Litigation: General Commercial
Canada Guide 2025 : Alberta
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 403 260 9600About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes has one of the largest and most successful Litigation & Dispute Resolution practices in Canada, with top-tier litigators in the major business centres across the country, including Calgary, and an extraordinary depth of local industry knowledge, practice expertise and litigation experience.
Our multidisciplinary team is armed with the skills and insights required to achieve favourable results for our clients. With all of the advice and expertise needed under one roof, we leverage best practices across industries and take swift action to resolve disputes smoother, smarter and with greater success.
We represent client interests at every stage of a dispute, from fact-finding and risk evaluation through final resolution and enforcement. We litigate in trial and appellate courts, resolve disputes at the negotiating table, and represent clients before tribunals and government agencies.
Blakes litigators have appeared before all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and have been involved in precedent-setting cases involving hostile take-overs, indemnification of directors and officers, proxy contests and directors’ duties. Our expertise is complemented by one of Canada’s largest and most experienced corporate and commercial law groups.
In large, document-intensive cases, we integrate skilled paralegal support, leading-edge document management technology and a project management and e-discovery team to manage matters efficiently and cost effectively.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon houses a wide-ranging dispute resolution practice with particular prowess in the energy industry. The Calgary group also handles high-end securities, tax, fraud and construction litigation, as well as insurance defence. The firm regularly provides counsel on interprovincial class actions and product liability claims, and also excels in alternative dispute resolution strategies through arbitration and mediation.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon represented Strathcona Resources in a hostile take-over bid over Osum Oil Sands Corp.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are quick experts in any discipline and easily convert complex facts and circumstances into strong, clear legal arguments. Prompt turn around and diligent follow up on all matters and details."
"A notable strength of Blakes is that while they are technical experts in their field, their approach to mandates and delivery of legal advice is at all times practical."
"Blakes have significant bench strength in the litigation space, with impressive talent across all years of call. I have never once worried about a file while in their hands."
"You can tell Blakes puts a high priority in client care as everyone is incredibly responsive and they never miss deadlines."
"Blakes have a high ability to handle complex matters in a timely, pragmatic and effective manner. They have subject matter expertise, diversity of knowledge and experienced, skilled advocators."
"They are quick experts in any discipline and easily convert complex facts and circumstances into strong, clear legal arguments. Prompt turn around and diligent follow up on all matters and details."
"A notable strength of Blakes is that while they are technical experts in their field, their approach to mandates and delivery of legal advice is at all times practical."
"Blakes have significant bench strength in the litigation space, with impressive talent across all years of call. I have never once worried about a file while in their hands."
"You can tell Blakes puts a high priority in client care as everyone is incredibly responsive and they never miss deadlines."
"Blakes have a high ability to handle complex matters in a timely, pragmatic and effective manner. They have subject matter expertise, diversity of knowledge and experienced, skilled advocators."
Notable Practitioners
David Tupper of Blake, Cassels & Graydon offers vast experience representing energy and financial services companies in both commercial litigation and arbitration. His Calgary-based practice also includes additional strength in construction and insurance disputes.
"David is a trusted adviser and a highly experienced lawyer. He understands our business."
"David is highly respected and provides excellent service."
"David has assisted us in a major commercial dispute. I really appreciate his skill and approach. I feel that we have the champion in our corner."
"David is an excellent lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and goes above and beyond for his clients."
Calgary-based Renee Reichelt of Blake, Cassels & Graydon represents clients across the banking and energy industries, advising on commercial litigation arising from shareholder and securities disputes.
"Renee's in-depth understanding of the banking industry is invaluable, and her ability to leverage this experience expertise in delivering strong, practical, and sound legal advice is exceptional."
"Renee has a strong understanding of our operational risk, but also balances it with reputational concerns. She gives us advice that aligns with our corporate interest."
"Renee has been excellent to work with. Her level of professionalism, legal awareness and understanding has proven overwhelming to our counterparts."
"Renee makes client's problems her own problem. She is extremely invested and takes her clients very seriously. Goes above and beyond, in addition to being very skilled."
"Renee is an exceptional litigator, able to tackle extremely complex and sophisticated issues."
Dalton McGrath KC of Blake, Cassels & Graydon's Calgary office regularly advises clients on complicated, high-value litigation and arbitrations, with sources applauding his expertise in trial. He has particular experience acting for energy clients.
"Dalton is insanely smart, tenacious, strategic and understands deeply how to leverage rules, evidence, facts and the law in an ethical manner to the client's advantage."
"Dalton is very passionate and brings a lot of energy."
"Dalton has strong client relationship connections, which are critical when providing legal advice. Visionary advice in the context of commercial factors is a key differentiator that Dalton offers."
Michael Dixon is based in Blake, Cassels & Graydon's Calgary office, where he practices in all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration. He has a particularly focus on oil and gas law, contract disputes, royalty disputes, fraud claims and insurance matters, where he regularly advices both Canadian and international corporate clients.
"Michael is very strong in all aspects of complex litigation. Great commercial and strategic insight."
"Michael is very commercially aware of the various challenges his clients may face and is extremely strong and capable of taking on very complex matters."
"Mike excels at handling complex litigation matters and delivering practical legal advice that helps the client in making the right choices."
"Michael Dixon is a strong lawyer. He is excellent at litigation strategy."
Brendan MacArthur-Stevens is based in the Calgary office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon and specialises in commercial disputes, deal litigation and public law matters. He has experience representing clients across a wide range of industries, including transportation, construction, energy, insurance, procurement and administrative and constitutional law.
"Brendan is extremely diligent and well prepared. He is a great draftsman and a clear communicator."
"I cannot say enough good things about Brendan. He is intelligent, brings a very valuable perspective, and is a delight to work with."
"Brendan is a true rising star who gives very practical advice."
"Brendan is the very definition of a rising star. He is kind, responsive, highly intelligent, experienced, and very persuasive as an advocate."
"Brendan is a skilled lawyer, advocate and trusted adviser. He takes the time to understand our business needs and is efficient in providing a high-quality service."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Alberta
Members
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP