Corporate/Commercial: The Elite
Canada Guide 2025 : Alberta
Band 1
Email address
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+1 403 260 9600About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Corporate and commercial law in its broadest sense is the core of the Firm’s practice. While take-over bids, acquisitions, corporate finance and securities, and other high-profile transactions may occupy the public spotlight, the daily concerns of our clients are also included in the focus of our corporate and commercial expertise. We provide legal advice and services with respect to all aspects of the business of our clients and we provide services and solutions to a wide range of companies and industries. We take equal pride in helping to create and develop new business enterprises in Canada and growing those already here, including some of Canada’s largest companies. We have been involved in many of the most important and legally challenging business transactions in Canadian history.
Whether it’s a transformative acquisition, a joint venture’s corporate structuring, the development of large scale energy and renewables projects, a private equity investment, or the establishment of a new business, our Calgary Corporate & Commercial team works beside our clients to help them understand and manage the legal issues that impact their business.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a prominent national firm with a market-leading presence in Alberta. The team has particularly strong experience in handling high-impact corporate finance and debt capital markets transactions where its impressive clientele ranges from companies in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors to private equity, infrastructure and aviation companies. The Calgary-based group acts for domestic and international clients in both the public and private sectors on a range of consolidation transactions.
Work Highlights
- Blakes advised Enerplus on its proposed $3.8 billion merger with Chord Energy.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team provided very comprehensive service and they have a high degree of knowledge of the business landscape in their respective areas of practice."
"They continue to be able to both attract and retain top talent and at all levels. There's never a question that they cannot deliver and be responsive to requests."
"Blakes has kept an ear to the ground for the latest and greatest developments in business, policies and advancements. This has allowed us to work swiftly through any requirements we have presented."
"The reason we keep retaining Blakes is their commitment to service is unparalleled. They work hard to understand our preferred outcomes and proactively take steps to help us achieve our goals."
"The firm is one of the best and a go to firm for us on complicated and significant matters. They provide high quality timely advice keeping in mind the practical implications for our business."
"The team provided very comprehensive service and they have a high degree of knowledge of the business landscape in their respective areas of practice."
"They continue to be able to both attract and retain top talent and at all levels. There's never a question that they cannot deliver and be responsive to requests."
"Blakes has kept an ear to the ground for the latest and greatest developments in business, policies and advancements. This has allowed us to work swiftly through any requirements we have presented."
"The reason we keep retaining Blakes is their commitment to service is unparalleled. They work hard to understand our preferred outcomes and proactively take steps to help us achieve our goals."
"The firm is one of the best and a go to firm for us on complicated and significant matters. They provide high quality timely advice keeping in mind the practical implications for our business."
Notable Practitioners
Chad Schneider co-heads the firm's Calgary practice. He has a wealth of experience advising clients on corporate reorganisations and M&A transactions.
"Chad is a very knowledgeable and experienced business lawyer. He is a good problem solver and communicator and is always mindful of client priorities."
"He's an exceptional lawyer, who is knowledgeable, hard-working and pragmatic. I believe him to be the best securities and transactional lawyer in the province."
"He has a very enviable client roster and a deep deal knowledge. He's exceptional; you never worry about him dropping the ball."
Ross Bentley is a well-regarded securities and M&A lawyer with impressive experience across the full spectrum of transactional matters in a range of industries.
"Ross is a top-notch partner in every way."
Jeff Bakker is an experienced lawyer who advises clients on securities law issues and M&A transactions. He currently co-leads the firm's Calgary group.
"Jeff is a very strong lawyer and able to juggle multiple complex files with ease. He is excellent at balancing the right level of sophisticated advice with pragmatism and commercial astuteness."
"Jeff Bakker is one of the best in town in terms of knowledge of the area. He's very good - he's responsive, practical, commercial and knowledgeable."
Olga Kary is highly active in the M&A space in Calgary, regularly advising on transactional domestic and cross-border mandates.
"She is as an extremely talented securities lawyer. When it's an especially complicated matter, she's always top of the list."
"She is very knowledgeable and driven, with unparalleled commitment to service."
"She offers great client service and the ability to move files to conclusion by directing the team and working effortlessly with our in-house group."
Peter Keohane is a long-standing Calgary partner who assists clients with domestic and international corporate transactions.
"Peter has extraordinarily strong leadership in project management, dedication and commitment. The level of service is second to none."
"I greatly value his legal advice and skills of course but, even more than that, the way he helps to guide negotiation, strategy and interpersonal dynamics that are always part of transactional work."
"He's very good for tricky M&A-type situations. He's very creative in finding solutions for difficult problems."
Scott Clarke advises on M&A and corporate governance mandates, typically acting on matters arising within the energy and manufacturing sectors.
"If you have a complex, challenging transaction, Scott is the man to get it done."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Alberta
Members
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP