Roundup of law firm hires, promotions and departures: June 24 update

Welcome to this week’s roundup of movements among major law firms, in which we sum up significant hires, promotions and departures.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Stephen Poloz has been appointed as a special advisor at the firm, effective Aug. 1.

Poloz is an economist with around four decades of experience in financial markets, forecasting and economic policy. He has held leadership roles at the Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada and BCA Research. He has also acted as a key member of Canadian delegations to intergovernmental economic organizations.

In the role, Poloz will guide clients on domestic and international matters relating to the financial system, trade and economic policy.

Doug Bryce, the firm’s managing partner, said that Poloz’s contributions to COVID-19 economic response efforts has shown his “singular ability to convey complex financial and market information in an accessible and practical way.”

Shahir Guindi, the firm’s co-chairperson, said that Poloz’s experience with the Bank of Canada and  Export Development Canada “brings added depth to his understanding of how companies will need to connect with others as they reengage with customers and navigate new rules and regulations both at home and abroad.”

Bennett Jones LLP

Jason Roth has been inducted as a fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers during the organization’s 23rd annual conference, which was held virtually for the first time.

Roth is a Calgary-based partner who heads the firm’s capital projects industry team and construction law practice group. He focuses his practice on the law relating to infrastructure development projects.

Dentons Canada LLP

Emil Vidrascu joins the firm as a partner in its litigation and dispute resolution group in Montreal.

"We are delighted that Emil has chosen to return to Dentons,” said Claude Morency, managing partner of the firm’s Montreal office. “With his 25 years of experience as an exceptional litigator, he will be a tremendous asset to the Firm and our clients.”

Vidrascu’s practice centres on commercial litigation, Aboriginal law, construction law and competition law. He participated as a consultant to the Romanian government with regard to the reform of the Romanian Civil Code, after which the country adopted a new Civil Code in 2009.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Frank Mariage, Montreal-based partner at the firm, has been appointed chairperson of the board of directors at SIDEX. He replaces Élaine C. Phénix, who has held the role for the past two decades, ever since the Government of Quebec and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ created the organization in 2001.

“It is a privilege to take over the helm of a group of directors that has a vision and ambitions for the mining sector,” said Mariage. “At SIDEX, we strive to always better support companies in this important sector of the Québec economy.”

Mariage focuses his practice on securities and corporate law, with an emphasis on the mining industry.

Harper Grey LLP

Rose Keith has been appointed chairperson of the Women Lawyers Forum of the Canadian Bar Association’s B.C. branch, a subsection which seeks to advance women’s influence in law.

Keith is associate counsel at the Vancouver-based firm. She primarily practises workplace law.

Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission

Margaret Bloodworth, based in Ottawa, has been re-appointed to the commission as the member nominated by federal justice minister David Lametti. With over three decades of experience in public service, Bloodworth has held leadership roles in many federal departments and has sat on numerous boards. She is a member of the Order of Canada.

Peter Griffin, based in Toronto, has been re-appointed to the commission as the member nominated by the judiciary. Griffin has served as founding partner and managing partner at Lenczner Slaght, president of the Advocates’ Society and chairperson of the Ontario committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers. His practice areas include corporate commercial litigation, class actions, securities matters, insolvency and professional liability.

Martine Turcotte, based in Montreal, was appointed chairperson upon being nominated by her two fellow members at the commission. For BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, she has served in legal, management and leadership roles, including as executive vice-president and chief legal and regulatory officer.

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