Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: Aug. 27, 2024 update

Six law firms made announcements about their partners and other news

Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: Aug. 27, 2024 update

Welcome to this week’s roundup of movements among major law firms, in which Canadian Lawyer sums up significant hires, promotions, departures, and other announcements.

Gowling WLG

Bart Sarsh joined as a partner in the firm’s corporate restructuring, insolvency, and advisory group in Hamilton. He works on asset recovery strategies, fraudulent conveyance claims, contested bankruptcy discharge hearings, commercial lease disputes, and formal insolvency proceedings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, 1985.

“Amid rising financial pressures and increasing insolvencies, having a proactive and insightful partner is essential,” said Pam Vermeersch, Hamilton managing partner, in the firm’s news release. “Bart’s innovative approach will help clients navigate complex recovery processes and achieve the results they need to secure their financial interests.”

Lavery de Billy, L.L.P.

The firm congratulated Jean Legault on his induction as a member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada in a news release. Legault, a partner based in Montreal, focuses on commercial litigation, banking, insolvency, and restructuring.

“What a privilege it is to join the Insolvency Institute of Canada and be part of this dedicated community of professionals,” said Legault in the firm’s news release. “I look forward to helping improve insolvency and restructuring practices in Quebec and Canada and refining my own expertise.”

McCarthy Tétrault LLP

The firm announced Michael Feder’s induction as a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in a news release. Feder, a partner in Vancouver, handles both commercial and public law disputes. He practises in the product liability, mass tort, and class action fields.

“Michael is a phenomenal litigator and admired colleague who really sets the bar for excellence and collegiality in the legal profession,” said Sunil Kapur, McCarthy Tétrault’s national litigation and dispute resolution practice group leader, in the news release. “We are proud of his well-deserving recognition and the impressive milestones he continues to achieve in his career.”

Smart & Biggar and Bereskin & Parr LLP

Smart & Biggar will be acquiring Bereskin & Parr in a transaction expected to complete on Sept. 27. Smart & Biggar is a member of the network of IPH Limited, a global provider of intellectual property services.

“Bringing together the strengths of both businesses as one firm under Smart & Biggar will give our clients access to a deeper pool of IP expertise,” said Matthew Zischka, Smart & Biggar managing director, in a news release.

“We have always prided ourselves on delivering first-rate IP services and now, as part of a larger combined firm and with the support of a global network, we can offer our clients even greater value and provide our people with enhanced career opportunities,” said Stephen Beney, Bereskin & Parr managing partner, in the news release.

Andrew Blattman, IPH’s managing director and chief executive officer, welcomed Bereskin & Parr into the IPH network.

“Smart & Biggar and Bereskin & Parr are complementary businesses in terms of their highly experienced teams, strong heritage and quality clients, and their areas of focus,” said Blattman in the news release. “We are excited to see the Bereskin & Parr business, and its clients and staff, continue as part of Smart & Biggar and the IPH group.”

Stockwoods LLP

The firm announced Gerald Chan’s induction into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in a news release. Chan, a partner in the Toronto-based firm, practises criminal, administrative, and civil litigation. He focuses on white collar criminal and regulatory defence.

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