BLG News

9 BLG lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Insolvency & Restructuring 2026

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (October 7, 2026) - Nine BLG lawyers have been recognized in the 2026 Lexpert Special Edition: Insolvency and Restructuring. These practitioners were selected from the Insolvency & Financial Restructuring category of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory alongside top-ranked lawyers with insolvency and restructuring experience across Banking & Financial Institutions, Corporate Commercial Law, Corporate Tax and Litigation: Corporate Commercial.

The Firm's national Insolvency and Restructuring Group is recognized for navigating Canada's most intricate restructurings, recently demonstrating this expertise across several major mandates:

ELNA Medical Group Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA): Represented National Bank of Canada as first-ranking secured creditor and DIP lender in a C$120 million mandate involving over 100 clinics across five provinces;
SSENSE Group CCAA: Acted as counsel to Bank of Montréal as agent and a syndicate of lenders (including JP Morgan Chase Bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada and National Bank of Canada) in the restructuring proceedings of the Montréal-based global fashion e-commerce retailer;
The Lion Electric Company CCAA: Represented major unsecured creditors in a C$200 million matter involving complex cross-border Chapter 15 recognition and public market implications;
Romspen Mortgage Limited Partnership: Acted in cross-border creditor enforcement cases, securing a summary judgment for over C$68 million and successfully defending the appeal in Romspen Mortgage Limited Partnership v 3443 Zen Garden Limited Partnership;
Bus.com CCAA: Acted as counsel in a C$31 million cross-border restructuring, successfully transitioning the venture-backed transportation technology company from a Notice of Intention to CCAA proceedings; and
Corus Entertainment Canada Business Corporations Act: Acted as counsel to GBC 25 Dockside Inc. opposing an attempt to forcibly assign a head office lease to a third party in a C$1.1 billion matter presenting a novel legal issue under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

With expertise spanning banking, healthcare, retail, real estate, technology and construction, our team delivers strategic commercial innovation in contested bankruptcy, receivership and liquidation proceedings.

Learn more about BLG's Insolvency & Restructuring practice and our recognized lawyers:

BLG appoints Ryan Tomicic as national business leader, international

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 Z

Toronto (October 1, 2026) — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has appointed Ryan Tomicic as national business leader, international, strengthening the firm’s cross-border capabilities and inbound market strategy.

In this role, Tomicic leads BLG’s international strategy, connecting global businesses, foreign counsel and multinational corporations with the firm’s national platform. He works across BLG’s corporate, capital markets, regulatory and disputes practices to deliver coordinated, multidisciplinary counsel for inbound investment and cross-border operations.

By integrating dedicated international leads across key practice areas, Tomicic strengthens the firm’s international referral networks and ensures foreign enterprises navigating the Canadian market receive seamless, strategic support.

"As global capital continues to target Canadian opportunities across regulated and high-growth sectors, international clients require sophisticated, multidisciplinary counsel," said Dave Di Paolo, national managing partner and CEO. "Ryan’s track record in complex, cross-border M&A and corporate finance makes him exceptionally qualified to align our national practice strengths with the demands of international clients."

Based in Montréal, Tomicic is a partner specializing in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, equity financing and private investment fund formation. Over his career, he has advised on more than 200 transactions representing more than US$10 billion in aggregate enterprise value.

This appointment marks the next stage in BLG’s international growth model, building on the foundation established by Lynn McGrade, who continues as leader of the firm’s national investment management group.

Tomicic and members of the BLG international leadership team will meet with global peers and clients at the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference in Copenhagen from Oct. 4 to 9. Learn more at blg.com/iba.

Kirsten Crain recipient of 2026 OBA Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 Z

Toronto (October 1, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) celebrates Kirsten Crain, partner and chair of the Partnership Board, as the 2026 recipient of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation.

This award recognizes one individual each year who demonstrates outstanding oral and written advocacy skills, high professional standards, strong leadership within the Civil Litigation Bar and a deep commitment to the community.

“Kirsten represents the very best of the legal profession,” says David Di Paolo, national managing partner and CEO at BLG. “She is a phenomenal litigator, a dedicated mentor and a steadfast leader. Her commitment to our clients, her leadership as chair of our Partnership Board and her ongoing mentorship of junior lawyers make her highly deserving of this recognition.”

Kirsten has built a reputation as a trusted advocate in high-stakes commercial disputes, class action proceedings, health sector matters and administrative law proceedings. She has argued trials across the country. Her trial and appellate practice is extensive and her track record includes appearances before the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Court of Appeal of Québec, the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

"She is direct without being aggressive, thorough without losing sight of what matters and calm under the kind of pressure that tests even the most experienced counsel," says Guy J. Pratte, C.M., senior counsel at BLG. "These qualities shine in the courtroom, but they are equally evident in the preparation and strategy that take place long before counsel appear before a judge."

Kirsten, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a former director of The Advocates’ Society, invests in the legal profession through professional involvement, speaking engagements and mentorship.

“Whether she's preparing for a Supreme Court of Canada argument, navigating a complex institutional hearing or mentoring a junior associate through their first significant file, she brings the same quality of attention and the same sense of responsibility to every context,” adds The Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell, C.C., senior counsel at BLG.

Kirsten will receive the award in January 2027.

To learn more about her practice, read Kirsten Crain's full professional biography and representative matters on BLG.com.

BLG earns 215 rankings in Chambers Canada 2027

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (September 24, 2026) - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) earned 215 rankings in the Chambers Canada 2027 guide, including 159 individual lawyer rankings and 56 practice area rankings. The results reflect the firm's capacity to navigate some of the most complex regulatory, transactional and litigation challenges in the country, demonstrating the depth of specialized talent that clients rely on when the stakes are high.

Chambers and Partners is widely regarded as the gold standard for legal rankings worldwide. Its methodology draws on rigorous independent research and thousands of interviews with clients and peers, producing rankings that reflect what clients value most: technical skill, business acumen and outstanding service delivery.

