Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)

Given the uncertainties surrounding the future of formal dispute settlement under WTO, the time has come to consider non-adversarial inter-state dispute resolution as a complement, or an alternative, to existing frameworks. Rambod Behboodi and Emma Makin explore the risks and benefits of conciliation and mediation, and how they might be operationalized. https://lnkd.in/guNbwVPg

The past year has brought significant shifts in Canada's class action landscape.   In a recent Lexpert article, BLG’s Stéphane Pitre highlights a growing trend in Québec: courts are increasingly scrutinizing class action fee agreements. This trend reflects a broader push for fairness in the class action process.   Read the full article for more insight: https://lnkd.in/gb9H9ran #BLGNews

Last week, the BLG 301 Disputes – Trial Advocacy Program brought together 40 of our mid-level disputes associates from all our offices for an immersive, hands-on experience, culminating in a mock trial where associates put their newly honed advocacy skills into action. Associates had the unique opportunity to interact with our BLG Faculty through tailored workshops and the chance to receive one-on-one feedback. Offering fresh perspectives on diverse advocacy styles, the participants also benefited from the insights of our U.S. Faculty guests. The program elevated the participants’ advocacy skills, reinforcing our commitment to driving excellence in legal practice. #DisputesLaw #BLGProud --- La semaine dernière, le programme BLG 301 Litiges a réuni 40 avocat·es en litige de niveau intermédiaire de tous nos bureaux pour une expérience immersive et concrète qui s’est clôturée par un procès simulé, permettant à nos avocat·es de mettre en œuvre les compétences de plaidoirie récemment acquises. Ils et elles ont eu l’occasion unique d’échanger avec plusieurs membres de la faculté de BLG lors d’ateliers personnalisés et de recevoir des commentaires individuels. Le programme a également été enrichi par les contributions de nos invités de la faculté américaine, qui ont apporté des perspectives nouvelles sur différents styles de plaidoirie. Ce programme a permis non seulement de perfectionner les compétences de nos avocat·es, mais aussi de renforcer notre engagement à promouvoir l’excellence dans la pratique juridique. #Litiges #FiersDêtreBLG

Thirty-three BLG lawyers have been recognized in the 2024 Lexpert guide to top-performing lawyers practicing business litigation and alternative dispute resolution. We’re your team when it counts.   See the full list of lawyers: https://lnkd.in/gXX-74Hx   #LexpertSpecialEdition #BLGDisputes #BLGProud   ---   Subrata Bhattacharjee Randall (Randy) W. Block Keegan Boyd Rebecca Bush Karine Chênevert, Ad. E. Craig Chiasson Kirsten Crain Robert Deane David Di Paolo Brad Dixon Nadia Effendi Larry Elliot David Elman françois grondin Pat Heinsen, K.C. Gilbert Hourani Robert Love Michelle Maniago Ian Matthews Sarah McEachern Kevin McGivney Hugh Meighen Dennis O'Connor Stéphane Pitre Guy J. Pratte Blair Rebane Caitlin Sainsbury Doug Smith Robert Traves Edona Vila Laura Wagner George Wray Glenn Zakaib

From common frustrations to industry impact – our next Future of Law article is a founder’s journey. BLG’s Frazer House sat down with Connor Atchison MHA and Jenna Earnshaw from Wisedocs to break down how they raised $12.7 million in Series A financing and $4.5 million in growth capital financing to transform the insurance industry with AI. https://lnkd.in/gUD5BWQG #Insurtech #FutureOfLaw #Wisedocs 

BLG partner Edward Wang was fêted as a Lexpert Rising Star last night in an evening of glitz and glamour at Liberty Grand in Toronto. Edward is a banking and financial services lawyer with significant experience in China-related financing and insolvency matters, and, in his spare time, is a commentator on the Royal Family. The award recognizes leading lawyers aged 40 and under for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession. #LexpertRisingStars #BLGProud

BLG’s own star Laura Levine was recognized as a Lexpert Rising Star last night at Liberty Grand in Toronto. Laura is a securities and capital markets lawyer, national leader of BLG's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative, and the co-chair of a BLG task force to help the firm assist clients comply with new forced and child labour legislation. This honour celebrates leading lawyers aged 40 and under for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession. #LexpertRisingStars #BLGProud

Canadian businesses looking to leverage GenAI tools can rely on BLG’s strategic checklists as perfect conversation starters. Read on for useful discussion points on monitoring the technology, experimenting with it, assessing risks, and more. https://lnkd.in/gE2vnenn #BLGPublication #GenerativeAI #AIReady

The Ontario Capital Markets Tribunal dismissed the Ontario Securities Commission prosecution in Re Cormark Securities Inc. The CMT held that the OSC “failed to prove any of its allegations”, that the transactions in issue were not an illegal distribution, and that the respondents’ conduct did not engage the CMT’s public interest jurisdiction. The CMT’s decision contains helpful guidance for market participants on a number of issues. BLG represented Cormark in this matter. The BLG team included: David Di Paolo, Graham Splawski, Heather Pessione, Rebecca Flynn, Natalia Paunic, Rachel Toope, Alicia Krausewitz, Philippe Tardif and Laura Levine. Read our full insight for more details: https://lnkd.in/gFpbfHZ3

This Remembrance Day, we pause to honour the service and sacrifices of Canadians who have defended our country, from the World Wars to global peacekeeping missions. At BLG, we take great pride in supporting veterans through our long-standing pro bono program, which helps those who have been denied benefits under legislation. Two recent cases highlight the importance of this work: Pelletier v. Canada (Attorney General), 2024 FC 1669 https://lnkd.in/guiBBED8: Mr. Pelletier, a decorated veteran, sustained a serious injury during physical recreation with his unit. Despite enduring extensive medical procedures and recovery, his benefits claim was repeatedly denied. BLG successfully argued for the pension benefit to be awarded and not further reviewed, a rare decision, and positive outcome. Christie v. Canada (Attorney General), 2024 FC 1722 https://lnkd.in/gcgiAjPG: Mr. Christie, a retired RCMP officer, was injured while stepping in to maintain public peace. Despite the Board's initial denial of benefits, BLG challenged the decision and secured a reconsideration, emphasizing the critical link between his duty and the incident.