BLG News

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

BLG expands long-standing Thomson Reuters partnership with firmwide rollout of CoCounsel

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 Z

After a comprehensive evaluation, BLG selects CoCounsel to power responsible, integrated AI workflows for legal research, drafting, and document analysis across the firm.

Canada (December 3, 2025) - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has expanded its multi-decade partnership with Thomson Reuters by adopting CoCounsel firmwide. Building on BLG's use of Westlaw and Practical Law, CoCounsel provides lawyers and legal support teams with integrated AI capabilities for research, drafting, and document analysis.

Recognizing that client expectations are evolving, BLG is committed to anticipating client needs and exploring new approaches to legal work using emerging AI capabilities. This means reimagining workflows to free up lawyer time for complex problem-solving and strategic work, enabling teams to rethink how matters are handled and drive greater value for clients. By embracing AI, the firm is positioning itself for more agile client service in a rapidly evolving environment. To support these efforts, BLG needed tools that could handle growing work volume and sophistication without compromising quality.

The firm also identified a talent imperative: today's emerging legal professionals expect to work with advanced AI tools that will shape the future of legal practice and empower them to do their best work. To continue attracting forward-thinking talent, BLG needed to demonstrate its leadership in responsible AI adoption by giving professionals access to the right tools and training to elevate their impact and redefine exceptional client service.

As part of its firmwide AI strategy, BLG undertook a comprehensive evaluation of AI solutions, piloting CoCounsel through multiple versions. This hands-on evaluation gave BLG confidence that Thomson Reuters was building something transformative.

BLG selected CoCounsel for three reasons:

Integration and workflow fit: CoCounsel integrates with Westlaw and Practical Law to create a single, trusted legal ecosystem based on authoritative Canadian legal content. Everyone at the firm can access these AI capabilities—lawyers, law clerks, paralegals, and members of business services teams.
Governance and responsibility: Thomson Reuters' guardrails, security practices, and Trust Principles align with BLG's standards for client confidentiality and responsible AI use.
Product maturity and roadmap: CoCounsel's demonstrated performance, together with Thomson Reuters' evolution as a legal technology company, gave BLG confidence in a platform that will continue to evolve.

"We see this technology as fundamentally transforming how legal work gets done," said David Di Paolo, National Managing Partner & CEO of BLG. "It allows our lawyers to spend their time on the high-impact, complex problem-solving that clients really need from us."

BLG's decision is grounded in a purposeful and holistic review process and a value creation framework designed to support long-term adoption and maximize the positive impact of the firm’s AI investments.

"Clients are asking great questions about how AI can drive efficiency, and we see a powerful opportunity to advance how we deliver value for them," added Di Paolo. "With CoCounsel, we’re stepping into a future of new possibilities, equipping our professionals with the right tools to meet rising expectations while positioning us to attract the next generation of legal talent.”

With CoCounsel, BLG deepens its relationship with Thomson Reuters and brings authoritative AI to its teams—enhancing speed, quality, and client service. As one of only two national, full-service Canadian law firms to partner with Thomson Reuters on this technology, BLG is helping to define legal industry transformation.

Learn more

To see how CoCounsel supports responsible AI adoption for leading firms like BLG, visit thomsonreuters.ca.

The BLG Foundation launches, supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 Z

National (December 2, 2025) – BLG has established The BLG Foundation, a new charitable giving initiative dedicated to building healthy communities and inspiring generosity through strategic giving and employee involvement. This Giving Tuesday, the Foundation is proud to announce its inaugural major donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, supporting their mission to empower youth through mentorship nationwide.

With this contribution, The BLG Foundation will be recognized in the organization's prestigious Chair's Circle, reserved for donors who contribute $250,000 or more annually. This donation reflects the firm's commitment to making a focused and meaningful impact in the communities where BLG operates.

“Together with The BLG Foundation, we are investing in kids in rural and urban communities. BLG is igniting the potential of young people who will graduate our intentional mentorship programs with measurable outcomes. Mentees will be better prepared for life’s opportunities and challenges. These relationships with trained mentors foster social emotional competence, mental health and wellbeing,” says Jill Zelmanovits, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “Mentoring also increases a child’s commitment to learning and employment readiness,” adds Zelmanovits.

