Nine law firms made new announcements
Welcome to this week’s roundup of movements among major law firms, in which we sum up significant hires, promotions, departures, and other announcements.
The firm welcomed Alexander Suriano as partner in the municipal and land use planning group.
Suriano advises developers, municipalities, government agencies, ratepayer associations, and individuals on a range of land use planning and development matters. He represents clients in appeals involving zoning by-law and official plan amendments, minor variance and consent applications, site plan control, and plans of subdivision before the Ontario Land Tribunal and Toronto Local Appeal Body.
He also specializes in formal mediation and negotiations and has appeared before the Ontario Divisional Court and municipal councils and committees.
Michael Osborne joined the firm’s commercial litigation department in Toronto.
In his new role, Osborne will assist clients with inquiries and proceedings initiated by the Competition Bureau and help businesses obtain approval for mergers under the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act. He will also chair the firm’s Canadian antitrust practice.
Throughout his practice, he has represented corporate clients in contractual and shareholder disputes, commercial fraud, employment, regulatory, and white-collar crime matters in all levels of court across Canada. He has also tried cases in the Competition Tribunal and appeared in international and domestic arbitrations before arbitral tribunals.
“Michael’s antitrust practice is national in scope and fits the strategic objectives of our Toronto and Vancouver offices like a glove,” said James H. Heller, co-chair of the firm’s commercial litigation department. “His addition gives us a new practice area in Canada − competition − and also enhances the firm’s commercial litigation services, both in Canada and the United States. I’m excited to welcome him to the firm and our department.”
Wally Braul is now a senior counsel in the firm’s litigation, arbitration and investigations group.
Braul has broad experience in tribunal and judicial proceedings involving shale gas fracking, water, pipelines, marine terminals, contaminated sites, tailing ponds, and public utility matters. He also helps senior executives of energy companies respond to judicial decisions on Indigenous title and legislation respecting liquified natural gas and water.
The firm also welcomed Dan Misutka as counsel in the Calgary office’s tax and public and administrative law groups.
Misutka is a seasoned litigator specializing in tax dispute resolution and administrative law matters. He has appeared before all levels of courts in Alberta, the Federal Court, and the Tax Court of Canada. Besides his legal work, he regularly presents on tax dispute resolution topics and has taught professional development courses for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (now CPA Canada).
Eight lawyers comprising Fernandes Hearn LLP recently joined the firm, where they will continue their national practice in transportation law.
“We are delighted that Fernandes Hearn has decided to join us, and we are certain that their practice with add considerably to our expertise in the transportation and logistics area and to our bench strength generally,” said Paul Stoyan, the firm’s chair. “Rui, Gordon, and their team approach both the practice and business of law in manner that is very similar to the Gardiner Roberts team, and we look forward to working together and continuing to assist all of our clients.”
Fernandes Hearn lawyers provide specialized legal services throughout Canada to domestic and international clients in transportation, logistics, insurance, and consumer packaged goods.
“In joining Gardiner Roberts, we are excited that we will be able to offer our clients a more comprehensive array of services, extending past our immediate areas of expertise,” Fernandes Hearn managing partner Rui Fernandes said. “In turn we also look forward to complementing the Gardiner Roberts focus on excellence in client service.”
Nadim Mansour joined the firm as an associate in the Toronto office.
Masour assists regulated professionals facing complaints, investigations, registration, and disciplinary matters. Before joining the firm, he worked as an assistant Crown attorney in Ontario, where he prosecuted criminal offences before the Ontario Court of Justice.
He obtained his law degree from Western University in 2021 and was admitted to the Ontario bar this year.
Anik Trudel was appointed board chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM). With a network of over 8,000 members, CCMM is an association of businesses and businesspeople in Greater Montreal.
Trudel currently serves as the firm’s chief executive officer. She is responsible for implementing the firm’s vision and strategic plan, while managing its daily affairs and administrative functions. She previously practised civil and commercial litigation and has represented numerous national and international major corporations before general and appellate courts and arbitration tribunals.
“I am honoured by the confidence the nominating committee and the board of directors have placed in me,” Trudel said. “It is with pride, humility and a sense of responsibility that I accept the mandate of chair of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal in its pivotal 200th anniversary year.”
The firm welcomed six new associates in the London, Strathroy, and Toronto offices:
Anju Xing is now an associate in the firm’s Toronto office.
Xing has extensive expertise in capital markets, securities, and M&A.
The firm welcomed Natasha Hepp as an associate in the Calgary office.
Hepp has experience advising clients on various commercial real estate matters, including commercial leasing, financing, and purchase and sale of commercial properties. She assists utility and renewable energy companies with land-related matters arising during project development.
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