A word from Event Partner
Malcolm Muthulingum Chief Executive Officer LEAP Legal Software Canada
2024 Sponsors
Law Department Innovation
The 2024 Canadian Law Awards, which brought together the biggest names in the legal profession, was a phenomenal success. The legal sector’s most prestigious awards gala took place May 9 at Liberty Grand in Toronto and recognized the top law firms, in-house counsel legal teams, individual lawyers, and their most outstanding deals and cases. With editorial partners Canadian Lawyer and Lexpert, Key Media thanks all the sponsors who took part: LEAP Legal Software Canada, Dye & Durham, Lawson Lundell LLP, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto, and PwC.
Event Partner
Award Sponsors
Official Ballot Accountants
Organizer
more
M&A Deal of the Year
The Lawson Lundell LLP Award for Law Department Leader of the Year
Commercial Litigation Team of the Year
Infrastructure and Projects Deal of the Year
The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession - In House
The Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP Award for Construction, Infrastructure and Transportation Law Department of the Year
Female Trailblazer of the Year (Private Practice)
The LEAP Legal Software Award for Family Law Firm of the Year
Litigator of the Year
Regional Law Firm of the Year - Atlantic Canada & Prairies
Fifth annual Canadian Law Awards a massive success
Key Media thanks all the sponsors who took part
For the second, consecutive year, LEAP Legal Software is proud to be the Event Partner for the 2024 Canadian Law Awards. We are proud to join sponsors and attendees—and partner with Key Media in supporting this event—to celebrate the best achievements in the legal profession. It is a great pleasure to present The LEAP Legal Software Award for Family Law Firm of the Year to a category of esteemed family law nominees whom we recognize for their vital contribution to society and the legal community; and The LEAP Legal Software Award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm to a thriving cohort of legal visionaries who are elevating the productivity and use of technology in the workplace to improve employee and client experiences. LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice productivity solution and technology leader that enables law firms to streamline their processes while increasing the firm’s productivity and profits. From around the globe, LEAP has been at the forefront of industry progression for over 30 years. Now, through community-based advisory partnerships and governance, LEAP is opening new doors for law firms to drive even more efficiency and enhance client experiences using responsible, generative AI solutions.
Managing Partner of the Year
The Lincoln Alexander School of Law Award for Shaping the Future
Banking & Financial Services Law Department of the Year
Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Pro Bono Initiative of the Year
At the event, CEO of LEAP Legal Software Canada, Malcolm Muthulingum, said it was “massive” to be a part of the event and he was happy to help ensure that lawyers around Canada are celebrated. According to Aaron Eichenlaub, chief revenue officer at Dye & Durham: “Programs like the Canadian Law Awards are an exceptional opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work, dedication, innovation, and achievement of legal professionals in practices and organizations nationwide. “We were proud to be a supporter of such a well-run and well-received event, and to have the privilege to recognize both the recipients of this year’s Dye & Durham Lifetime Achievement Awards and the entire Canadian legal industry,” said Eichenlaub. Speaking about their award for Construction, Infrastructure, and Transportation Law Department of the Year, a spokesperson from Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP said: “As leaders in construction and infrastructure law, we are proud to support and celebrate outstanding in-house legal teams in construction, infrastructure, and transportation. “Congratulations to the Infrastructure Ontario team on their well-deserved recognition.” The Canadian Law Awards will continue to provide a platform for legal professionals to showcase their exceptional work. The highly anticipated awards ceremony not only acknowledges their hard work and dedication but also promotes high standards of legal practice across the country. The nomination process for the Canadian Law Awards 2024 is straightforward and thorough. While nominations are open, legal professionals can submit them online, addressing the specific criteria for each category. The Canadian Law Awards team, leveraging industry knowledge and resources from Lexpert, Canadian Lawyer, and InHouse, conducts extensive research to identify Excellence Awardees. These are then evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Winners are determined based on judges’ scores and announced at the awards gala.
Alison Harnick
Ratika Gandhi
Yonni Fushman
Paul Fruitman
Innes Dey
Vincent de l’Étoile
Martin K. Denyes
Joanna Dawson
Bindu Cudjoe
George Cooper, KC
Jeffrey Cohen
Roger Chouinard
Lydia Bugden, KC
Nancy Brennan
Stephen Beney
Jacqueline Beckles
Josianne Beaudry
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognize and celebrate excellence in the legal profession.
2024 Judging Panel
LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice productivity solution that enables law firms to streamline their processes while increasing the firm’s productivity and profits. Law firms using LEAP software enjoy the benefits of a practice management system, legal accounting, document assembly and management, and legal publishing assets in one integrated solution. Website: leaplegalsoftware.ca
Ratika Gandhi Head of Legal & Compliance, Canada Alcon Canada Inc.
