Charities/Non-profits
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
About
Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Charities and not-for-profits grapple with multifaceted legal issues in today's intricate regulatory environment. To successfully navigate these challenges, organizations seek advisors who comprehend their unique operations and possess specialized legal expertise to facilitate their goals while managing risks.
These entities encounter legal considerations spanning various areas, including corporate, governance, tax, labor, employment, intellectual property, and real estate.
Our team possesses an in-depth understanding of the regulatory framework governing charities and not-for-profits. We are well-versed in the opportunities and challenges that charitable organizations face, bolstered by extensive experience from both business and volunteer perspectives. A substantial portfolio of charitable and not-for-profit clients relies on us for comprehensive business and legal counsel, which includes guidance on the latest laws and industry best practices.
Furthermore, several team members actively contribute to the sector's advancement, holding leadership roles within industry and trade associations. They also serve on the boards of charitable organizations, such as hospitals, universities, and colleges, solidifying our commitment to this sector's unique needs and objectives.
Chambers Review
Borden Ladner Gervais is a well-known full-service law firm with an esteemed and multidisciplinary charities and not-for-profit law group. With substantial experience advising national and international charities and non-profits, the team handles a variety of matters, including integration transactions and governance issues. The law firm is also highly regarded for its strength in charity tax and employment matters, and often acts for prominent clients in the healthcare, arts and culture, and education sectors. Its key lawyers in this area are based in Toronto and Ottawa.
Work Highlights
- BLG acted for University Health Network on its merger with West Park Healthcare Centre, under the terms of Canada's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"We rely on BLG because of their expertise, deep understanding of our services, instant availability and prompt and appropriate advice."
"I am always amazed at how quickly they can provide sound advice."
"The quality of their work as well as their effort and engagement in negotiations is exceptional. Their counsel provides clarity, depth of knowledge and insight."
"Initial enquiries are responded to within 24 hours and all deliverables are met as promised. It is very appreciated how responsive they have been. Follow-up and follow-through are never an issue."
"BLG continues to demonstrate a strong ability to navigate complex matters in ways that meet our needs."
"We rely on BLG because of their expertise, deep understanding of our services, instant availability and prompt and appropriate advice."
"I am always amazed at how quickly they can provide sound advice."
"The quality of their work as well as their effort and engagement in negotiations is exceptional. Their counsel provides clarity, depth of knowledge and insight."
"Initial enquiries are responded to within 24 hours and all deliverables are met as promised. It is very appreciated how responsive they have been. Follow-up and follow-through are never an issue."
"BLG continues to demonstrate a strong ability to navigate complex matters in ways that meet our needs."
Notable Practitioners
Victoria Prince is a recognised leader in the charities market, rated highly for her support on corporate governance matters. Based in Toronto, she co-heads BLG's national charities and not-for-profit practice group.
"Victoria is a caring and highly professional lawyer who understands the sector, our needs and issues, and truly cares about what we do."
"Her ability to synthesise complex matters into easily understandable solutions is a strength. I appreciate her candour, practical advice and service."
"From the first time we met Victoria we were impressed by her flair, authority and knowledge."
"Victoria is excellent. She can work with all levels of our organisation. She provides great advice and delivers dry subjects with great humour."
"Victoria has a deep level of knowledge and understanding of the not-for-profit sector in general and of our organisation specifically. She is a key component of our governance team."
Nick Pasquino adeptly advises charities and non-profit organisations on corporate and commercial matters, with particular expertise in governance issues. Based in Toronto, he dedicates a significant portion of his practice to servicing clients in the healthcare sector.
"He is very patient and expresses complicated matters in very simple terms."
"Nick is a very good lawyer."
Ryma Nasrallah advises a range of charities and non-profit organisations, including education institutions and healthcare support groups. Based in Ottawa, she provides support on tax and corporate matters.
"She simplifies the issues to meet our needs and obligations, and is thorough and highly knowledgeable of the various financial rules and legislation that govern our charity."
"She is excellent and provides good guidance on the matters we work with her on."
"Besides the short communication lines and swift responses, it is simply a pleasure working with Ryma."
Katherine Carre proficiently advises charities and not-for-profit organisations on governance, compliance and legislative matters. She operates from BLG's Toronto office.
"Katherine has always provided quality work and is very responsive."
"Ms Carre shares her great expertise and clearly guides us in the direction that we need to take."
"She is our go-to for all things governance-related, providing policy advice and interpreting the multiple pieces of legislation that govern our operation."
"She is responsive, understands deadlines and our sometimes short turnaround times, and most importantly looks for simple answers to the multiple board questions that arise."
Ranked Lawyers at
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Brennan Carroll
Ruth Spetz
Sara Bird
Sean Muggah