Each year, the Foundation’s Donations Committee selects a primary cause to champion firm-wide, allowing BLG to make a focused and meaningful impact. Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada was chosen for its proven track record in helping youth realize their full potential. “Mentorship has the power to transform lives. By supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, we're investing in the next generation and helping young people unlock their potential to thrive in whatever path they choose,” says John Murphy, Chair of The BLG Foundation.

“As someone who was a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters during my undergraduate degree, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be for a child to have someone who shows up consistently to provide connection and support,” said Samantha Krol, member of the Donation Committee.

Beyond its annual primary cause, The BLG Foundation is dedicated to supporting the causes that matter most to firm members. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or personal connections, BLG is passionate about making a difference in communities.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada

Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada is a national nonprofit federation that fosters mentoring relationships through local agencies in hundreds of communities, from coast to coast. Since 1913, the organization has supported youth potential by connecting caring volunteers with children in need of guidance and inspiration to overcome childhood adversities.

About The BLG Foundation

The BLG Foundation is BLG’s charitable giving initiative, dedicated to building healthy communities and inspiring generosity. The BLG Foundation is committed to supporting the causes that matter most to BLG through strategic giving and employee involvement.

BLG lawyers recognized as Lexpert Rising Stars Leading Lawyers 40 & Under

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 Z

Four BLG partners receive national recognition for outstanding legal achievement

Toronto, November 21, 2025 - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce that four of our partners have been recognized as recipients of the 2025 Lexpert Rising Stars 40 & Under awards, reinforcing the Firm's position as a leader in developing exceptional legal talent across Canada.

This year’s recipients are:

Maureen Doherty (Toronto) - A Securities Disputes partner specializing in complex securities, regulatory, and financial services disputes, Maureen advises leading institutions including major Canadian banks on pivotal securities class actions and regulatory proceedings. She serves on the OSC Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee, the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and The Advocates’ Society (Securities Litigation). Clients describe Maureen as being a “trusted voice” in the wealth management industry.

Ryma Nasrallah (Ottawa) - National Co-Leader of BLG's Charities and Not-For-Profit Law Group, Ryma advises on the most sophisticated mandates in Canada and serves as a key advisor to many of the country's largest family foundations. She chairs the CBA's CNFP Law Section and contributes to national policy as a member of CRA's Technical Issues Working Group.

Stephen Nguyen (Toronto) - A Corporate and Capital Markets partner who led the nearly C$1 billion acquisition of a Canadian natural gas power station. Stephen's client-focused approach and innovative deal structuring have made him a sought-after advisor for complex corporate matters.

Edona Vila (Toronto) - A partner in BLG's Specialized Disputes group, Edona has built a standout practice in product litigation and regulatory compliance. She represents global brands in complex disputes and has established herself as a definitive voice in AI governance frameworks, delivering keynote addresses at the IBA Annual Conference 2024 and AIoT Canada Summit.

"These exceptional lawyers represent the innovation, excellence, and client dedication that define BLG," said David Di Paolo, National Managing Partner and CEO. "Their recognition celebrates their individual achievements and demonstrates our firm's commitment to fostering the next generation of legal leaders who are shaping the future of law in Canada."

The Lexpert Rising Stars 40 & Under awards celebrate leading lawyers across Canada who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their practices, communities, and the legal profession. Winners are selected through a rigorous process involving peer nominations and evaluation by an expert advisory panel.

BLG welcomes Mark Christensen as partner, expanding its Commercial Real Estate Group in Calgary

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 Z

Calgary (November 6, 2025) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is pleased to welcome Mark Christensen as a partner in our Commercial Real Estate Group, based in Calgary.

Mark’s practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions across industrial, office and retail transactions. With over two decades of experience, Mark advises major Canadian developers, lenders, and borrowers on complex commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, and financing. He brings significant experience in the senior assisted living sector, representing owners and operators of both private and government-funded facilities as they navigate intricate joint ventures, co-ownership agreements, and regulatory issues.

