About

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blakes Tax lawyers are recognized globally as leaders in all areas of tax. We provide practical and thoughtful advice and judgment on all aspects of our clients’ tax matters.

Our transactional Tax practice covers all aspects of corporate income tax. The group works seamlessly with other practice groups across the Firm to plan and execute a wide variety of transactions. Our lawyers have specialized expertise in many sectors and industries, focusing particularly on cross-border transactions, international reorganizations, investment funds, private equity, energy, corporate finance, structured finance, transfer pricing, financial institutions, capital markets transactions, real estate investment trusts and natural resources. A number of our lawyers have practices dedicated exclusively to commodity taxes (harmonized sales tax and other sales taxes), providing our clients with an unmatched level of expertise.

We also have a dedicated team of Tax Controversy & Litigation lawyers. They assist a wide range of public and private clients in resolving tax disputes, including in the course of the audit process, through administrative appeals or negotiated settlements, or in court when necessary.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Tax - Nationwide - Canada
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a top-tier, full-service national law firm with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver. Its prominent tax team is highly sought after for its experience in transactional planning, including a high volume of cross-border M&A work. The firm's diverse offering also features impressive capabilities in transfer pricing and commodity tax, as well as tax controversy and litigation. It has notable expertise across various industry sectors, including energy, infrastructure and transportation, and is also active in the private equity space.

Work Highlights

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydonrepresented Adboss before the Tax Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal in a CAD7 million Excise Tax Act dispute.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Jeffrey C. Trossman
S
Jeffrey C. Trossman
S
Senior Statespeople

Jeffrey Trossman is a seasoned Toronto-based tax lawyer who assists clients with complex and high-value M&A, disputes and tax audits. He continues to be sought out to work on high-profile deals and investments.

Mark Tonkovich
2
Mark Tonkovich
2
Band 2

Toronto-based Mark Tonkovich represents clients in high-profile tax enforcement and litigation files. He has worked on several longstanding disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency.

"Mark Tonkovich tirelessly maintains a full grasp of all nuances and details that can make an important difference in unexpected moments."

"With Mark, we always feel like we have the latest and most complete information about the status and next steps of the matters."

"He is a very client-focused lawyer who grasps complex matters quickly and is able to provide his analysis and recommended approach in a clear and practical way."

Jeffrey Shafer
3
Jeffrey Shafer
3
Band 3

Jeffrey Shafer is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious tax work, advising on transfer pricing and M&A transactions. He operates out of the firm's Toronto office.

"Jeffrey Shafer always cuts straight to the heart of any issue, which helps us navigate our very complex matters."

"He provides exceptional support in the area of cross-border taxation."

"Jeffery is able to apply his wealth of experience to our unique issues."

Paul Stepak
3
Paul Stepak
3
Band 3

Head of the firm's tax group Paul Stepak is particularly well known for advising clients on tax planning and M&A transactions. He is based in Toronto.

"Paul offers strong technical knowledge and practical experience."

"Heis very helpful in all aspects of the service provided."

Andrew Spiro
5
Andrew Spiro
5
Band 5

Andrew Spiro is a respected practitioner who handles a range of tax matters including those arising from transactions.

"Andrew Spirois an expert in his field. He is client-focused and responsive."

"He is a pleasure to work with and he provides a prompt service."

John Leopardi
5
John Leopardi
5
Band 5

John Leopardi advises on the tax aspects of corporate transactions and reorganisations.

"We really appreciated John Leopardi's commercial sensitiveness and expertise."

"His timing is always impeccable, and his ability to navigate through complex issues has been excellent. He is a valuable asset."

"John is responsiveand very dedicated."

Josh Jones
5
Josh Jones
5
Band 5

Josh Jones retains a well-known presence in the Canadian tax market, notably advising clients on Canadian income tax matters, as well as on mandates with cross-border components. He offers further expertise in the tax aspects of acquisitions and corporate restructurings across various industries. Jones is based in the firm's Toronto office.

"Josh has consistently provided great guidance."

"Josh is tremendous to work with. He is responsive, thoughtful, has incredible attention to detail, ensures no stone is uncovered and always protects our best interests."

V. Daniel Jankovic
5
V. Daniel Jankovic
5
Band 5

Daniel Jankovic is an up-and-coming lawyer who often works with clients on the tax aspects of transactions.

"Daniel Jankovic offers excellent client service, is very strong technically and provides pragmatic tax advice."

"He is very helpful and makes himself available to us."

Zvi Halpern-Shavim
Zvi Halpern-Shavim
Spotlight

Zvi Halpern-Shavim is best known for his expertise as it relates to indirect tax.

"Zvi Halpern-Shavim has been exceptional. He is very timely and quick to respond to client requests, and he provides strategic advice."

Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Tax

Jeffrey C. Trossman
S
Jeffrey C. Trossman
S
Senior Statespeople
Jeffrey Shafer
3
Jeffrey Shafer
3
Band 3
Paul Stepak
3
Paul Stepak
3
Band 3
Andrew Spiro
5
Andrew Spiro
5
Band 5
John Leopardi
5
John Leopardi
5
Band 5
Josh Jones
5
Josh Jones
5
Band 5
V. Daniel Jankovic
5
V. Daniel Jankovic
5
Band 5
Tax: Indirect Tax

Zvi Halpern-Shavim
Zvi Halpern-Shavim
Spotlight
Tax: Litigation

Mark Tonkovich
2
Mark Tonkovich
2
Band 2