Environment - Nationwide - Canada
What the Team is Known For
Willms & Shier is a highly regarded environmental law boutique headquartered in Toronto, whose services run the gamut of environmental issues from litigation to transactions and regulatory advice. The law firm's clients include a broad range of municipalities and real estate, transportation and energy companies. Particular areas of strength include advising on the redevelopment of contaminated land, obtaining permits and approvals, waste water treatment and management. The law firm has additional offices in Ottawa, Calgary and Yellowknife.
Strengths
"Willms & Shier provides excellent legal and technical capabilities combined with unsurpassed client relationships and focus."
"The law firm and its lawyers have clearly kept abreast of the changing environment and understand the intricacies of the law."
"The Willms & Shier team has responded to very compressed timelines on a variety of matters."
"They are a great asset to have on our team."
"Willms & Shier offers outstanding awareness and prompt communication and action on key matters."
Notable Practitioners
Marc McAree serves as firm co-managing partner from its Toronto office. He is a highly regarded environmental law specialist who is sought out for his expertise in contentious matters, particularly those related to operational incidents and contamination. He additionally provides counsel on environmental compliance. "Marc McAree provides extremely valued professional legal support." "Marc McAree has been pivotal on a litigation matter."
John Georgakopoulos has a notable profile in the environmental law space, with particular expertise in relation to compliance and due diligence. Another major aspect of his practice involves advising on emissions trading and related issues. He serves as firm co-managing partner.
Julie Abouchar is noted for her handling of major environmental and Aboriginal law issues. She is particularly noted for her expertise in risk management, permitting and compliance. "Given her years of experience as an environmental and Indigenous rights lawyer, Julie Abouchar provides our clients with deep insight and leadership." "She is an outstanding lawyer and I am very satisfied with the overall level of service and knowledge. She handles the complexity of the cases extremely well and is a great communicator and leader." "Julie Abouchar is a pleasure to deal with and knows her stuff." "I and my colleagues have complete confidence in her."