20 BLG lawyers achieved Band 1 rankings

Subrata Bhattacharjee, Competition/Antitrust (Nationwide – Canada)
Robert J.C. Deane, K.C., Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Nationwide – Canada)
Robert J.C. Deane, K.C., Litigation: General Commercial (British Columbia)
Hélène Deschamps Marquis, Artificial Intelligence (Nationwide – Canada)
David Di Paolo, Litigation: Securities (Ontario)
Nadia Effendi, Constitutional Law (Nationwide – Canada)
Nadia Effendi, Litigation: Administrative and Public Law (Ontario)
Jean-Marie Fontaine, Transportation: Shipping (Nationwide – Canada)
Danny J. Kaufer, Ad.E, Employment and Labour (Québec)
Robert Love, Litigation: Product Liability (Nationwide – Canada)
Lynn McGrade, Investment Funds (Nationwide – Canada)
Kathleen McDormand, General Business Law (Northern Canada and Arctic)
Hugh A. Meighen, Sports Law (Nationwide – Canada)
Dennis O'Connor, Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators (Nationwide – Canada)
Nick G. Pasquino, Healthcare: Corporate/Commercial and Regulatory (Nationwide – Canada)
Pitman Patterson, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Ontario)
Guy J. Pratte, Constitutional Law (Nationwide – Canada)
Guy J. Pratte, Litigation: Administrative and Public Law (Ontario)
Dionysios Rossi, Transportation: Shipping (Nationwide – Canada)
Richard Shaban, Construction (Nationwide – Canada)

Three lawyers were newly elevated to Band 1: Subrata Bhattacharjee (Competition/Antitrust Law); Robert J.C. Deane, K.C. (Dispute Resolution: Arbitration); and Dionysios Rossi (Transportation: Shipping Law).

Band 1 recognition across 13 practice areas

BLG earned Band 1 recognition in 13 practice areas, including a new Band 1 entry in Constitutional Law:

Charities and Nonprofits (Nationwide – Canada)
Constitutional Law (Nationwide – Canada)
Construction (Nationwide – Canada)
Corporate/Commercial: Highly Regarded (Alberta)
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Nationwide – Canada)
Employment and Labour (Nationwide – Canada)
Employment and Labour (Québec)
Healthcare: Contentious (Nationwide – Canada)
Healthcare: Corporate/Commercial and Regulatory (Nationwide – Canada)
Investment Funds (Nationwide – Canada)
Litigation: Administrative and Public Law (Ontario)
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Ontario)
Transportation: Shipping (Nationwide – Canada)

Matters from this year's Band 1 recognized practices include:

Charities and Not-for-Profits: BLG advised on the formation and governance structure of LawZero, a not-for-profit corporation advancing safe-by-design artificial intelligence, founded by Turing Award winner Professor Yoshua Bengio.

Constitutional Law: BLG maintains a pre-eminent constitutional law practice, consistently representing clients in the nation’s most significant Charter and constitutional matters. BLG serves as lead counsel in the challenge to Québec's Act respecting the laicity of the State (Bill 21), one of the most significant constitutional proceedings in Canada in a generation. The case addresses the scope and limits of the notwithstanding clause under section 33 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). BLG also served as lead counsel to the Future of Sport in Canada Commission (the Commission), the federal inquiry into systemic maltreatment in Canadian sport. The Commission's final report was published in March 2026 following cross-country consultations with athletes, sport organizations and government stakeholders. BLG is currently representing CN in a challenge to the constitutional applicability and operability of provincial drainage legislation to federally-regulated railways, which is scheduled for hearing in December and likely to set a precedent for constitutional division of powers matters.

Construction: BLG's Construction Group handles matters across the full project lifecycle, from P3 procurement through complex dispute resolution. Recent work includes representing Nexteel Co., Ltd. and Nexteel Canada Co., Ltd. in a C$255 million claim arising from a pipeline rupture at a newly constructed sour gas plant in northern Alberta, a cross-border dispute raising jurisdictional questions between Canadian and South Korean courts. BLG construction lawyers also served on the legal team for Canada's largest hospital P3 at C$13.9 billion for Trillium Health Partners, alongside the real estate and healthcare teams.

Corporate/Commercial: Highly Regarded (Alberta): BLG's Calgary-based Corporate and Capital Markets Group advises clients across energy, capital markets, technology and cross-border M&A. The team acted for Bitcoin Treasury Corporation in Canada's first Bitcoin-native public company listing on the TSX Venture Exchange, completing a C$125 million concurrent financing with the first-ever TSXV approval for a Bitcoin treasury business model. BLG also acted for AltaLink L.P., Alberta's largest electricity transmission provider, on a C$325 million Senior Secured Notes offering to fund ongoing infrastructure development across the province. BLG additionally acted as lead Canadian counsel to Itron, Inc. in its US$325 million acquisition of Urbint, an AI-powered software company serving the utilities sector.

Dispute Resolution; Arbitration: BLG has an outstanding track record representing Canadian and international clients in arbitrations seated throughout the world, under all major institutional sets of rules, in a wide array of industry sectors including construction and infrastructure, manufacturing, aerospace, technology, distribution, sports and entertainment, energy (including geothermal and oil & gas), and mining as well as investor-State disputes. It complements this work by representing clients before Canadian courts during enforcement proceedings, including in landmark cases at all levels of court. BLG’s arbitration specialists are coordinated across the network, immersed in arbitration thought-leadership, and equipped to provide exceptional and tailored advocacy in every case.

Employment and Labour (Nationwide – Canada): BLG's national Employment and Labour practice advises employers across federally and provincially regulated industries on collective bargaining, workplace policy and complex labour relations matters. Current mandates include representing Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited in one of the first Canadian arbitrations to examine directly the reasonableness of a 28-day cannabis abstinence requirement for safety-critical railway positions. BLG also represented Bell Canada and its subsidiaries in an arbitration involving over 300 consolidated grievances challenging the company's mandatory vaccination policy, with the tribunal upholding Bell's approach as generally reasonable, proportionate and legally compliant.

Employment and Labour (Québec): BLG represented Bell Canada through an 18-month arbitration involving over 300 consolidated grievances challenging the company's mandatory vaccination policy. The tribunal upheld Bell's policy as generally reasonable, proportionate and legally compliant, providing an important precedent for employer health and safety measures during public health crises.

Healthcare: BLG advised Trillium Health Partners in respect of the development of Canada's largest hospital public-private partnership, the C$13.9 billion Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children. BLG also advised on the merger that created Waterloo Regional Health Network, a hospital with approximately C$1 billion in annual operating revenues, and represented the government-appointed supervisor of London Health Sciences Centre implement a comprehensive governance and operational restructuring, including investigating one of Canada’s most significant frauds against a public sector organization and related recovery actions.

Investment Funds: BLG's Investment Management Group advised SLGI Asset Management on establishing its first ETF series, marking Sun Life’s entry into the Canadian ETF market. The group also advised Franklin Templeton Canada on structuring the Franklin BSP Real Estate Debt Fund, a Canadian access fund providing exposure to a global private real estate debt strategy. In addition, BLG was instrumental in assisting Ninepoint Partners in their launch of 11 innovative single-stock HighShares ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange, among the first ETF group in Canada structured around single-stock exposure combined with a covered-call strategy.

