all levels of courts in Québec, as well as before the Tax Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal.

Prior to joining BLG, Frédérique practised with major independent law firms in Québec. In addition to her knowledge of tax litigation and dispute resolution, Frédérique has developed significant experience in insolvency and restructuring as well as commercial litigation.

Experience

  • Agence du revenu du Québec v. Kone inc., 2024 QCCA 678 – Successfully acted as lead trial counsel for Kone Inc. before the Court of Appeal of Québec, who dismissed the appeal by the Agence du revenu du Québec (ARQ). The central issues on appeal involved a cross-boarder REPO and whether it should be viewed as a sham designed to disguise a loan and, if not, whether GAAR should apply. The Court of Appeal of Québec confirmed the trial decision vacating seven years of tax assessments issued by ARQ to Kone for the 1999-2006 tax years under Québec's Taxation Act. The successful appeal resulted in a dismissal of tax assessments totalling interest income of over $41 million and dismissing ARQ's denial of non-capital losses of over $17 million. Kone will be entitled to a refund of taxes, interest of approximately $2.5 million, and costs..

Beyond Our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Association de planification fiscale et financière
  • Member, Canadian Tax Foundation

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada - Ones to Watch™ (Tax Law)
  • Recognized as a Rising Star in the 2025 edition of the International Tax Review (Tax controversy).

Bar Admission & Education

  • Ontario, 2017
  • Québec, 2017
  • JD, University of Ottawa, 2015
  • LL.L., University of Ottawa, 2014
  • In-depth tax courses (parts I, II and III), Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA Canada)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), HEC Montréal, 2010