Yonni Fushman Chief Legal Officer and EVP, Sustainability Northland Power Inc. and Past Chair Ontario Bar Association’s Construction and Infrastructure Law section
Paul Fruitman Partner Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
Innes Dey SVP, Legal & Strategy Definity Financial
Vincent de l’Etoile Partner, Litigation Group; Member Board of Directors Langlois Lawyers, LLP
Martin K. Denyes Firm Managing Partner Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Joanna Dawson Partner, McMillan LLP and President of WISTA Canada (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association)
Bindu Cudjoe Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Laurentian Bank of Canada and Vice President WGCC
George Cooper, KC Chief Executive Officer and Partner Cox & Palmer
Jeffrey Cohen Managing Partner Torkin Manes LLP
Roger Chouinard Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Quadreal Property Group
Lydia Bugden, KC CEO & Managing Partner Stewart McKelvey
Nancy Brennan Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer TransAlta Corporation
Stephen Beney Managing Partner Bereskin & Parr LLP
Melanie McGrath
Blair McCreadie
Dale H. Lastman, C.M.
Arun Krishnamurti
Lynn Korbak
Kevin Kiley, KC
Warren M. Katz
Philippe Johnson
Monique Jilesen
Reggie Hedgebeth
Sharon Haward-Laird
Dale H. Lastman, C.M. Chair Goodmans LLP
Arun Krishnamurti Senior Counsel Google Canada
Lynn Korbak General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Toromont Industries Ltd
Kevin Kiley, KC Managing Partner McInnes Cooper
Warren M. Katz Managing Partner, Montréal Office Stikeman Elliott LLP
Philippe Johnson Managing Partner, Montreal Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Monique Jilesen Managing Partner Lenczner Slaght
Sharon Haward-Laird General Counsel BMO Financial Group
Alison Harnick Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary First Capital REIT And Board Member Women General Counsel Canada
Josianne Beaudry Partner – Leader of the Business Law Group Lavery
Reggie Hedgebeth EVP, External Affairs & Chief Legal Officer Enbridge Inc.
Jacqueline Beckles General Counsel Department of Justice Canada and CABL BoardMember
A word from our event partner
The LEAP Legal Software Award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Insolvency and Restructuring Deal of the Year
Supporting Organization
Supporting Publications
John G. Murphy
Caitlin Norton
Steven Ngo
Benjamin Na
Devin Persaud
Benoit Palmer
Lorne O’Reilly, KC
Karrin A. Powys-Lybbe
Heather Platt
Bruce Reynolds
Clifford G. Proudfoot, KC
Emmanuel Pressman
Shara Roy
Bo Rothstein
Kenneth R. Rosenstein
Melanie Schweizer
Thomas Santram
Bryson A. Stokes
Michael S. Slan
Cinda Serianni
Abigail Turner
Jennifer Teskey
Kristin Taylor
Marisa Wyse
Andrea Wood
Yola Ventresca
Caroline Zayid
Danielle Young
The Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University is shaping the lawyers of tomorrow and reimagining legal education in pursuit of a more just society. Lincoln Alexander Law students are gaining professional experience beyond traditional legal contexts, enabling them to navigate diverse paths to practice, better serve their clients, expand the reach of justice, and innovate the legal profession itself. Website: www.torontomu.ca/law/
Award Sponsor
We are a preeminent Canadian construction and infrastructure law firm. Our peers and clients recognize our lawyers as the best in the construction industry. Over forty years of leadership in Canadian construction and infrastructure law is complemented by a broad offering of legal services in litigation and corporate transactions. Website: www.singleton.com
Lawson Lundell is a full-service business law firm in Western and Northern Canada known for its practical and strategic approach to legal and business problems. The Firm has more than 200 lawyers located in offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Yellowknife and Kelowna. Website: www.lawsonlundell.com
Blair McCreadie Managing Partner, Toronto Dentons Canada LLP
Melanie McGrath General Counsel CBCL Limited
John G. Murphy National Managing Partner & CEO Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
Benjamin Na Partner and Head of the Advocacy Department, Toronto Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Steven Ngo Sr. Counsel, Consumer Transactions Rivian and Chair, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC
Caitlin Norton General Counsel Lafarge Canada inc.
Devin Persaud President SABA Toronto
Benoit Palmer Chief Counsel, Canadian Mining Businesses, Legal services Rio Tinto
Lorne O’Reilly, KC Lead Counsel Dow Chemical Canada ULC and VP & Treasurer and Member of the Board of Directors- Alberta Chapter, Association of Corporate Counsel
Karrin A. Powys-Lybbe Partner Torys LLP
Bruce Reynolds Co-Managing Partner and Co-Chair – International Construction Projects Group Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Clifford G. Proudfoot, KC Managing Partner Lawson Lundell LLP
Emmanuel Pressman Chair, Corporate Department Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Shara Roy Chief Legal Counsel Ernst & Young LLP
Bo Rothstein Managing Partner Farris LLP
Kenneth R. Rosenstein Managing Partner, Toronto Miller Thomson LLP
Melanie Schweizer Senior Vice-President Legal, General Counsel Bell Canada
Thomas Santram Senior Vice President, General Counsel Cineplex Entertainment
Bryson A. Stokes Firm Managing Partner Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Michael S. Slan Managing Partner Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Cinda Serianni Associate General Counsel Gilead Sciences Canada, Inc.
