Litigation: General Commercial
Canada Guide 2025 : British Columbia
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 604 631 3300About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes has one of the most successful litigation and dispute resolution practices in Canada and we are known for our specialization and experience advising on complex issues. We advise on local, national and multi-jurisdictional matters (specifically the U.S.) from our Vancouver office, successfully leveraging the Blakes integrated national litigation platform.
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.
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 is a prestigious national law firm with a strong dispute resolution team in Vancouver. Recognised for its strength in commercial litigation and class action defence, the team offers extensive services to clients in the energy, natural resources and life sciences industries. The department features standout capabilities in securities litigation, shareholder disputes and insolvency proceedings. The team also boasts experience in professional negligence and white-collar crime claims, as well as representing clients in arbitration.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon acted as counsel to Absolute in connection with a petition advanced by Edenbrook Capital for fair value of the shares that it sold, prior to the closing of Absolute's acquisition by Crosspoint Capital Partners.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blakes' experience is apparent. Most of our situations, which were novel to the writer, were not to our counsel and they were able to provide practical, level-headed advice and counsel."
"The Blakes team care about our company and understand the business side of litigation. They always consider the economics of all litigation strategies."
"Blakes are well-rounded and excellent advocates. Out of their strong performance, their written advocacy skills and ability to consider and implement broader litigation strategy set them apart."
"We have multiple files on the go at any time, and in every case, the response to any query is well within even the most pressing need."
"Blakes are consistent, reliable and very focused on details, but also strategic thinkers. They are also a pleasure to work with - a very friendly and inclusive environment."
"Blakes' experience is apparent. Most of our situations, which were novel to the writer, were not to our counsel and they were able to provide practical, level-headed advice and counsel."
"The Blakes team care about our company and understand the business side of litigation. They always consider the economics of all litigation strategies."
"Blakes are well-rounded and excellent advocates. Out of their strong performance, their written advocacy skills and ability to consider and implement broader litigation strategy set them apart."
"We have multiple files on the go at any time, and in every case, the response to any query is well within even the most pressing need."
"Blakes are consistent, reliable and very focused on details, but also strategic thinkers. They are also a pleasure to work with - a very friendly and inclusive environment."
Notable Practitioners
Sean Boyle is highly respected in the BC market for his expert handling of securities matters. With experience covering litigation, class proceedings and regulatory investigations, he regularly acts for a range of financial institutions and public companies.
Alexandra Luchenko is recognised for her impressive work in corporate litigation, covering breaches of contract, professional negligence and intellectual property disputes. She is equally adept at handling shareholder disputes and a broad range of matters concerning breach of fiduciary responsibilities. She is based in Blake, Cassels & Graydon's Vancouver office.
"Alexandra is fantastic."
"Alex is a pleasure to work with. She is a great collaborator with company resources, corporate counsel and cross-border litigators. She is thoughtful regarding the options and approach we have taken."
"Alex is excellent."
Joseph McArthur KC is frequently relied upon by clients from the energy and natural resources and pharmaceutical sectors to handle commercial dispute resolution. He is particularly regarded for his wide-ranging trial experience and offers additional expertise as arbitration counsel. He is based in Blake, Cassels & Graydon's Vancouver office.
"Terrific lawyer."
"Joe has an ability to lead large teams in relation to complex matters and an ability to provide very fast and practical advice."
"Joe McArthur is impressive in every respect. He is pragmatic, strategic and highly sophisticated in his approach to our arbitration matters."
Vancouver-based Laura Cundari has a growing reputation in BC for her representation of clients from the energy, pharmaceutical and infrastructure sectors. She has significant experience in litigating and arbitrating disputes before both federal and provincial courts.
"I would note her professionalism and her ability to build rapport with opposing counsel."
"Laura is good at adjusting strategies when different information comes up."
Peter Rubin is regularly mandated to act in a wide array of commercial disputes, including contractual litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, breach of fiduciary duty claims and allegations of fraud. He is based in Blake, Cassels & Graydon's Vancouver office.
"I have enjoyed excellent rapport with Peter. He provides practical advice and backs it up with sound reasoning."
Roy Millen is a respected Vancouver-based lawyer with a noteworthy practice assisting clients with a range of administrative and regulatory proceedings. He is particularly skilled at handling matters concerning the scope of Indigenous treaty rights.
"Roy is an expert in Aboriginal law. He is very skilled, competent and thoughtful. He is well versed in our nuanced and unique area of law, which is very helpful."
"Roy is very insightful and takes the time to provide us the opportunity to understand and make the right choices."
"Roy is a smart guy and a good writer with knowledge in the public law area."
"Roy is pragmatic, realistic and responsive, and possesses a strong understanding of the factors, including political considerations, that drive the positions we take on issues."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
British Columbia
Members
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP