Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
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Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Class actions remain top of mind for most businesses with operations or interests in Canada — and Blakes is at the forefront of class actions defence with one of the most experienced teams in the country. Spanning nearly four decades, we have defended clients in more than 400 class actions across the country, including precedent-setting cases with industry-wide implications and multi-jurisdictional cases requiring global coordination. We are also among a small number of Canadian firms with notable class action success at trial and on dispositive applications and motions.
Our trial and appellate lawyers defend clients at all levels of courts and are skilled in preparedness, strategic planning, mediations, arbitrations and negotiated settlements. A key advantage is the experience of our integrated and coordinated national team of leading litigators who have deep knowledge and experience within each of the major Canadian jurisdictions. This platform ensures that we are able to expertly advise on class actions across the country.
We work alongside U.S. and international law firms, advisers and experts to ensure effective coordination of claims that are international in scope and extend into Canada. Through our cross-border experience, strong communication and collaboration, we help ensure the best representation for our clients.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon houses a leading national team of dedicated class action defence specialists with considerable expertise in product liability, privacy, antitrust and securities cases. The team offers ample experience representing domestic and international clients from a broad range of industries before all levels of provincial and federal court, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. The firm fields well-resourced teams in Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver, demonstrating a strong track record in cross-border disputes.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP represented Air Canada in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of all Québec consumers who purchased airline tickets through Air Canada’s online ticket purchasing platform in 2010-2012.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Their client service is what sets them apart from competitors. They provide detailed summaries and practical advice when we identify something internally that might grow into a class action risk."
"They are able to identify the salient issues and condense them into sound and persuasive argument."
"Blakes are experienced, knowledgeable and strategic. They have the skill set and breadth of experience to handle complex matters."
"Simply put, the litigators at Blakes are a high horsepower group that easily tackle complexity, including the broad strategic considerations applicable to class action defence."
"Their client service is what sets them apart from competitors. They provide detailed summaries and practical advice when we identify something internally that might grow into a class action risk."
"They are able to identify the salient issues and condense them into sound and persuasive argument."
"Blakes are experienced, knowledgeable and strategic. They have the skill set and breadth of experience to handle complex matters."
"Simply put, the litigators at Blakes are a high horsepower group that easily tackle complexity, including the broad strategic considerations applicable to class action defence."
Notable Practitioners
Montréal-based Robert Torralbo is noted for his wide-ranging expertise in the class action space. He handles competition, securities and product liability cases, with a particularly strong reputation among pharmaceutical clients.
Toronto-based Gordon McKee maintains a stellar reputation for his handling of class actions nationally, with notable experience acting for clients in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. He is particularly well regarded for his role in high-stakes product liability class proceedings.
"Gordon is a seasoned lawyer with a solid grasp on both the law and the strategy that makes sense in a given situation."
Catherine Beagan Flood is well regarded for her representation in product liability and privacy-related class actions. She also has experience in high-stakes antitrust class proceedings.
"Catherine is exceptional as an advocate - she's a legal strategist and appellate lawyer with great skills."
"She's a spectacular lawyer who has such an incredible level of expert knowledge."
Based out of the firm's Vancouver office, James Sullivan KC offers his clients wide-ranging class action expertise, including before the Supreme Court of Canada.
"James has deep experience and savvy. He knows the players, what to expect and isn't afraid to make a recommendation."
"He's very responsive and the level of service he provides is quite excellent."
Robin Reinertson continues to build her reputation in Canada's class action market from her Vancouver base. She is particularly active in competition and product liability cases.
"She has the ability to be extremely detailed while not losing the ultimate goal of what the defence wants."
"Robin is one of the smartest and best lawyers I've worked with. You are very fortunate if you have Robin on your team."
Andrea Laing is a Toronto-based lawyer with a strong track record of advising accounting firms and investment managers. Her class action practice is complemented by wider experience in securities litigation and investigations.
"Andrea is very good for securities class action work."
"She's super diligent and has a lot of knowledge about the Canadian court system. She also has lots of experience so delivers strategy in a way that is always thinking ahead proactively."
Robert Kwinter is based in Toronto and sought out for his representation in competition-related disputes.
"He's one of Canada's top competition lawyers."
"Robert is really good at evaluating the evidence and honing in on the material points that need to be brought to light."
Jill Lawrie is co-head of the firm's consumer protection group, practising out of the Toronto office. She offers substantial experience advising on product liability class action litigation, with notable expertise in the automotive and healthcare product manufacturing sectors.
"Jill is a fantastic litigator and a true business partner. She has keen awareness of our business objectives as they relate to our class action and litigation defence strategies."
"She is creative, dives deeply into technical issues and does not shy away from challenges."
Ariane Bisaillon capably advises clients on major class actions in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. She is based in the firm's Montréal office.
"She has top level strategic vision while knowing all the facts,"
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Nationwide - Canada
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