Abigail Turner Partner Harper Grey LLP
Jennifer Teskey Managing Partner, Canada (January 2024) Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Kristin Taylor Managing Partner Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Marisa Wyse Chief Legal Officer Rogers Communications
Andrea Wood Chief Legal and Governance Officer TELUS
Yola Ventresca Managing Partner Lerners LLP
Caroline Zayid Partner, Litigation Group McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Danielle Young VP & Chief Counsel, Global Privacy & Cybersecurity Manulife
Regional Law Firm of the Year - Central Canada
Regional Law Firm of the Year - Western Canada
Capital Markets Deal of the Year
Female Trailblazer of the Year (Academia & In-House)
Canadian Law Department of the Year
Presented By
We have a proud 110-year history of helping Canadian organizations thrive. Our 7,300+ partners and staff are located coast to coast and bring their expertise to provide quality services and products that help solve important problems. Our industry-focused professional services include audit and assurance, tax, deals and consulting targeting solutions for cybersecurity, privacy, financial crime, workforce of the future, finance transformation, value creation, strategic reassessment and cost optimization. We work as one firm to bring different perspectives and capabilities together to achieve what matters most. With offices in 155 countries and more than 284,000 people, we are among the leading professional services networks in the world. We deliver the best of our collective thinking, experience and solutions to build public trust and create value for our people, clients and communities. Website: www.pwc.com/ca/en.html
Official Ballot Acccountants
Dye & Durham is one of the world’s largest legal software providers. Our software helps law firms do more with less effort, get paid faster, and make better decisions with confidence. From intake to invoice, and everything in between. Dye & Durham has everything you need to run your legal practice. Website: www.dyedurham.ca
Red Carpet Sponsor
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP is a member of Norton Rose Fulbright, a global law firm providing the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service from offices across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. Website: nortonrosefulbright
THURSDAY MAY 9, 2024 | LIBERTY GRAND, TORONTO
Agenda
Attire: Formal (tuxedo/business suit/long gown/cocktail dress) Parking: The venue offers complimentary parking you will be directed to the parking lot on arrival
6:00 PM
Cocktail Reception
7:30 PM
Awards Ceremony and Dinner Banquet
10:30 PM
Post-Awards Celebration
Menu
Appetizer Kale Salad Blend Main Course Prime Striploin & Grilled Chicken Supreme Duo Vegetarian & Vegan Spiced Roasted Cauliflower, Moroccan Style Chickpea Cous Cous Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetable and Spiced Coconut Sauce Dessert Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee Coffee & Tea
Hosted By Melissa Leong Personal Finance Expert, National Media Personality and Bestselling Author
Entertainment
Music By Ascension Groove Party Band
Melissa Leong is one of Canada’s best-loved authorities on personal finance. A sought-after speaker, national media personality, bestselling author, and award-winning writer, she is currently the resident money expert on CTV’s The Social, Canada’s leading daytime talk show, and is a repeat guest on The Drew Barrymore Show on CBS. Leong is on a quest to help people better manage their money while maximizing their happiness. She delivers high-energy, informative, and practical talks about behavioural economics, positive psychology, and personal finance in her signature frank and funny style. For almost two decades, Leong worked as a print journalist, reporting on a variety of beats including crime, politics, terrorism, arts, and business for The National Post, The Toronto Star, and The Globe and Mail. She has interviewed thousands of subjects, including heads of state, royalty, and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Carrie Fisher. Now, she is a go-to money expert for radio and television programs, appearing on CTV’s The Social, BNN, CBC Radio, Breakfast Television, CP24, Global News, Canada AM, and Newstalk 1010 to name a few. She has also written articles on the subject, most recently as the personal finance writer for the Financial Post. Leong is also the bestselling author of the award-winning, feel-good finance guide Happy Go Money. In her spare time, Leong mentors youth, and volunteers for organizations that promote the advancement and empowerment of women. She’s also self-published teen adventure novels that have sold almost 70,000 copies worldwide and soared to #1 on a number of Amazon’s bestseller lists. Leong graduated from the esteemed Bachelor of Journalism program at the Toronto Metropolitan University (former Ryerson University).
Personal Finance Expert | National Media Personality | Bestselling Author
Melissa Leong
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city's premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle. Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don't have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
Party Band
Ascension Groove
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024 LIBERTY GRAND, TORONTO
Post-Party Celebration
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city’s premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle. Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don’t have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
Band
ENTERTAINMENT
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
SPONSORS
MENU
AGENDA
GALLERY
METHODOLOGY
Commemorative Guide
Awards In Order of Presentation
The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession - Private Practice
Mid-Market Deal of the Year
Diversity Initiative of the Year
Find out more
Winners Judges’ scores were aggregated to produce a Winner in each category. Winners were announced and celebrated at the highly anticipated awards gala on May 9, 2024, and on the website. They are also featured in extensive profile-raising media coverage, including an exclusive Lexpert digital feature on the Canadian Law Awards.