Litigation: Administrative & Public Law: BLG's Administrative and Public Law practice represents clients in some of Canada's most consequential regulatory, administrative, and constitutional proceedings. BLG recently successfully challenged the Canadian Transportation Agency's (the Agency) interswitching rate-setting methodology before the Federal Court of Appeal on behalf of Canadian National Railway (CN), compelling the Agency to revise its approach in a dispute valued at approximately C$180 million. BLG also acts for CN in a judicial review from a decision of the Agency for which Supreme Court of Canada will hear argument in November 2026 considering the extent to which judicial review is constitutionally guaranteed in Canada and can be limited by legislation (in this case section 18.5 of the Federal Courts Act). BLG is also representing the Railway Association of Canada in a constitutional challenge to locomotive voice and video recorder regulations under section 8 of the Charter, a precedent-setting case balancing workplace privacy rights against railway safety, with hearings scheduled for October 2026.

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use: BLG secured Ontario Land Tribunal approval of the master plan for the C$2.5 billion redevelopment of Scarborough Town Centre, one of the largest mall infill projects in the province. The firm also leads legal regulatory and planning approvals for Union Park, Oxford Properties' C$3.5 billion mixed-use development in downtown Toronto, which includes three residential towers, a supertall office building and retail and public open space directly adjacent to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.

Transportation: Shipping: BLG serves as counsel to all marine industry stakeholders, including shipowners, charterers, global shipping lines, marine terminals, tug service providers and mariners. Our practice encompasses all aspects of the shipping and transportation business, including transactions, regulatory matters and disputes. Current notable mandates include advising major marine terminal project proponents and operators on the West Coast; representing Zim Integrated Shipping Services in more than 100 Federal Court proceedings arising from the M/V Zim Kingston vessel fire and container loss incident near British Columbia; and acting as counsel to the owners of the M/V Thamesborg in a 2025 Northwest Passage grounding, a complex, cross-jurisdictional case.

Significant growth across practices and geographies

This year's results reflect growth across the board. The firm added two new department rankings and five practice areas advanced their band rankings:

Banking and Finance (Nationwide – Canada) to Band 3
Employment and Labour (Alberta) to Band 2
Real Estate (British Columbia) to Band 2
Real Estate (Québec) to Band 3
Transportation: Rail and Road (Nationwide – Canada) to Band 2

A total of 39 individual rankings were added, with 29 lawyers ranked in Chambers Canada for the first time. An additional 28 lawyers improved their existing rankings. This expanded recognition across multiple regions ensures our clients have access to top-tier, specialized counsel regardless of where their business operates.

Recognizing the next generation

BLG's investment in its next generation of leaders is reflected in this year's results as 21 lawyers earned Up and Coming designations and five received Associates to Watch designations. Lee English was also named a Star Associate in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Ontario).

The complete list of BLG lawyers recognized in the Chambers Canada 2027 Guide is available on the Chambers and Partners website. We thank our clients for their continued partnership and the trust they place in our firm.

BLG earns strong recognition in The Best Lawyers in Canada

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (September 3, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, with 670 recognitions honouring 366 BLG lawyers across 64 practice areas.

Highlights

281 BLG lawyers recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada
83 BLG lawyers named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada
67 new rankings
7 Lawyer of the Year awards

City highlights

Vancouver (147 recognitions)
Calgary (100 recognitions)
Toronto (229 recognitions)
Ottawa (56 recognitions)
Montréal (141 recognitions)

Lawyer of the Year awards

Lawyer of the Year recognitions are awarded annually to lawyers who receive the highest voter feedback in their metropolitan area and practice area.

Guy J. Pratte Ad. E. - Lawyer of the Year: Administrative and Public Law
Dennis O'Connor O.C., K.C. - Lawyer of the Year: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Adam L. Perzow - Lawyer of the Year: Commercial Leasing Law
Kimberly Poster - Lawyer of the Year: Mutual Funds Law
Jason J. Brooks - Lawyer of the Year: Private Funds Law
Fred R. Pletcher - Lawyer of the Year: Mining Law
Dionysios Rossi - Lawyer of the Year: Maritime Law

About The Best Lawyers in Canada

The Best Lawyers in Canada is a peer-review publication that ranks legal practitioners and firms across multiple practice areas through peer review surveys. Lawyers are not permitted to pay to participate or be recognized. Best Lawyers are recognized by region and practice area, based on peer review surveys. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognitions highlight earlier-career lawyers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in Canada.

15 BLG lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Mining 2026

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (September 2, 2026) - BLG's mining practice has earned 15 recognitions in Lexpert Special Edition: Mining 2026, reflecting work spanning major cross-border acquisitions, capital markets transactions, hostile takeovers, critical minerals development and construction and infrastructure matters across Canada's mining sector.

These practitioners were selected from Lexpert's Mining category, alongside top-ranked lawyers across Corporate Commercial Law, Corporate Finance and Securities, Corporate Mid-Market, Construction Law and Infrastructure Law. Their inclusion reflects leadership in recent high-profile mandates, including:

Gold mining

Counsel to Carcetti Capital Corp. on their acquisition of 100 per cent interest in the Hemlo Gold Mine from Barrick Gold Corporation subsidiaries. The acquisition involved US$875 million in cash and 34.6 million common shares payable at closing plus up to US$165 million in additional contingent cash payments, for aggregate consideration of up to US$1.09 billion, one of Canada's largest mining acquisitions and the launch of a new mid-tier Canadian gold producer.

Silver mining

Lead counsel to Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) on its US$2.1 billion acquisition of MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE American: MAG) (TSX: MAG) through a cross-border plan of arrangement completed September 4, 2025. The transaction confirms Pan American’s position as a leading global silver producer by acquiring MAG's 44 per cent interest in Mexico's Juanicipio silver mine, operated by Fresnillo plc, along with other exploration assets.

Capital markets

Counsel to the underwriter syndicate on Lumina Metals Corp.'s C$406 million initial public offering, the largest Canadian mining IPO since 2021. The offering was managed by a syndicate of underwriters including BMO Capital Markets, National Bank Financial Inc., Morgan Stanley Canada Limited, RBC Capital Markets and CIBC Capital Markets as co-lead underwriters and joint bookrunners.

Cross-border mining M&A

Lead counsel to Lumina Gold Corp. on its C$581 million acquisition by CMOC Singapore Pte. Ltd. one of the largest Chinese-Canadian mining acquisitions of 2025. The transaction transferred Ecuador's largest primary gold deposit to new ownership through a cross-border plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), delivering a 71 per cent premium to the 20-day volume-weighted average price for Lumina shareholders. The deal required coordination across four jurisdictions, including Canada, Singapore, China and Ecuador, while managing concurrent convertible note financing and complex deal protection mechanisms. Announced April 21, 2025; completed June 24, 2025.

Hostile takeover

Counsel to CANEX Metals Inc. on its hostile takeover bid for Gold Basin Resources Corporation, one of the rare hostile takeovers in Canada's mining sector. The transaction involved navigating unique regulatory challenges, including a B.C. Securities Commission cease trade order affecting the target, with CANEX's bid escalating from an initial C$8.57 million to approximately C$18 million before securing majority shareholder support.

Critical minerals

Counsel to Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals Inc. in its acquisition of Compass Minerals Wynyard Inc., a Saskatchewan-based manufacturer, distributor and seller of sulphate of potash, from Compass Canada Potash Holdings Inc. advancing Canada's integrated critical minerals strategy.

Mining litigation

Counsel to Privateer Gold Ltd. and Surespan Construction Ltd. in a precedent-setting judicial review challenging a provincial mining ban imposed in Ehattesaht First Nation traditional territory under British Columbia's Environment and Land Use Act. The case raises complex administrative law questions, including procedural fairness and the scope of provincial authority to restrict resource development in response to environmental and Indigenous rights concerns. BLG also represents Privateer Gold in a related expropriation claim alleging that the Orders in Council constitute an uncompensated taking of Crown Grant mineral rights. The outcome is expected to shape the limits of provincial power to restrict resource development and clarify when regulatory action amounts to de facto expropriation.

About BLG's Mining practice

BLG has one of Canada's most active and highly regarded mining practices, advising domestic and international mining companies of all sizes for over two centuries. Our team provides integrated legal support across the entire project lifecycle, combining transactional expertise with a leading disputes practice.

We counsel issuers and investment dealers on public and private securities offerings and support multinational mining companies in multi-jurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, project finance, streaming and royalties, regulatory compliance and high-stakes litigation. Our expertise extends to business combinations, take-over bids and cross-border public offerings.

As Canada's law firm, we take an integrated approach. Our mining group draws on the Firm's broad expertise across M&A, corporate finance, Indigenous law, environmental regulation and international trade to support clients at every stage of development.

The mining industry continues to lead in environmental action and BLG actively supports clients in advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Our national ESG team advises on regulatory and permitting issues, investment strategies and due diligence, helping clients move beyond compliance to enhance performance and build resilience.

Recognized lawyers

Learn more about BLG's Mining practice.

Benchmark Litigation recognizes 15 BLG lawyers in 2026 Top 100 Women and Top 40 and Under

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (August 13, 2026) – Benchmark Litigation has recognized 15 BLG lawyers across select 2026 Canadian lists: seven in the Top 40 and Under and eight in the Top 100 Women in Litigation, doubling BLG's representation on the Top 40 and Under list from 2025.

Recognized lawyers

Benchmark’s Top 40 and Under

Benchmark’s Top 100 Women in Litigation

Published annually, the Top 40 and Under recognizes the best and brightest litigators under 40 across the country. The Top 100 Women in Litigation identifies the most distinguished and highly recommended female litigators in Canada. Both of these lists are assessed through case reviews, peer feedback and one-on-one client interviews.

BLG's 15 recognized lawyers reflect the Firm's national depth across public interest and constitutional litigation, securities enforcement, class action defence, administrative law, construction and surety and international arbitration.

Recent mandates handled by BLG's recognized lawyers include:

Future of Sport in Canada Commission

BLG serves as lead counsel to the Commissioner of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission (the Commission), an independent federal inquiry examining systemic maltreatment in Canadian sport. The BLG team led cross-country consultations with hundreds of stakeholders, advised on constitutional law, privacy and public law and co-authored the Commission's preliminary and final reports. The Commission's final report was published on March 24, 2026.

Constitutional litigation

BLG represents the Attorney General of Canada in its Supreme Court of Canada (the Court) intervention in the challenge to Québec's Act respecting the laicity of the State (Bill 21), addressing constitutional limits on legislative use of the notwithstanding clause under section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court's decision, expected in 2026, could reshape the law governing judicial oversight of legislation invoking section 33.

Transportation and administrative law

BLG acts for Canadian National Railway Company in multiple judicial reviews before the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada (the Supreme Court). In February 2026, the Supreme Court granted leave to appeal on a constitutional question concerning the scope of judicial review under the Constitution Act, 1867. BLG also successfully established before the Federal Court of Appeal that the Canadian Transportation Agency's (the Agency) decades-old interswitching rate methodology failed to meet the commercial fairness standard required under the Canada Transportation Act, requiring the Agency to revise its approach.

International arbitration enforcement

BLG acts for the Devas Investors in recognition and enforcement proceedings of two investor-state arbitral awards against India totalling over US$110 million before the courts of Québec. In December 2024, the Québec Court of Appeal confirmed that India had expressly waived its jurisdictional immunity and reinstated a seizure before judgment of US$37.5 million. The Supreme Court of Canada denied India's leave to appeal in September 2025, making the Court of Appeal's decision final.

Construction and surety

BLG represents all national and international sureties operating in Canada, as well as owners, contractors and other construction industry participants in bond claims, complex construction disputes and insolvency matters arising across all project types and jurisdictions. BLG has more lawyers recognized as Fellows of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers than any other Canadian law firm.

Corporate governance and securities disputes

BLG acted for CANEX Metals Inc. in the first hostile take-over bid ever launched against a cease-traded issuer in Canada. BLG obtained ex parte and interim restraining orders before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which granted all relief sought, including an order calling an annual general meeting of Gold Basin Resources Corporation shareholders. The decision enforced statutory corporate governance obligations and protected shareholder rights in the context of a contested corporate control transaction.

Learn more about BLG's Disputes Group.

33 BLG lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Energy 2026

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 Z

BLG's Energy Practice has earned 33 recognitions in Lexpert Special Edition: Energy 2026 - reflecting work spanning nuclear energy, offshore wind, Indigenous infrastructure, environmental litigation and energy regulation.

Recognized lawyers were selected from Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2026 practice areas of Energy (Electricity), Energy (Oil and Gas) and Environmental Law as well as top-ranked lawyers in Aboriginal Law, Banking and Financial Institutions, Construction Law, Corporate Commercial Law, Corporate Finance and Securities, Corporate Mid-Market, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Infrastructure Law and Project Finance, identified as having energy-related practices with recent mandates including:

Nuclear Energy

Counsel to WTFN Investment Holdings LP, representing the economic development entities of the Williams Treaties First Nations, on a structured debt investment of up to C$700 million in Ontario Power Generation's Darlington New Nuclear Project. If all four units proceed, the project is expected to deliver approximately 1,200 MW of clean nuclear generation, making it one of the first grid-scale SMR projects in the G7.