"Clients trust Mark for his unique ability to close and future-proof deals," said Gus Karantzoulis, Group Head of BLG's Specialized Business Law Group. "As a recognized leading commercial real estate and financing lawyer and strategic advisor with a client-first philosophy, Mark is a perfect fit for our strong commercial real estate practice at BLG."

Beyond his legal practice, Mark has previously served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (Calgary Chapter) and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centres.

Prior to joining BLG, Mark led the Real Property and Planning Group at another national law firm.

BLG’s Commercial Real Estate Group has decades of deep experience in real estate investments, development, finance and leasing. The industry-recognized team acts for regional and national clients, ranging from some of the biggest institutional real estate investors and lenders in Canada to regional and family driven enterprises.

BLG proudly appoints Catherine Péloquin as the firm’s new Chief Legal Talent Officer

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 Z

National (September 29, 2025) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) proudly announces the appointment of Catherine Péloquin as Chief Legal Talent Officer.

In this role, Catherine will oversee the full legal professional journey at BLG, from student recruitment through partner retirement. She will manage programs and strategies designed to attract, develop and retain top legal talent, working closely with leaders across the firm. She will be a member of the firm’s National Management Committee and report directly to the firm’s National Managing Partner, ensuring the talent strategy is closely aligned with BLG’s strategic goals.

“Catherine brings deep expertise in legal talent advisory and a clear vision for elevating the lawyer experience including with our partners, associates, counsel and students,” says BLG’s National Managing Partner and CEO, David Di Paolo. “Her appointment reflects BLG’s commitment to building an environment where lawyers can thrive while delivering exceptional service to clients.”

Since joining BLG in 2019, Catherine has advanced through increasingly senior leadership roles, most recently serving as National Director, Talent Advisory for the firm’s Disputes group. In this role, she was instrumental in shaping BLG’s talent strategy and supporting lawyers across the country in their professional growth.

“I’m excited to take on this new role at the firm and look forward to leading strategy around attracting, retaining, engaging, and inspiring our legal talent,” says Catherine. “My focus will be on collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure an integrated and inclusive approach to talent management across all legal career stages.”

Catherine began her career as a litigator, practicing for six years before moving into legal talent management. Prior to joining BLG, she served as Director of Student and Lawyer Programs at another national firm. She holds a law degree and a certificate in Organizational Development from HEC Montréal, combining legal expertise with organizational insight to guide her leadership in this new role.

BLG reaffirms market leadership with 181 rankings in Chambers Canada 2026 Guide

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 Z

National (September 25, 2025) - BLG secured 181 rankings in the Chambers Canada 2026 Guide, including 127 lawyers and 54 practice groups, demonstrating our comprehensive legal expertise across the country. With BLG, clients gain access to some of Canada’s top trusted advisers with proven strength in areas most critical to their businesses.

Chambers Canada is widely regarded as the gold standard for legal rankings in Canada, conducting rigorous independent research and thousands of interviews with clients and peers. This methodology ensures rankings reflect the qualities clients value most: technical skill, business acumen, and outstanding service delivery.

Leading with excellence across 12 Band 1 practice areas

BLG earned Band 1 recognition in 12 practice areas and elevated rankings in areas including Arbitration, where we support our clients in complex proceedings, and Corporate/M&A, reflecting our pivotal role in the transactions that drive Canada's economy.