Judging The Canadian Law Awards team forwarded the submissions of each Excellence Awardee to an independent panel of judges and included an instruction not to share with third parties. Note: All information provided in the submission may be used in Key Media publications, unless otherwise instructed or marked as “Confidential” on the submission form. The independent judging panel assessed and scored each submission according to the criteria of the applicable category.
Excellence Awardees Once Excellence Awardees were selected in each category, they were notified via email or phone. Excellence Awardees were invited to complete detailed submissions to address the category criteria in more detail. Excellence Awardees were officially announced in March and April 2024 on this website. They are also promoted in Lexpert and supporting publications, Canadian Lawyer, and InHouse online channels. Promo packages to leverage your achievement across your marketing and promotions are available for purchase.
Research The Canadian Law Awards team conducted research and drew on industry knowledge and information gained through Lexpert, Canadian Lawyer, and InHouse magazines to identify the outstanding firms, teams, individuals, deals, or cases in each category that would receive an Excellence Award. A corresponding announcement was then made across our media outlets.
Nominations The legal profession was invited to nominate online by addressing the specific category criteria through the Nominate page of this website. Nominations were open from November 27, 2023, to February 2, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. Firms were required to nominate Deals via the Canadian Law Awards online nominations portal in order to be considered.
Methodology
Featured Interview
Check out our gallery for some of our favourite memories as we celebrated the best and the brightest of Canada’s legal profession.
Heather Platt Chief Legal Officer Metrolinx
Female Trailblazer of the Year (In-House Counsel)
featured interview
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
FEATURED INTERVIEW
Excellence Awardees
“As a leading firm in Western and Northern Canada, we are delighted to be involved with an awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding contributions to the legal industry in a diverse range of categories and, particularly, to support the Law Department Leader of the Year award honouring the achievements of in-house counsel department leaders for their accomplishments.”
Lawson Lundell LLP
Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $52 million investment in the Thompson Regional Airport redevelopment project
Canadian Law Firms: McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Canada Infrastructure Bank), MLT Aikins LLP (for Thompson Regional Airport Authority)
Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations' energy infrastructure equity partnership with ATCO
Oneida Energy Storage Project
BACK
Organizations: Canada Infrastructure Bank, Thompson Regional Airport Authority
Canadian Law Firm: Bennett Jones LLP (for ATCO)
Organization: ATCO EnPower
Canadian Law Firms: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (for Northland Power), Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (for Aecon Construction Group), Fogler Rubinoff LLP (for Six Nations), McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Canada Infrastructure Bank), Torys LLP (for Oneida)
Organizations: Aecon Concessions, Canada Infrastructure Bank, Northland Power, NRStor Inc., Oneida Energy Storage LP, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation
Open to all infrastructure and projects deals that reached completion within 2023 for which the majority of the legal work was Canada-based. Each organization may nominate a maximum of three deals. Judged on the legal work performed by Canadian organizations according to four criteria – size, complexity, breadth and innovation. Completion refers to the closing of financing, not construction.
Umicore's investment in Ontario, building an EV battery components factory
WINNER
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (lead; for Umicore)
Canadian Law Firms:
Caravel Law LLP
Counter Tax Litigators LLP
Fasken
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Torys LLP
Aecon Group Inc.
BC Ministry of the Attorney General, Legal Services Branch Transportation Major Projects Team (LSB)
CDPQ Infra Inc.
Manitoba Hydro Legal Services
Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation / (“Infrastructure Ontario” or “IO”)
Pomerleau
Transdev
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
“As leaders in construction and infrastructure law, we are proud to support and celebrate outstanding in-house legal teams in Construction, Infrastructure and Transportation.”
Open to all Canada-based law departments in construction, infrastructure or transportation organizations. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during calendar year 2023. The winner of this category will automatically progress to become a finalist in Canadian Law Department of the Year.
Transdev Canada
Groupe Selection's financial restructuring under CCAA
Canadian Law Firms: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for Investissement Québec, Otéra Capital Inc., and Timbercreek Mortgage Servicing, Inc.), Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (for Revera Inc., Desjardins, Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, Blackstone and SmartCentres), Dentons Canada LLP (for Laurentian Bank of Canada), Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (for Scotiabank, CIBC Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), Norton Rose Fulbright Canada (for National Bank of Canada), Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (for Groupe Montoni, Royal Bank of Canada), Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Groupe Sélection Inc. et. al.), Woods LLP
Repsol's restructuring
Canadian Law Firms: Bennett Jones LLP (for Repsol Oil & Gas Inc.), Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for Landlords to Repsol Oil & Gas Inc.)
Xebec and its affiliates' restructuring under CCAA
Canadian Law Firms: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (for National Bank of Canada), Goodmans LLP (for Sullair, LLC, the purchaser of Xebec’s California Compression business), McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Deloitte Restructuring Inc.), Norton Rose Fulbright Canada (for Export Development Canada), Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (for Xebec)
Organizations: Deloitte Restructuring, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Richter
Open to all insolvency and restructuring deals that reached completion within 2023 for which the majority of the legal work was Canada-based. Each organization may nominate a maximum of three deals. Judged on the legal work performed by Canadian organizations according to four criteria – size, complexity, breadth and innovation
Bank of Montreal's acquisition of Loyalty One's AIR MILES reward business
Bennett Jones (for Ad Hoc Group of Loyalty Ventures Inc. Lenders), Borden Ladner Gervais (Canadian counsel to Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent), Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (for Loyalty One), Dentons LLP (counsel to American Express), Goodmans LLP (counsel to the monitor), McCarthy Tetrault (counsel to RBC Investor Services Trust), Stikeman Elliott LLP (Canadian counsel to Bread Financial Holdings Inc.), Torys LLP (for BMO)
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (U.S. bankruptcy counsel to Loyalty Ventures), Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (U.S. counsel to Bread Financial Holdings Inc.), Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (U.S. counsel to Ad hoc term loan B lenders), Haynes And Boone LLP (U.S. counsel to Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent), Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (U.S. bankruptcy counsel to BMO)
Non-Canadian Law Firms:
Alvarez & Marsal Holdings, LLC (Financial Advisor to LoyaltyOne and Loyalty Ventures), BMO Financial Group, KSV Restructuring, Inc., (CCAA Monitor), Morgan Stanley (Financial Advisor to BMO), Piper Sandler & Co. (Financial Advisor to Ad hoc term loan B lenders), PJT Partners Inc. (Financial Advisor to LoyaltyOne and Loyalty Ventures)
Organizations:
Fengate Asset Management
iA Financial Group
OPTrust
BMO Financial Group
Open to all Canada-based law departments in banking or financial services (including banks, credit unions, lenders, insurance companies, pension funds, brokerage firms and investment funds). Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during calendar year 2023. The winner of this category will automatically progress to become a finalist in Canadian Law Department of the Year.
Avetta provides a cloud-based supply chain risk management and commercial marketplace platform. Our global solution is uniquely designed to connect the world’s leading organizations with qualified suppliers, driving sustainable growth. We build trustworthy bonds through responsive technology and human insight. Our process is collaborative. Our global reach is complemented by our local expertise. Hundreds of global organizations depend on Avetta to align their supply chains to sustainable business practices, worldwide. Avetta is building the connections that build the world. Discover more at www.avetta.com.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”), Ouellet c. Compagnie de chemin de fer Canadien Pacifique, 2022 QCCS 4643
Bennett Jones LLP; Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP; Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”); Branch MacMaster LLP; Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP; Dutton Brock LLP; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP; Koskie Minsky LLP; Lerners LLP; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP; Stikeman Elliott LLP; Thomas Gold Pettingill LLP, Workman Optometry Corporation et al. v. Certas Home and Auto Insurance et al.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP; Dentons Canada LLP, Petty v. Niantic Inc., 2023 BCCA 315
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Sandoz Canada Inc. v. British Columbia, 2023 BCCA 306
Open to a litigation team that worked on a single commercial case rendered or settled in Canada’s courts in 2023, including class actions. Judged on a single case’s size and complexity and the extent to which it set new standards of excellence in the delivery of legal services by the team.
Canada (Privacy Commissioner) v. Facebook, Inc., 2023 FC 533
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Cochrane Saxberg LLP, Cochrane Saxberg Indigenous Empowerment Legal Initiatives
Fasken, Dickson v Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, SCC docket number 39856
McInnes Cooper, Immigration Project
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, Housing Empowerment Legal Program (HELP)
McCarthy Tétrault LLP, McCarthy Tétrault’s work with Egale Canada and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick
Open to any single pro bono or not-for-profit initiative executed by a Canada-based law firm or law department in 2023. Judged on the impact of the initiative and its contribution to society and the community.
McCarthy Tétrault’s work with Egale Canada and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick
Carisa Gordon, Calian Group Ltd.
David Taylor, Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Gassim Bangoura, Birks Group
Laurie Sargent, Indigenous Rights and Relations Portfolio at the Department of Justice Canada
Sarah Qadeer, Deloitte LLP
Sharon Haward-Laird, BMO Financial Group
“Lawson Lundell is delighted to sponsor the 2024 Canadian Law Awards. As a leading full-service business law firm in Western and Northern Canada, we are committed to recognizing the outstanding contributions of legal professionals across the industry.”
Bindu Cudjoe Laurentian Bank of Canada
Carisa Gordon Calian Group Ltd.
David Taylor Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Gassim Bangoura Birks Group
Laurie Sargent Indigenous Rights and Relations Portfolio at the Department of Justice Canada
Sarah Qadeer Deloitte LLP
Sharon Haward-Laird BMO Financial Group
Open to all Canada-based general counsels, chief legal officers, heads of legal et al in in-house positions. Judged on transactions and other initiatives spearheaded and leadership qualities demonstrated through 2023.
Laurentian Bank of Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”)
Dentons Canada LLP
Lavery
Legate Injury Lawyers
McInnes Cooper
MT>3, a division of McCarthy Tétrault LLP
LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice productivity solution that enables law firms to streamline their processes while increasing the firm’s productivity and profits. Law firms using LEAP software enjoy the benefits of a practice management system, legal accounting, document assembly and management, and legal publishing assets in one integrated solution. Website: www.leaplegalsoftware.ca
It is an honour to bestow the The LEAP Legal Software Award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm. Today, the legal profession stands at a crossroads, where tradition meets innovation. The importance of technology in our field cannot be overstated—it is reshaping how we practice law, access legal resources, and serve our clients. LEAP Canada, nestled at the heart of legaltech, aims to lead this charge by offering solutions designed to enhance the efficiency of delivery of legal services. We are proud to partner with Key Media in supporting the 2024 Canadian Law Awards, where the best achievements in the legal profession are recognized. Congratulations once again on your well-deserved recognition tonight.
Joe Fakhri, President and CEO Axiom Innovations
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP ("BLG")
Malcolm Muthulingum, Chief Executive Officer, LEAP Legal Software Canada
Judged on the extent to which firms have pushed through technological innovation and implemented fresh approaches in creating and delivering legal products, including utilizing technology and new business models, through 2023.
Winner
Gale Law Professional Corporation for NCA Network
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
PooranLaw
Graham Hudson, Interim Dean, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University
"We are proud to present the Lincoln Alexander School of Law Award for Shaping the Future at this year's Canadian Law Awards. This award fittingly celebrates the legacy of our namesake by recognizing a law firm that has concretely demonstrated a commitment to advancing innovation and inclusion in the legal profession; strengthening access to justice; and investing in legal education for the leaders of tomorrow."
The Lincoln Alexander School of Law is shaping the lawyers of tomorrow and reimagining legal education in pursuit of a more just society. Lincoln Alexander Law students are gaining professional experience beyond traditional legal contexts, enabling them to navigate diverse paths to practice, better serve their clients, expand the reach of justice, and innovate the legal profession itself. Website: torontomu.ca/law/
Legal Aid Alberta
Open to all Canada-based law firms. Small / medium sized firms are encouraged to enter. Judged on the concrete steps taken by the law firm during 2023 to demonstrate a commitment to any or all of the following; EDI as a core organizational value, to strengthen access to justice for underrepresented communities, to advance legal services through innovation, and to invest in legal education through mentorship and beyond.
Excellence Awardee
City of Vaughan
Open to all projects or initiatives executed by Canada-based law departments in 2023. Judged on the significance, innovativeness and impact of the project or initiative.
The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession – In-House
“Digital transformation is critical for the advancement of the legal profession in Canada, and is central to everything that we do at Dye & Durham. We’re proud to be a partner of the 2023 Canadian Law Awards and to help recognize the impressive innovation and modernization that is taking place in legal departments and law firms across the country.”
Matt Proud, Chief Executive Officer of Dye & Durham
This award recognizes and celebrates a leader with a minimum of 30 years of experience who has contributed significantly to advancing Canada’s legal profession or justice system. They have provided visionary strategies and innovative solutions to some of the profession’s most complex challenges. This individual will have exhibited leadership and inspired others while putting the interests of the profession and justice system at the top of their priorities throughout their career. This award is eligible to senior legal leaders in in-house private and public sector positions whose perspective and advocacy have had a transformational effect.
Aaron Eichenlaub, Chief Revenue Officer, Dye & Durham
Programs like the Canadian Law Awards are an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication, innovation and achievement of legal professionals in practices and organizations nationwide. We’re proud to be a supporter of the 2024 Awards, and to have the opportunity to recognize both the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards and the entire Canadian legal industry as a whole.
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The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession – Private Practice
Sheila Block
Craig Ferris Lawson Lundell LLP
Kimberly Gale Gale Law Professional Corporation
Morgan Camley Dentons Canada LLP
Rob Martz Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer LLP
Sophie Melchers Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Crawford Smith Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
Open to all Canada-based litigators. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of litigation work performed during 2023.