Offshore Wind

Lead counsel to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Regulator on the legislative and regulatory framework for Atlantic Canada's offshore wind industry. Nova Scotia has targeted 5 GW of seabed leases by 2030, drawing on a region with combined technical potential exceeding 600 GW.

Energy Regulation

Defended Manitoba Hydro's electricity export licence in the first-ever fair market access hearing for electricity before the Canada Energy Regulator. Manitoba Hydro recorded C$860 million in export revenue in 2024-2025. The complainant withdrew its claim on March 31, 2025.

Indigenous Infrastructure

Counsel to the lender on the C$800 million Wskijinu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency transmission line, a 96-km, 345 kV Indigenous-led project twinning an existing corridor between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to strengthen regional grid reliability and support renewable energy integration.

About BLG's Energy Practice

BLG's Energy Practice covers the full spectrum of Canadian energy law, from electricity regulation and oil and gas transactions to nuclear energy, environmental law and Indigenous law. The energy: power group has more professionals dedicated to serving the electricity sector than any other law firm in Canada.

Recognized lawyers

Learn more about BLG's Energy Practice.

BLG names Tim McCormick national practice chair, M&A and Corporate Transactions

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 Z

Strategic appointment accelerates momentum for the firm's national M&A and Corporate Transactions practice

Toronto (July 23, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) today announced the appointment of Tim McCormick as national practice chair, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate transactions.

McCormick is a partner in BLG's M&A and capital markets group, where he has established himself as one of the firm's leading advisors on complex, large-scale transactions.

In this role, McCormick will provide strategic leadership for one of the firm's established core practice areas, focusing on accelerating growth, expanding market position and driving national integration. Reporting directly to National Managing Partner and CEO David Di Paolo, McCormick will also chair the national M&A strategy committee. This committee brings together senior leadership from across the country to ensure alignment with firm-wide objectives, disciplined mandate selection and a unified, team-based approach to client engagement.

"Our M&A practice is a core strength of the firm and this appointment reflects our commitment to driving its continued momentum," said Di Paolo. "Tim has a proven track record of excellence, the market profile and strategic acumen to build on our strong foundation and accelerate our national capabilities. He is the right person to lead this practice forward."

"BLG has stacked together very strong years, advising on a number of Canada’s most complex M&A and infrastructure transactions," said McCormick. “This track record is the foundation for our formidable national platform, deep bench of talent and strong domestic and international client relationships. My focus is on further integrating those established strengths so our clients can seamlessly access the full depth of what this firm delivers."

BLG recognized in Chambers High Net Worth 2026

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 Z

Canada (July 23, 2026) – Chambers and Partners has once again recognized BLG's Private Client Group Band 1 for Private Wealth Law in its 2026 High Net Worth guide. The guide also individually ranks Pamela Cross Band 2 and Paul W. Taylor Band 3.

Published annually, Chambers High Net Worth identifies leading private wealth lawyers through client and peer interviews and research into recent casework. View BLG's full Chambers High Net Worth profile.

BLG's recognized lawyers advise on some of the most intricate private wealth matters in Canada, from structuring multi-jurisdictional trusts and cross-border estate planning to foundation governance and family office disputes.

Learn more about BLG's Private Client Group.

23 BLG lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 Z

Canada (July 8, 2026) - BLG's health sciences practice has earned 23 recognitions in the 2026 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences, spanning health law, medical negligence, life sciences, corporate health transactions and intellectual property.

Published annually, Lexpert Special Edition: Health identifies leading Canadian lawyers across the full spectrum of health law practice. BLG's 23 recognized lawyers reflect the firm's depth across the health sector – from complex hospital infrastructure and governance to landmark health policy challenges, class action defence and medical education law.

Recent mandates handled by BLG's recognized lawyers include:

Hospital Infrastructure

BLG served as lead counsel on Canada's largest hospital project: the C$13.9 billion public-private partnership for Trillium Health Partners' Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children.

Hospital Governance

BLG served as counsel to the government-appointed supervisors in two of the three Ontario hospitals placed under provincial supervision in 2024, reflecting the firm's depth of health sector governance expertise.

Hospital Investigation

BLG served as lead counsel on the internal investigation at London Health Sciences Centre that uncovered an alleged fraud scheme spanning more than a decade. BLG subsequently launched a C$50 million civil action and secured certificates of pending litigation over 43 properties owned by the defendants.

Hospital Merger

BLG served as lead multi-disciplinary counsel on the merger of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital to form Waterloo Regional Health Network, a combined system with an annual operating budget of approximately C$1 billion.

Medical Education

BLG structured the legal and governance framework for Toronto Metropolitan University's new medical school and Integrated Health Centre, supporting nearly C$180 million in provincial investment and C$25 million in federal funding. The school opened in Sept. 2025 with 94 inaugural students.

Class Action Defence

BLG defeated certification in a proposed class action involving more than 15,000 individuals against The Hospital for Sick Children relating to the Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory, with leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada subsequently denied.

Health Policy

BLG represented the Black Physicians of Canada in a successful challenge to an Ontario residency policy restricting internationally trained medical graduates. Ontario announced it would rescind the policy on March 24, 2026.

Recognized lawyers

Learn more about BLG's health sciences practice.

Shaping the health law conversation

In addition to the rankings, two BLG partners were featured as leading industry voices in Lexpert’s accompanying editorial coverage for this edition:

Healthcare M&A trends: Partner and health law co-leader Nick Pasquino shared insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare services consolidation, the impact of data on valuations and why the market has entered a more disciplined phase. Read the article; and
AI in clinical settings: Partner and privacy co-leader Daniel Michaluk discussed the rapid adoption of AI scribes in healthcare, flagging the vendor contract risks, privacy exposure and governance gaps organizations must address. Read the article.

Nick G. Pasquino appointed BLG's National Group Head, Corporate and Capital Markets

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 Z

Toronto (July 2, 2026) – We are pleased to announce the appointment of Nick G. Pasquino as BLG's National Group Head, Corporate and Capital Markets.

Nick is a partner in our Toronto office and will continue in his role as Co-Leader of the firm's Band 1 market-leading Healthcare Group. Nick’s practice focuses on advising clients on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, financings and other transactions, with an emphasis on advising governments, broader public sector organizations (such as hospitals, colleges and universities), and other significant not-for-profits and charities on major initiatives requiring significant legal support.

Prior to this appointment, Nick has served in several leadership roles including as the Toronto Regional Manager of the Corporate Commercial Group since January 2020.

