Information Technology
Global Guide 2024 : Canada
Band 1
Contact number
+1 403 260 7000About
Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler is the counsel of choice for complex, sophisticated technology and outsourcing transactions, including important business functions which have technology at their core, such as payment systems, customer and sales data collection, loyalty card programs, logistics and supply chain management. Osler is at the forefront of the law as it applies to new and emerging developments in technology such as AI, IoT, blockchain, data science and robotics. Osler’s technology team combines practitioners with subject-matter expertise and industry knowledge relevant both to vendors and purchasers of technology-related products and services. Areas of specialization include IT contracting, outsourcing and complex service arrangements, privacy and corporate/commercial.
Chambers Review
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt is well respected for its ability to handle an impressive range of technology mandates, with notable strength in privacy law, various data matters and cloud computing. Its technology team advises both national and international clients on sophisticated transactional matters, including large outsourcing deals. The lawyers stand out for their work on behalf of financial institutions and emerging companies. The firm is also knowledgeable on public policy issues and initiatives regarding the technology sector and innovation, particularly procurement modernisation. Its varied client roster extends to organisations from the healthcare, retail and technology sectors.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are the best of the best. I find niche experts that other firms have a hard time developing."
"Osler is top tier in terms of full-service expertise. That says pretty much everything - the lawyers are able to carry the drafting, negotiation and advice on our strategic and critical agreements. Osler has been engaged for our most high-risk, high-value, critical engagements for that reason."
"Osler has significant breadth and internal depth to facilitate the most complicated matters. Tech matters have nuanced differences that are constantly changing, and the firm clearly monitors those dynamics."
"Osler has a broad range of expertise and understands our business well. The team advises on some of our most complex files."
"Our lawyers at Osler are the top of their field; they handle complex and sophisticated matters with professionalism."
"They are the best of the best. I find niche experts that other firms have a hard time developing."
"Osler is top tier in terms of full-service expertise. That says pretty much everything - the lawyers are able to carry the drafting, negotiation and advice on our strategic and critical agreements. Osler has been engaged for our most high-risk, high-value, critical engagements for that reason."
"Osler has significant breadth and internal depth to facilitate the most complicated matters. Tech matters have nuanced differences that are constantly changing, and the firm clearly monitors those dynamics."
"Osler has a broad range of expertise and understands our business well. The team advises on some of our most complex files."
"Our lawyers at Osler are the top of their field; they handle complex and sophisticated matters with professionalism."
Notable Practitioners
Wendy Gross is renowned for her representation of leading Canadian financial institutions in a range of matters, including the negotiation of master services, licence and programme agreements. Based in Toronto, she is the chair of the firm's commercial technology transactions team.
"Wendy has a well-earned reputation for being one of the best technology lawyers in Canada. Just getting her in the room can shift the table in our favour. We have leveraged her deep market expertise to take principled stands in negotiations."
"Wendy’s particular knowledge of the industry is unmatched. Her thoughtful, practical advice is very helpful."
Michael Fekete's practice sees him engaged by leading tech companies on matters involving IT procurement, as well as on public policy questions regarding data and AI. He is also experienced in advising on issues relating to outsourcing.
"Michael provides fantastic client management. He provides us with excellent service and brings in other experts from the firm who are great to work with. Mike understands our business and provides us with proactive advice that is practical and helps us to stay ahead of legal developments."
Simon Hodgett assists growth-stage and established tech companies with commercial transactions, such as procurement and outsourcing agreements. Based in Toronto, he also has a deep understanding of AI and fintech matters.
"Simon is a skilled, talented lawyer who is communicative, diplomatic and tolerant of high-maintenance clients. He demonstrates incredible practical business acumen."
"Simon is very legally and technologically sophisticated and can explain things in clear terms. He is a pleasure to work with."
"He is commercially practical, knowledgeable of the law and an effective negotiator."
Toronto-based Ted Liu has experience negotiating on behalf of leading Canadian banks in commercial agreements involving a variety of technology-related matters including outsourcing and strategic master services agreements.
"Ted is extremely hard-working, with a comprehensive understanding of technology, Ted is an expert at converting descriptions of business needs into legal commitments and translating between technical and legal language."
"He is knowledgeable and up to date on commercial issues, and is able to navigate those around unique government requirements. He is always quick to respond to urgent issues and general communication."
Ranked Lawyers at
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Canada