International Trade/WTO
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 777 7498Chambers Review
Bennett Jones is a highly regarded Canadian law firm with a well-respected and robust international trade and investment law practice. The firm offers solid capabilities in tariff classification cases and customs compliance, and also advises on trade remedy matters across a range of industry sectors, such as retail and energy. It also has substantial expertise in issues relating to the WTO from a solid bench of highly experienced non-legal consultants, including former ambassadors and senior cabinet ministers.
Work Highlights
- Bennett Jones represented Amalgamated Dairies in a judicial review and an action at the Federal Court of Canada, challenging a decision by the Canada Border Services Agency to retroactively revoke Amalgamated Dairies' eligibility for import duty relief on certain manufacturing inputs.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"All of the Bennett Jones lawyers that we have dealt with, from associates through partners, are highly knowledgeable and display significant expertise in their fields."
"Bennett Jones demonstrates exceptional expertise in handling complex and sophisticated matters while understanding the reality of the client."
"They understand our business and the sector we operate in."
"The group responds very quickly and provides detailed, comprehensive answers."
"The team at Bennett Jones is very diligent about setting expectations and anticipated timing, following up on outstanding items and responding very quickly to communications."
"All of the Bennett Jones lawyers that we have dealt with, from associates through partners, are highly knowledgeable and display significant expertise in their fields."
"Bennett Jones demonstrates exceptional expertise in handling complex and sophisticated matters while understanding the reality of the client."
"They understand our business and the sector we operate in."
"The group responds very quickly and provides detailed, comprehensive answers."
"The team at Bennett Jones is very diligent about setting expectations and anticipated timing, following up on outstanding items and responding very quickly to communications."
Notable Practitioners
Darrel Pearson is an extremely well-respected trade lawyer with longstanding experience in the areas of customs, tariff classification and trade duties. He is based in Toronto and he is the head of the firm's international trade and investment group.
"Darrel is the consummate professional and we greatly rely on his knowledge and expertise."
"Darrel is very seasoned and contributes high-value insights into strategy and technical issues while being commercially aware. He is attentive and responsive from a client service perspective."
"He is an excellent leader of the team and offers vast experience."
Toronto-based Sabrina Bandali's profile continues to grow in the international trade field. She is proficient across a wide range of issues, including customs advice, export controls, internal investigations and tariff disputes.
"She provides quality comprehensive advice on complex projects in the trade compliance area."
"Sabrina is exemplary in her technical and strategic approach, level of service, ability to address extremely complex matters and knowledge of the commercial aspects."
George Reid is recognised for his growing reputation in the field of international trade law, with significant expertise in trade policy, trade remedies, tariff classification and international agreements. He is based in Toronto.
"George is knowledgeable, accessible and willing to spend time educating his clients. It was great working with George."
"There is no one I trust more for knowledge of relevant statutes and regulations, and for coming up with creative arguments and solutions."
"George is personable and responsive."
Jessica Horwitz maintains a diverse international trade practice out of Toronto, with work ranging from trade policy advice, representation and trade remedies to customs compliance and cross-border M&A.
"Jessica brings a deep understanding and creativity to each of her projects."
"Jessica is always available and a step ahead. She is detailed and efficient."
"She really understands our business and the overall landscape."
Alison Fitzgerald's practice focuses on international arbitration and international trade and investment. She represents clients in trade remedy proceedings, as well as economic sanctions, forced labour matters and export controls. Fitzgerald is based in Ottawa.
"Alison takes the time to understand the specifics of our business and develop a strategy to best defend our interests."
"She is always available and super supportive."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bennett Jones LLP
Nationwide - Canada