As National Group Head, he will be responsible for advancing the business strategy, financial performance and client service delivery of the Corporate and Capital Markets Group – a dynamic national practice spanning M&A; AI, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Privacy; Competition, Antitrust and Foreign Investment; Indigenous Law; Investment Management; Data Centres and Digital Infrastructure; and Charities and Not-for-Profit. Group Heads are members of the firm's National Management Committee and play a key role in shaping the firm's overall direction and operations.

"On behalf of all members of the firm, I want to congratulate Nick on this well-deserved appointment," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner and CEO. "Nick brings exceptional breadth – as a trusted advisor in corporate and commercial law, a skilled navigator of complex transactions and a dedicated leader in the health-care sector. We are delighted that our clients will continue to benefit from his direct involvement and expertise as he takes on this expanded leadership role for the firm."

Nick succeeds Prema Thiele, who was appointed National Group Head, Corporate and Capital Markets in October 2020 and served two terms in the role. Prema will be returning to focus on her investment management and M&A practice. We thank Prema for her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the group and the firm over the past six years.

BLG earns 5-Star Pro Bono Firm distinction for fourth consecutive year

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 Z

For the fourth consecutive year, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has earned a 5-Star Pro Bono Firm distinction from Canadian Lawyer, recognizing the firm’s deep commitment to improving access to justice nationwide.

Each year, Canadian Lawyer recognizes law firms that demonstrate exceptional dedication to pro bono services. This four-year distinction reflects the dedication of BLG professionals, who volunteer their time and legal expertise for those who need it most. In 2025 alone, the firm's professionals dedicated 8,964 hours to pro bono legal services.

“Our 5-Star Pro Bono Firm recognition reflects the meaningful connections we build with community organizations, non-profits and vulnerable individuals," said Anna Marrison, partner and national chair of BLG’s Pro Bono Committee. "We consider it both a privilege and a duty to put our legal expertise to work ensuring the legal system is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances."

BLG integrates pro bono work into its daily practice, supporting community organizations, non-profits and vulnerable individuals to drive meaningful change. Recent examples of our impact include:

Access to Justice: Our lawyers across the country assisted individuals who could not afford a lawyer through free legal advice hotlines and in court.
Defending democratic rights: Our lawyers, including Patrick Plante, represented the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) at the Québec Court of Appeal, challenging a statute that interrupted the delineation of electoral districts to defend the constitutional right to effective representation;
Advancing family equality: Representing Egale Canada as an intervenor, BLG lawyers including Julien Boudreault and Renaud Gravel, successfully argued in a landmark appeal that the two-parent limit in the Civil Code of Québec violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and
Empowering Indigenous communities: Our team, including Scott Kerwin and Cindy Lowe, helped an Indigenous elder navigate complex estate administration, successfully securing funds from a residential school settlement.

BLG remains committed to building on this foundation and ensuring that access to justice continues to be central to how the firm serves Canadian communities.

Learn more about BLG’s pro bono program and its impact on Canadian communities.

BLG clients win three awards at the 2026 Canadian General Counsel Awards

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (May 29, 2026) – BLG-nominated finalists recognized across business excellence, deal making, diversity, emerging leadership and innovation.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) celebrates six clients and legal teams named finalists at the 2026 Canadian General Counsel Awards (CGCAs), held last night at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Now in their 21^st year, the CGCAs is Canada's definitive awards program for the in-house legal community, recognizing excellence across 10 categories including innovation, deal making, litigation management, emerging leadership and diversity.

BLG Stephen Sigurdson Lifetime Achievement Award

David Di Paolo, National Managing Partner and CEO, presented the BLG Stephen Sigurdson Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline De Gagné. Ms. De Gagné retired in December 2025 from Bayer Inc. after a distinguished 30-year career in the in-house legal community, with senior roles in Canada, Germany and China. The award acknowledges in-house counsel who have demonstrated sustained and exceptional leadership throughout their careers.

"This year's CGCA finalists represent the highest standard of Canadian legal practice," said Di Paolo. "They manage major infrastructure projects under geopolitical pressure, solve complex litigation matters and lead landmark capital markets transactions. These leaders are defining the future of the in-house legal profession in Canada. We congratulate our nominated finalists for their outstanding work and celebrate Jacqueline De Gagné, recipient of this year’s BLG Stephen Sigurdson Lifetime Achievement award, for her remarkable contributions to the legal community."

Among BLG's finalists, three received awards at last night’s gala. Congratulations to:

Maryann Besharat, Vice-President, Legal Claims Canada, Intact Financial Corporation (OpenText Innovation Award)

Maryann Besharat directs the legal team behind DocMax, a purpose-built AI tool developed with Intact's Data Lab that processes complex claims files to produce cited, sourced summaries, reclaiming approximately 10,000 hours annually and reducing medical-legal summary time by 50 per cent. BLG serves as external counsel to Intact Financial Corporation and co-nominated Besharat alongside Intact and Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP.

Rustam Juma, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. (Blakes Judy L. Wilson Diversity Award)

Rustam Juma co-founded the National GC Network, a platform dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within Canada's in-house legal community, which has grown to approximately 100 members and hosted four annual conferences for more than 500 attendees. BLG’s John Hunter co-nominated Juma alongside Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP.

Matthew D. Turner, Senior Vice-President, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, Guardian Capital Group Limited (Osler Purdy Crawford Deal Making Award)

Matthew D. Turner led the legal and governance workstreams behind Guardian's C$1.67 billion take-private transaction with Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc., which closed in March 2026 at a 66 per cent premium to the last closing price of Guardian’s Class A shares, creating a combined organization overseeing approximately C$280 billion in assets under management and advisement. Turner also directed the legal strategy for a broader corporate repositioning including Guardian's C$750 million divestiture of its Worldsource retail distribution businesses and the acquisition of Sterling Capital Management, which added approximately US$76 billion in assets under management. BLG Partners Carlos Cerqueira, Tim McCormick and Andrew McLean co-nominated Turner alongside counsel from several national law firms.

BLG-nominated finalists at the 2026 CGCAs:

Chuck Andary, Interim CEO and Chief Legal Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (Business Excellence Award)

Chuck Andary began his legal career at BLG before joining the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) in 2019, where he was appointed Interim CEO by the Governor in Council in January 2026 during the final construction phase of the C$6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project. In this role, he has navigated U.S. political pressure that threatened the bridge's opening schedule while advancing commercial readiness. BLG Partners Rich Yehia and Andrew Punzo co-nominated Andary alongside counsel from Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP.

Janie Dugas, Director, Assistant General Counsel, North America, Vantage Data Centers (OpenText Innovation Award)

Janie Dugas built Vantage Data Centres' Canadian legal function from the ground up after joining in 2022, implementing data-centre-specific contract frameworks and deploying contract lifecycle management and AI-enabled review tools to support hyperscale digital infrastructure development across North America. BLG Partner Adina Georgescu co-nominated Dugas alongside counsel from several national law firms.

Vanessa Gray, Senior Legal Counsel, UAP Inc. (Sun Life Tomorrow's Leader Award)

Vanessa Gray leads M&A, commercial, and franchise compliance for the Canadian operations of UAP Inc., a division of Fortune 500 company Genuine Parts Company. She directed UAP's legal strategy for the acquisition of Benson Group Inc. and Paco-Benson Inc., managing 18 months of negotiation, Competition Bureau approval and approximately 50 new lease negotiations across Ontario, Québec and other provinces. BLG Partner Kyle Denomme nominated Gray.

BLG adds leading investment management partner Lorraine Lynds in Toronto

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 Z

Toronto (May 11, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has welcomed Lorraine Lynds as a partner in its market-leading Investment Management Group (IMG).

Lynds brings a rare combination of in-house and national law firm experience. Having served in a senior legal role at a major Canadian financial institution and having practiced at a leading national firm, she brings a practitioner's perspective to the regulatory and strategic challenges facing her clients. She advises Canadian and global investment management businesses and is known for providing practical, strategic advice that empowers clients to navigate existing and emerging regulatory requirements.

"Lorraine is a significant addition to our national team," said Prema Thiele, national group head of BLG's Corporate and Capital Markets Group. "Her addition further enhances our already best-in-class national Investment Management Group offering. Her deep expertise, combined with a rare in-house perspective gained in a senior legal role at a major financial institution, directly advances our strategy to strengthen our market-leading practice and deliver even stronger outcomes for our clients."

Her practice covers a broad range of investment management matters. She advises issuers, distributors and institutional investors on the formation and distribution of mutual funds, hedge funds, alternative funds, ETFs, private equity funds and managed account arrangements. She also advises firms on strategic merger and acquisition transactions and restructurings of wealth management businesses, as well as adviser team lift-outs. She provides strategic advice to a wide range of Canadian, U.S. and other international dealers, advisers and fund managers on securities regulatory matters and their ongoing obligations under Canada's registration rules.

Lynds is an active contributor to the industry, participating as a longstanding member of multiple working groups of the Securities and Investment Management Association and serving on the Industry Regulation and Tax Committee of the Portfolio Management Association of Canada.

Lynds has also spent time with both the Capital Markets and Takeover Bids teams of the Ontario Securities Commission. She earned her LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School and her MBA from the Schulich School of Business. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002.

BLG strengthens Corporate and Capital Markets Group with addition of partners Nicholas Nevins and Christian Vieira

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 Z

Toronto (May 11, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has welcomed Nicholas Nevins and Christian Vieira as partners in its Corporate and Capital Markets Group in Toronto. Their arrival enhances BLG's bench strength for large, complex transactions, bolstering the firm's ability to serve existing clients and compete for new high-value mandates across mergers and acquisitions, private equity and capital markets.

Nicholas and Christian bring significant transactional depth at a time when Canadian deal activity is at its most competitive. Prior to joining BLG, both practised at a leading national law firm, where they developed proven track records executing some of Canada's most sophisticated corporate mandates. Their arrival together signals a strategic addition to BLG's Corporate and Capital Markets Group.

"Nicholas and Christian are skilled transactional lawyers who can support our clients' most sophisticated deals from day one," said Prema Thiele, national group head of BLG's Corporate and Capital Markets Group. "Bringing them on board together adds immediate, high-calibre depth to our M&A, private equity and capital markets practice. Their combined experience enhances our capacity to pursue large and complex mandates and deliver stronger outcomes for our clients. We're thrilled to welcome them."

Nicholas Nevins

Nicholas advises clients on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate finance, as well as general corporate and commercial matters. He acts on both public and private transactions for Canadian and U.S. corporations and private equity funds across a broad range of industries. His capital markets experience spans prospectus offerings and private placements, advising underwriters and issuers on numerous debt and equity transactions, including IPOs, bought-deals and investment grade and high-yield note offerings. In 2021, Nicholas completed a three-month secondment with GFL Environmental Inc., adding valuable in-house perspective to his transactional practice.

Christian Vieira

Recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada as "Ones to Watch" in Corporate, Christian advises domestic and international clients on public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity, growth capital, capital markets and corporate finance. He acts for private equity sponsors, financial institutions and other issuers across a range of industries, including financial services, technology, cannabis, construction and mining. His experience includes investment fund mergers and restructurings, debt and equity financings and reverse takeovers. Christian's perspective is further enriched by prior roles at a global development institution and a Canadian mid-market private equity firm.

Both partners were called to the Ontario Bar in 2017. Nevins holds dual law degrees – a J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and a J.D. (magna cum laude) from Michigan State University College of Law – as well as a B.Soc.Sci. with specialization in finance from the University of Western Ontario. Vieira holds a J.D. from the University of Western Ontario and a B.B.A. (finance) with distinction from Wilfrid Laurier University.

BLG wins four awards at 2026 Benchmark Canada gala

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (May 8, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) won four awards at the 2026 Benchmark Canada awards gala: Firm of the Year and three Litigator of the Year awards.

Robert J.C. Deane, K.C. won Arbitration Litigator of the Year, Patrick Hawkins was named Health Law/Medical Litigator of the Year, and Andrew Pozzobon was honoured with the Emerging Talent Litigator of the Year award. BLG’s Insurance practice took home Insurance Firm of the Year.

The awards recognize the Firm's work on complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes across Canada, including arbitrations, class actions, regulatory investigations and commercial litigation.

The results capped a strong year of recognition for BLG's disputes practice. Benchmark shortlisted BLG for nine Firm of the Year awards:

Alberta Firm of the Year
Arbitration Firm of the Year
Class Action Firm of the Year
Construction Firm of the Year
Health Law/Medical Firm of the Year
Insurance Firm of the Year
Labour and Employment Firm of the Year
Product Liability Firm of the Year
Securities Firm of the Year

Eight BLG partners were named as finalists for Litigator of the Year awards:

Robert J.C. Deane, K.C. for Arbitration Litigator of the Year
Michelle Maniago for Class Action Litigator of the Year
Caitlin Sainsbury for Competition Litigator of the Year
Andrew Pozzobon for Energy/Resources Litigator of the Year
Luke Dineley for Insurance Litigator of the Year
Patricia L. Morrison, K.C. for Construction Litigator of the Year
Patrick J. Hawkins for Health Law/Medical Litigator of the Year
David Di Paolo for Securities Litigator of the Year

Rising talent and national rankings

The 2026 Benchmark Litigation guide includes 78 BLG partners: 70 Litigation Stars and eight Future Stars. Benchmark ranks BLG "highly recommended" across all regions where the Firm operates.