Craig Ferris, Lawson Lundell LLP
Kimberly Gale, Gale Law Professional Corporation
Morgan Camley, Dentons Canada LLP
Rob Martz, Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer LLP
Sophie Melchers, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
Crawford Smith
Open to all Canada-based law firms that derived at least 50% of their 2023 revenue from a single practice area. Firms that do not qualify for the specialist firm categories (Family Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution) should be nominated in this category. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during 2023
Smart & Biggar
BluMortgage
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Deeth Williams Wall LLP
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP
Landings LLP
Roper Greyell LLP
Linamar’s acquisition of Mobex Global's Propulsion-Agnostic Business
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd.'s acquisition of Ivari
Skyservice's investment in Fontainebleau Aviation's fixed-based operator at Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport
Wonderfi, Coinsquare, and CoinSmart business combination
Canadian Law Firm: Aird & Berlis LLP (for Linamar Corporation)
Non-Canadian Law Firm: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP (US Counsel to Linamar)
Organization: Linamar Corporation
Canadian Law Firm: McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Skyservice™)
Non-Canadian Law Firm: Cooley LLP, DLA Piper LLP
Organization: William Blair & Company
Canadian Law Firms: Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (for WonderFi), Goodmans LLP (legal counsel to Coinsquare), Wildeboer Dellelce LLP (counsel to CoinSmart)
Non-Canadian Law Firm: Dorsey & Whitney LLP (US legal counsel to WonderFi)
Organizations: Eight Capital Corp. (financial advisor to CoinSmart), Haywood Securities Inc. (financial advisor to WonderFi), Origin Merchant Partners (financial advisor to Coinsquare)
Open to all deals with a value of CAD$50–500m that reached completion within 2023 for which the majority of the legal work was Canada-based. Each organization may nominate a maximum of three deals. Judged on the legal work performed by Canadian organizations according to four criteria – size, complexity, breadth and innovation
Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Sagicor), Torys LLP (for Ivari)
Appleby (for Wilton Re Ltd.), Paul Hastings LLP (US Counsel to Sagicor)
National Bank Financial (lead financial advisor), J.P. Morgan (financial advisor), RBC Capital Markets (financial advisor), ET (financial and due diligence advisor), RSM (assisted with actuarial diligence), Goldman Sachs (financial advisor to Wilton Re Ltd.), Wells Fargo (financial advisor to Wilton Re Ltd.)
Aird & Berlis LLP, Black Voices (In)Justice: Supporting Black Youth Representation in the Legal Profession
WeirFoulds LLP, Racial Equity Audit
McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Action Groups
Open to all Canada-based law firms and law departments. Judged on the concrete steps the law firm or law department took during 2023 to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Action Groups
Wood Gold LLP
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers
McCarthy Hansen & Company LLP
MacLean Law
Crossroads Law
Open to all Canada-based law firms of any size that derived at least 50% of their 2023 revenue from family law matters. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during 2023.
Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP
Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP
Lenczner Slaght
Thomson Rogers
Open to all Canada-based law firms that derived at least 50% of their 2023 revenue from litigation and dispute resolution. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during 2023.
Cox & Palmer
McKercher LLP
Open to firms that have offices in only one of the regions listed below, and are a full-service law firm: Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick), Quebec, Ontario, Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan), Western Canada (BC, Alberta, Northern Territories). Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during 2023
Delegatus
Langlois Lawyers LLP
WeirFoulds LLP
Torkin Manes LLP
Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer LLP
Clark Wilson LLP
Farris LLP
Witten LLP
Hammerhead Resources' business combination with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation IV, forming Hammerhead Energy
Thoma Bravo's acquisition of Magnet Forensics Inc.
Thomson Reuters’ US$2.2 billion return of capital and reverse-stock-split transaction
Canadian Law Firms: Bennett Jones LLP (for Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation IV), Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Hammerhead Resources Inc.), Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (for Hammerhead Resources)
Canadian Law Firms: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for Magnet Forensics), Dentons Canada LLP (for Special Committee of Magnet), Goodmans LLP (for Nellore), McMillan LLP (Canadian Counsel for Thoma Bravo)
Non-Canadian Law Firms: Allen & Overy LLP (for the Lenders), Kirkland & Ellis LLP (US Counsel for Thoma Bravo)
Organizations: CIBC Capital Markets (independent valuator to the Special Committee), Morgan Stanley (exclusive financial advisor to the Special Committee of Magnet)
Canadian Law Firm: Torys LLP (for Thomson Reuters)
Non-Canadian Law Firms: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (for Hammerhead Resources)
Open to all capital markets deals that reached completion within 2023 for which the majority of the legal work was Canada-based. Judged on the legal work performed by Canadian organizations according to four criteria – size, complexity, breadth and innovation. Each organization may nominate a maximum of three deals.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for Pembina Pipeline Corporation), Stikeman Elliott LLP (for underwriters)
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
KPMG LLP, RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation’s $1.28 Billion Offering of Subscription Receipts
Angela Yadav HSBC Bank Canada (Royal Bank of Canada)
Ashley Butts BASF Canada
Caroline Healey Transportation Industry
Jana Prete Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
Sara Ross Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University
Soma Choudhury Onex Canada Asset Management Inc.
Christine Chen University Pension Plan Ontario
Open to all Canada-based women lawyers. Judged on professional accomplishments, leadership, community involvement, and the extent to which the individual has either passively or actively contributed to gender equality in the legal profession in 2023.
Angela Yadav, HSBC Bank Canada (Royal Bank of Canada)
Ashley Butts, BASF Canada
Caroline Healey, Transportation Industry
Jana Prete, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
Sara Ross, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University
University Pension Plan Ontario
Christine Chen
Soma Choudhury, Onex Canada Asset Management Inc.
Anne Merminod Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”)
Karen Sargeant Fasken
Karima Kanani Miller Thomson LLP
Katherine Hensel Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Olga Farman Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Rima Ramchandani Torys LLP
Tara Vasdani Remote Law Canada
Jacqueline Dinsmore Caravel Law LLP
Anne Merminod, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”)
Karen Sargeant, Fasken
Karima Kanani, Miller Thomson LLP
Katherine Hensel, Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Olga Farman, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Rima Ramchandani, Torys LLP
Jacqueline Dinsmore
Tara Vasdani, Remote Law Canada
Anik Trudel Lavery
Charles Hurdon Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Jean-François Gagnon Langlois Lawyers LLP
Jeffrey Cohen Torkin Manes LLP
Kevin Kiley McInnes Cooper
Allan Ritchie Loopstra Nixon LLP
Open to all managing partners, CEOs or similar of Canada-based law firms. Judged on achievements, leadership and performance throughout 2023.
Loopstra Nixon LLP
Allan Ritchie
WINNERS
Kevin Kiley
and
Anik Trudel, Lavery
Charles Hurdon, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada
Jean-François Gagnon, Langlois Lawyers LLP
Jeffrey Cohen, Torkin Manes LLP
Cameco/Brookfield acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company
Canadian Law Firms: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Goodmans LLP (for the independent directors of Brookfield Renewable Partners)McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Cameco Corporation), Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Westinghouse Electric Company), Torys LLP
Pan American Silver Corp. and Agnico Eagle Mines' $6.59 Billion joint acquisition of Yamana Gold Inc.
Smith Financial Corporation's $1.7 billion acquisition of Home Capital
Strathcona Resources' $1 billion acquisition of Pipestone Energy
TotalEnergies' $5.5 billion sale of its Canadian oil and gas assets
Non-Canadian Law Firms: Covington & Burling LLP, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP
Canadian Law Firms: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (lead counsel; for Pan American Silver Corp.), Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (for Yamana Gold Inc.), Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (lead counsel; for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited), Norton Rose Fulbright Canada (counsel to the special committee of the Board of Yamana Gold Inc.)
Non-Canadian Law Firms: Ashurst (UK counsel to Pan American), Carey y Cia Ltda (Chilian counsel to Pan American), Mattos Filho Advogados (Brazilian counsel to Pan American), Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP (US counsel to Yamana), Pinheiro Neto Advogados (Brazilian counsel to Yamana), Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP (US counsel to Pan American)
Organizations: BMO Capital Markets (financial advisor to Pan American), Canaccord Genuity Ltd (financial advisor to Yamana), GenCap Mining Advisory Ltd (financial advisor to Pan American), Scotia Capital Inc. (financial advisor to the special committee of the Board of Yamana), Stifel Financial Corp (financial advisor to Yamana)
Canadian Law Firms: Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Smith Financial Corporation), Torys LLP (for Home Capital)
Organizations: BMO Capital Markets, Deloitte, Home Capital Group Inc., RBC Capital Markets, TD Securities
Canadian Law Firms: Bennett Jones LLP (for Riverstone Pipestone – largest shareholders of Pipestone), Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (lead counsel; for Strathcona Resources Ltd.), McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for Pipestone Energy Corp.), Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Waterous Energy Fund)
Non-Canadian Law Firms: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (US legal advisors to Strathcona)
Organizations: BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Mizuho Securities USA, Raymond James Ltd. Scotiabank, Strathcona Resources Ltd., TD Securities, The Bank of Nova Scotia
Canadian Law Firms: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (lead for Suncor Energy), Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (lead for Conoco), Torys LLP (lead for TotalEnergies)
Organizations: KPMG France (accountant for TotalEnergies), TotalEnergies
Open to all M&A deals, including those that fall within the private equity sector, that reached completion within 2023 for which the majority of the legal work was Canada-based. Each organization may nominate a maximum of three deals. Judged on the legal work performed by Canadian organizations according to four criteria – size, complexity, breadth and innovation
Bennett Jones LLP (competition counsel to Videotron), Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (lead counsel; for Shaw Communications Inc.), Dentons Canada LLP (for Shaw Family Trust), Goodmans LLP (lead counsel; for Rogers Communications Inc.), Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP, McCarthy Tetrault (for Bank of America N.A. and Bank of America Securities Inc.), Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (lead counsel for Quebecor), Torys LLP (for Rogers Control Trust)
Rogers Communications' $26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications
Open to all Canada-based law departments. Judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of legal work performed during calendar year 2023. Winners of the two sector-specific law department awards will automatically progress to become finalists for this category; thus only law departments that do not fall within those two sector-specific categories need to be nominated.
Dow Chemical Canada
EY Canada (Ernst & Young LLP)
Linamar Corporation Legal Department
Northland Power
The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
Teck Resources Limited