Our Band 1 practice areas

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

Individual Band 1 excellence recognized coast to coast

Victoria Prince - Charities/Non-profits (Nationwide - Canada)
Richard H. Shaban - Construction (Nationwide - Canada)
The Honourable Dennis O'Connor, O.C., OOnt, K.C. - Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators (Nationwide - Canada)
Danny J. Kaufer, Ad. E. - Employment & Labour (Québec)
Kathleen McDormand - General Business Law (Northern Canada and Arctic)
Nick G. Pasquino - Healthcare: Corporate/Commercial & Regulatory (Nationwide - Canada)
Lynn McGrade - Investment Funds (Nationwide - Canada)
Guy J. Pratte - Litigation: Administrative & Public Law (Ontario)
Nadia Effendi - Litigation: Administrative & Public Law (Ontario)
Robert J.C. Deane - Litigation: General Commercial (British Columbia)
Glenn Zakaib - Litigation: Product Liability (Nationwide - Canada)
Robert L. Love - Litigation: Product Liability (Nationwide - Canada)
David Di Paolo - Litigation: Securities (Ontario)
Pitman Patterson - Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Ontario)
Jean-Marie Fontaine - Transportation: Shipping (Nationwide - Canada)

Significant growth to support our clients’ needs

This year's significant growth, including 14 new lawyer rankings and 30 practice advancements, emphasizes the expanding capabilities and deep bench of talent on which our clients depend for their most critical matters.

Recognizing tomorrow's leaders

Our commitment to developing exceptional legal talent is evident in the recognition of our next generation: 13 lawyers were named "Up and Coming" partners and 5 received "Associates to Watch" designations across areas including corporate/commercial, privacy and data protection, restructuring/insolvency, and investment funds.

Up and Coming partners

Julie Bogle - Corporate/ Commercial (British Columbia)
Katherine Carre - Charities/Non-profits (Nationwide - Canada)
Eric S. Charleston - Privacy & Data Protection (Nationwide - Canada)
Loni da Costa - Litigation: General Commercial (Alberta)
James Fu - Pensions & Benefits (Nationwide - Canada)
Adina Georgescu - Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Québec)
Ian Graf - Real Estate (British Columbia)
Ryan Laity - Restructuring/Insolvency (Nationwide - Canada)
Roma Lotay - Investment Funds: Fund Formation (Nationwide - Canada)
Cherie Mah - Banking & Finance (Nationwide - Canada)
Hugh A. Meighen - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Nationwide - Canada)
Mario Rubio - Real Estate (British Columbia)
Graham Splawski - Litigation: Securities (Ontario)

Associates to Watch

Noah Burshtein - Employment & Labour (Ontario)
Marie-Pier Emery - Employment & Labour (Québec)
Lee English - Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Ontario)
Galen Flaherty - Gaming & Licensing (Nationwide - Canada)
Shane Morganstein - Privacy & Data Protection (Nationwide - Canada)

The complete list of BLG lawyers recognized in the Chambers Canada 2026 Guide can be found on the Chambers website. We are proud of these recognitions and thank our clients for their continued partnership and trust.

BLG’s Nadia Effendi receives 2025 Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 Z

National (September 12, 2025) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce that Nadia Effendi is the 2025 recipient of the Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility, to be presented at the Ontario Opening of the Courts on September 25.

Nadia embodies the values at the heart of this award, demonstrating exemplary knowledge of the law, integrity, fairness, civility, generosity of time and a dedication to mentorship and the highest ideals of the legal profession. She is recognized for her deep expertise, principled advocacy and commitment to professionalism in every aspect of her practice.

Nadia is Chair of BLG’s Appellate Advocacy and Public Law groups and National Business Leader of the Commercial Litigation group. For more than 20 years, Nadia has been trusted with some of the most high-profile and sensitive cases in the country. She represents a diverse roster of clients in both English and French in complex proceedings across Canada, including appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Nadia has been a beacon of professionalism: calm under pressure, resolute in fairness and steadfast in civility. Her mentorship, inclusive advocacy and principled leadership reflect both her personal integrity and her belief in a just and respectful legal system.

“Nadia reflects the best of the legal profession. She brings focus and calm to complex cases, and her commitment to fairness and respect inspires everyone she works with,” said David Di Paolo, BLG’s National Managing Partner. “What sets her apart is not only her legal skill, but also her generosity as a mentor and her steady belief in the values that guide our justice system.”

The Catzman Award is presented annually by The Advocates’ Society, the Chief Justices of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association. It honours the late Justice Marvin A. Catzman of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and recognizes lawyers who reflect his legacy of professionalism.