Restructuring/Insolvency - Canada
What the team is known for
Gowling WLG provides comprehensive restructuring and insolvency expertise across its Canadian offices, including substantial insolvency litigation capabilities. The group fields a strong national practice, with significant strength in Toronto complemented by its Calgary, Montréal and Vancouver offices, and has notable cross-border experience handling mandates that concern the US Bankruptcy Code. The team advises debtors, receivers and court-appointed monitors on bankruptcies and receiverships across various industries, including oil and gas, retail, agriculture and financial services. It also regularly acts as counsel to several major Canadian banks.
Strengths
"Gowlings has an excellent restructuring group with a variety of highly skilled practitioners."
"It is a knowledgeable and experienced team."
Work highlights
Gowling represented Ernst & Young in its capacity as monitor of Old Steelco.
Notable practitioners
Clifton Prophet heads the firm's financial institutions litigation group. He has a broad range of experience in major insolvency proceedings. "His deep knowledge and experience with insolvency and restructuring litigation makes him a key member of the team." "Clifton is an extremely capable litigator and a strong advocate in court. He has an excellent command of the subject matter."
Toronto-based Virginie Gauthier has a broad practice which includes offering advice to information officers, debtors and financial institutions on an array of high-stakes insolvency matters. "Virginie is an exceptional adviser with wide experience. She is both practical and innovative." "She is very highly respected in the industry and she is extremely pragmatic."
David Cohen has a financial sector focus, leading the financial institutions and services practice within Gowling WLG, and regularly acts for lenders on restructuring and insolvency matters. "David is practical, business-minded and very solutions-focused."
Thomas Cumming leads the Gowling WLG restructuring and insolvency group in Calgary. He assists creditors and debtors, among others, with CCAA proceedings. "Thomas is technically strong and has an excellent grasp of the concepts. He is also detail-oriented."