Seven partners advanced from Future Star to Litigation Star this year: Andrew Pozzobon, Erin Cutts, and Loni da Costa (Alberta); Luke Dineley (British Columbia); Graham Splawski and Andrew Punzo (Ontario); and Hugo Saint Laurent and Karine Fahmy (Québec).

Benchmark Litigation evaluates law firms and individual lawyers through peer review interviews, client feedback and case analysis.

The Honourable Louise Arbour appointed the 31st Governor General of Canada

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 Z

Former Supreme Court justice and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to serve as federal representative of the Canadian Crown

Key facts

The Honourable Louise Arbour has been appointed Canada’s next Governor General and, upon installation, will become the 31^st to hold the office.
The appointment was announced on May 5, 2026 by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Madam Arbour has served as Senior Counsel at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) since 2014.
A former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, she has also served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda.
Madam Arbour will assume office following her installation ceremony.

Montréal, (May 5, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) congratulates The Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General-designate, on her appointment as Canada’s 31^st Governor General since Confederation and the first Governor General of Canada appointed by His Majesty King Charles III, announced today by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Madam Arbour has served as Senior Counsel with BLG since August 2014.

"Louise Arbour's appointment as Governor General is a recognition of one of the most extraordinary legal careers in Canadian history," said David Di Paolo, National Managing Partner and CEO of BLG. "That she chose to spend the past decade at BLG has been an immense privilege for our firm. There are very few legal minds in Canada with Louise's combination of judicial, international and human rights experience. Her appointment to Rideau Hall is richly deserved and we are proud to have been part of her journey."

Since joining BLG in 2014, Madam Arbour has provided strategic advice on a whole host of issues, including governance, disputes, mentoring younger lawyers and leading commissions of inquiry. Her advisory role has enriched BLG's disputes and governance practices and her legacy of mentorship will continue long after her appointment.

Madam Arbour's career represents one of the most distinguished trajectories in Canadian legal history. She served as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1999 to 2004, following appointments to the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Ontario. Fluently bilingual in English and French, Madam Arbour has served Canadians and the international community at the highest levels of justice and public service. From 1996 to 1999, she served as Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda, bringing war criminals to justice at The Hague.

Following her tenure on the Supreme Court, Madam Arbour was appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, serving from 2004 to 2008. She later served as the UN's Special Representative of the Secretary-General on International Migration, leading to the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration in 2018. In 2021, she was appointed to conduct an independent review of the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence in response to reports of harassment and sexual misconduct within Canada's military.

Madam Arbour has received numerous honours and awards throughout her career. She has been a Companion of the Order of Canada since 2007, a Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec since 2009, a Commander of the Légion d'honneur and a Commander of the Ordre de Montréal. She has also received numerous honorary doctorates from Canadian and international universities.

Madam Arbour will assume office following her installation ceremony.

BLG wishes Madam Arbour every success as she prepares to assume this historic role serving Canada and representing the Crown. This recognition of her extraordinary career is richly deserved and we are immensely proud of her association with BLG over the past decade.

Laura Levine appointed BLG's Partner, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (March 31, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Levine as Partner, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence.

In this newly created role, Laura will lead the firm's strategic approach to innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology-enabled legal services. Reporting directly to BLG's National Managing Partner and CEO, David Di Paolo, she will serve on the firm's AI Steering Committee and work across practice groups and business services teams to advance the firm's AI adoption, knowledge management, legal technology, and new service delivery models.

This appointment builds on BLG's longstanding commitment to AI and innovation, after advising Canadian businesses on AI-related legal matters for years and actively exploring generative AI (GenAI) internally since the technology's global emergence. Laura's mandate will see her continue integrating and maturing these efforts, ensuring that BLG's approach to both AI and innovation remains strategically coordinated, responsibly governed, and embedded directly into client engagements. A core focus of Laura's role involves working with lawyers across practice groups to co-develop forward-thinking solutions in partnership with their clients to provide a competitive advantage.

"AI has evolved from a technical tool to a governance imperative and client partnership opportunity," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner and CEO. "Laura's appointment reflects BLG's commitment to treating innovation not as a siloed function, but as a strategic priority with direct access to firm leadership. Her engagement across the firm and her track record of driving innovation from within her active securities law practice make Laura the ideal leader for this mandate."

Since joining BLG in 2022, Laura has led knowledge and innovation efforts nationally for the firm's Securities and Capital Markets Group. She is a member of the Ontario Securities Commission's Securities Advisory Committee, and regularly contributes to discussions on legal innovation and the responsible use of AI in the legal profession. She is also the co-author of Canadian Securities Regulation, 6th Edition (2025), described by the Supreme Court of Canada in Lundin Mining Corp. v. Markowich as a "leading securities law textbook."

"I'm excited to take on this additional role and build on the strong foundation BLG has already established in AI and innovation," said Laura Levine. "I look forward to working closely with our practice groups and clients to develop solutions that are both responsible and practical. This is about ensuring that the use of technology empowers BLG lawyers to deliver greater client value and solve the real challenges our clients face, in an environment where legal and technological standards keep evolving faster than ever."

BLG partner appointed to Québec Superior Court

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 Z

Stéphane Richer named judge of the Superior Court of Québec for the district of Montréal

Montréal (March 30, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) congratulates Partner Stéphane Richer on his appointment to the role of judge at the Superior Court of Québec for the district of Montréal.

"We are incredibly proud of Stéphane’s appointment to the bench," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner and CEO. "This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his judgment, integrity, and the respect he has earned from clients, colleagues, and the broader legal community. We all look forward to seeing the contributions he will make in this new role."

Stéphane joined BLG as a summer student in 2001 and built his entire career at the firm within the Disputes Group. After being called to the Québec bar in 2002, he became a partner in 2009. He has represented clients before the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, the Supreme Court of Canada, and various administrative tribunals in Québec. Stéphane has practised in a wide array of areas, including class actions; commercial and real estate litigation; municipal and environmental law; extraordinary remedies such as injunctions, seizures before judgment, and Anton Piller orders; banking; fraud; and privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity.

Throughout his career at BLG, Stéphane held significant leadership roles within BLG’s Montréal office, including membership on its governance and compensation committees. He was responsible for overseeing the firm's pro bono small claims initiative and led efforts in professional ethics and responsibility for the Montréal practice.

His contributions to the legal profession have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (Class Action Litigation since 2024, Corporate, and Commercial Litigation since 2021); The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Litigation – Corporate Commercial); and Benchmark Litigation, where he has been recognized as a "Litigation Star" since 2022 and as a "Future Star" from 2020 to 2021.

We wish Stéphane all the best in his new role.