Big names join big firms

Former Ontario Finance minister Dwight Duncan is set to join McMillan LLP as a senior strategic adviser, the law firm announced Wednesday.

Come March, Duncan will help McMillan’s clients invest locally and internationally. He will be working out of the Toronto office.

The law firm is “privileged” to bag Duncan and his experience, said CEO Andrew Kent in a press release.

Kent said Duncan will add “additional strength, breadth and depth” to existing client service teams on both a national and international stage.

Duncan, who is former deputy premier for the Ontario government, has worked in public service for the last 25 years. He held posts as government house leader, minister of Revenue, minister of Energy, and chairman of Cabinet.

Duncan said his experiences are “clearly aligned with McMillian’s.”

“It is a growing, ambitious firm with an entrepreneurial culture I admire and with expertise that attracts and assists businesses locally and abroad,” he said. “I share its interest and commitment to energy, property and casualty insurance, infrastructure and pensions.”

McMillan isn’t the only firm welcoming a well-known public figure this week.

Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Dennis O’Connor is joining Border Ladner Gervais LLP as counsel to the firm. O’Connor, who served on the bench for 14 years, was associate chief justice of Ontario from 2010 to 2012. He is perhaps best known in his role as head of the Walkerton and Arar inquiries.

Before joining the bench, Dennis was a litigator with the then-Borden and Elliot in Toronto.

“Dennis has an illustrious career and reputation and it is an honour to have him return to BLG,” said Sean Weir, BLG’s national managing partner. “He brings extraordinary experience to a team that is already exceptionally strong, which will serve BLG’s clients well.”

Dennis also boasts legal experience in the Yukon Territory.

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to have had experiences that can benefit BLG professionals and their clients as they deal with important legal and business issues,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to rejoining the firm and building on what is already an excellent practice.”

Recent articles & video

Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: July 15, 2024 update

SCC reinforces Crown's narrow scope to appeal acquittal

Final changes to competition laws will require more sophisticated merger analysis: Blakes lawyers

Ontario Court of Appeal upholds paramedics' convictions over death of shooting victim

BC Court of Appeal upholds class action certification in Capital One data breach case

BC Supreme Court awards damages for chronic pain and mental health issues from car accident

Most Read Articles

BC Supreme Court dismisses applications seeking personal liability of estate executor

BC Supreme Court upholds trust company's estate administration amid beneficiary dispute

Alberta Court of Appeal reinstates sanctions on naturopathic doctor for unprofessional conduct

Government of Canada publishes a report to tackle anti-black racism in the justice system