Aird & Berlis LLP
Global Guide 2024
About
Managing Partner: Steven Zakem
Number of partners: 144
Number of other lawyers: 59
Languages: English, French, Bosnian, Cantonese, Croatian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Vietnamese
Firm Overview:
Aird & Berlis is a leading Canadian law firm, serving clients across Canada and globally. With strong national and international expertise, Aird & Berlis provides strategic legal advice in all principal areas of business law. The firm’s clients range from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations.
Main Areas of Practice:
■ Banking & Finance
■ Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies & ICOs
■ Cannabis
■ Capital Markets
■ Charities & Not-For-Profits
■ Construction
■ Corporate/Commercial
■ Crisis Response & Risk Management
■ Energy
■ Environmental
■ Esports
■ Estates & Trusts
■ Expropriation
■ Financial Services
■ Fintech
■ Gaming
■ Health
■ Indigenous
■ Infrastructure
■ Insolvency & Restructuring
■ Intellectual Property
■ International Transactions
■ Investment Management & Registration
■ Labour & Employment
■ Life Sciences
■ Litigation & Dispute Resolution
■ Mergers & Acquisitions
■ Mines & Minerals
■ Municipal & Land Use Planning
■ Occupational Health & Safety
■ Privacy & Data Security
■ Private Equity
■ Procurement
■ Public Policy & Government Relations
■ Real Estate
■ Sports, