BLG News

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 CIBC as 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.

Nadia Effendi receives Laura Legge Award for leadership in law

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 Z

Ontario (March 24, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce that Nadia Effendi has been named recipient of the 2026 Laura Legge Award by the Law Society of Ontario, an award that recognizes women lawyers in Ontario who exemplify strong leadership within the profession.

"Nadia defines leadership in law," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner. "She delivers for clients in high-stakes cases, argues precedent-setting matters, and leads by example for every lawyer coming up behind her."

For more than 20 years, Nadia has represented clients in some of Canada's most complex and high-profile legal cases, in both English and French. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in landmark cases, including serving as pro bono counsel, and advises on sensitive public matters that require discretion and principled judgment. Nadia previously served as president of the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario (AJEFO), strengthening its credibility, expanding its presence across Ontario, and renewing key partnerships with the judiciary and legal community.

As National Business Leader of BLG’s Disputes – Commercial and Construction Group, she is an active mentor and creates opportunities for the next generation of lawyers to lead. Her dedication to mentorship and professional excellence has been recognized with the 2025 Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility and the 2023 Women in Law Leadership Stronger Together Award for Ontario.

The Laura Legge Award will be presented at the Law Society's annual awards ceremony in May 2026.

About the Laura Legge Award

Established in 2007, the Laura Legge Award recognizes women lawyers in Ontario who exemplify strong leadership within the profession and honours the late Laura Legge, OOnt, QC, the first woman elected as a Law Society bencher and Treasurer.

BLG earns eighth consecutive diversity employer recognition

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (February 24, 2026) — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for the eighth consecutive year by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The award recognizes employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

BLG's diversity and inclusion strategy focuses on building a diverse workforce where firm members see themselves reflected in leadership, creating a culture of respect and belonging, and supporting equity in the broader community.

This comprehensive approach begins with foundational support. The firm's Wellness Committee raises awareness and provides centralized resources for mental health. The committee organizes Mental Health Week programming and collects data to measure outcomes, ensuring their efforts translate into real impact for their people.

Internally, BLG Women serves as a cornerstone affinity group, bringing together women and allies across all offices and roles. A dedicated cross-functional team ensures compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act while championing broader accessibility initiatives. They regularly assess everything from office spaces to event planning, ensuring inclusion reaches every corner of the organization. The firm's Transgender Inclusivity and Accommodation Policy provides clear guidance on supporting transgender colleagues while preventing discrimination.

This same thoroughness applies to BLG's anti-racism efforts through its BlackNorth Initiative Law Firm Pledge, where we actively identify and remove structural barriers while working to eliminate bias. BLG also maintains active partnerships like the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network's AVENUE internship program, which provides 12-week paid positions for Black undergraduate students exploring legal careers.

Building on this foundation, BLG has cultivated deep relationships within Canada's legal community. The firm maintains long-standing partnerships with multiple legal associations including the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) and Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), sponsoring events that celebrate diverse leadership and build sustainable professional networks. BLG also hosts an annual webinar to recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which last year featured Indigenous leaders discussing progress on the TRC's 94 Calls to Action.

"Building the law firm of the future means ensuring diverse voices have a seat at the table," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner. "Our strength comes from our people across Canada who bring unique perspectives that drive innovation and better outcomes for our teams, clients, and communities. This recognition reflects our belief that diverse teams don't just represent our communities better, they serve them better."

The firm's diversity programs focus on measurable results through innovative training, progress tracking and reporting, and grassroots action committees.

About Canada's Best Diversity Employers

This recognition encourages BLG to pursue its successful diversity initiatives across five key areas: women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ+ communities.

BLG strengthens global recognition with 39 lawyers ranked in Chambers Global 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (Feb. 12, 2026) - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has achieved exceptional results in the Chambers Global 2026 guide, with 39 individual lawyer rankings across 22 practice areas and 15 firm rankings.

The year-over-year growth demonstrates strong momentum:

7 lawyers achieved first-time Chambers Global recognition (more than triple the first-time recognition in 2025)
5 practice areas improved their firm rankings (a five-fold increase over 2025)
9 lawyers advanced in their individual rankings (versus 6 last year)

"These results validate our strategic focus on delivering excellence across borders," said David Di Paolo, BLG's CEO. "The progress we're seeing reflects our teams' commitment to collaboration and client success."

First-time individual recognitions: Suhuyini Abudulai (Banking & Finance: Financial Services), Tim McCormick (Capital Markets: Debt & Equity), Robert Blackstein (Energy: Power Transactional), Brandon Evenson (Intellectual Property), and Stefan Timms (Private Equity: Buyouts).

Newly recognized in additional categories: Subrata Bhattacharjee (Competition/Antitrust: Litigators) and Randall W Block, KC (Dispute Resolution: Litigation).

Ranked practice areas: Aboriginal Law, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition/Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, Disputes (International & Cross-Border), Energy Sector (International & Cross-Border), Energy: Oil & Gas, Energy: Power, Environment, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Projects: PPP & Infrastructure, Restructuring/Insolvency, and Tax.

Chambers Global conducts rigorous independent research through thousands of confidential client and peer interviews, focusing specifically on international and cross-border legal capabilities. BLG's improved performance across multiple practice areas reflects the Firm's strengthening position in serving clients with complex global legal needs.

BLG partner appointed Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 Z

Calgary (January 29, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) partner Peter D. Banks has been appointed Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.

Peter Banks joined BLG in 2015 as a litigator in the firm's Calgary office, practising complex commercial and construction litigation and arbitration. He has acted on numerous significant matters in litigation and domestic and international arbitration, particularly involving large industrial and infrastructure projects.

Peter brought extensive experience before the Court of King's Bench of Alberta, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada, and in arbitration matters under ICC, UNCITRAL, and ADRIC rules.

"Peter’s appointment to the bench is a testament to his outstanding legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner. "While we'll miss his contributions to our commercial and construction disputes practice, we're immensely proud of this well-deserved recognition."

Peter obtained his LLB with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 2002, where he was awarded the Horace Harvey Gold Medal in Law. He subsequently studied at the University of Oxford, obtaining a BCL with Distinction. He clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada for Justice Major in 2004-2005.

Peter was admitted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 2025. He previously served as chair of The Advocates' Society's Construction Law Practice Group, the CBA's Civil Litigation South Section, and co-chaired the CBA Inns of Court Committee. Peter was also an Honorary Overseas Member of the Commercial Bar Association of England and Wales (COMBAR) and served as principal to several articling students.

We wish Peter all the best in his new role.

About federal judicial appointments

The Governor General makes federal judicial appointments on advice from the federal Cabinet and recommendations from the Minister of Justice. The Judicial Advisory Committees across Canada play a key role in evaluating judicial applications. There are 17 Judicial Advisory Committees, with each province and territory represented.

BLG partner Robert Deane appointed King's Counsel in British Columbia

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (January 22, 2026) - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) Partner Robert J.C. Deane has been appointed King's Counsel in British Columbia in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and broader community.

Rob, who serves as National Leader of BLG's Arbitration Group, brings more than two decades of expertise in complex commercial litigation and arbitration in a diverse array of industries. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in several Provinces, in major arbitration proceedings around the world, and is frequently appointed as arbitrator. Rob also serves as an elected member of the firm's Partnership Board.

His dedication to advancing the legal profession includes service on the Law Society Tribunal, the Attorney General's Advisory Committee on Commercial Arbitration, and the board of directors of The Advocates' Society.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rob also serves as Vice-Chair of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, among his other community activities.

About the King's Counsel designation

The King's Counsel designation, conferred by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, is a provincial honour recognizing contributions that strengthen the functioning of the legal system. No more than seven per cent of practising British Columbia lawyers can hold this designation at any time.

Peter Banks and Kevin Barr appointed King's Counsel in Alberta

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 Z

Canada (January 8, 2026) - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) partners Peter D. Banks and Kevin Barr are among only 86 Alberta lawyers appointed King's Counsel in the latest selection, an honour recognizing their strong leadership, longstanding commitment to the legal profession and their community involvement.

This prestigious designation within the Canadian justice system celebrates lawyers' significant achievements and represents the best of the legal profession.

Peter D. Banks practices in complex commercial and construction litigation and arbitration. Peter is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is Co-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Inns of Court Committee for Alberta (South). He demonstrates his community commitment through BLG Reads to Kids and, previously, the 1st Okotoks Scouts.

As head of BLG's Insolvency and Restructuring Group in Calgary, Kevin Barr guides clients through complex domestic and cross-border insolvencies. He demonstrates his commitment to the profession through active membership in the Canadian Bar Association and serves his community through a number of local initiatives.

About King’s Counsel

The King's Counsel designation is awarded following a rigorous review by a committee of legal and judicial leaders from a province’s bar association, law society and various courts, with final selections made by the Lieutenant Governor. In Alberta, this process is conducted every second year.

BLG appoints 23 partners to drive growth and deliver excellence for clients

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 Z

National (January 5, 2026) — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) today announced the appointment of 23 new partners, a strategic expansion of its leadership team designed to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing today’s businesses.

Effective January 1, 2026, this cohort significantly deepens the firm's bench strength across all five offices and numerous practice areas, reflecting a concerted investment in the expertise clients demand to navigate an evolving global market. These promotions reflect the firm's commitment to cultivating the talent and expertise needed to deliver forward-thinking solutions for our clients.

"Each of these exceptional lawyers represents the leadership and client commitment that drive our firm's success," said David Di Paolo, national managing partner and CEO. "Their appointments demonstrate our dedication to anticipating client needs and delivering the strategic guidance that drives business success."

Welcome to our newest partners:

Corporate & Capital Markets

Walter Chen – Toronto
Fabio Colias – Montréal
Iñaki Gomez – Vancouver
Valérie Olivier – Montréal
Chelsea Papadatos – Toronto
Katherine Stanger – Toronto

Specialized Business Law

Jamin Chen – Toronto
Anthony Deluca – Toronto
Éléa Hardy-Charbonnier – Vancouver
Kevin Major-Hansford – Calgary
Paul Murray – Toronto
Noah Weinstein – Montréal
Jacky Wong – Vancouver

Disputes Commercial & Construction

Amanda Afeich – Montréal
Mark Borgo – Toronto
Paige Burnham – Vancouver
Nicola Crema – Vancouver
Antoine Gamache – Montréal

Specialized Disputes

Noah Burshtein – Toronto
Marie-Pier Emery – Montréal
Vanessa Lapointe – Montréal
Émilie Roy – Ottawa
Matthew Sherman – Ottawa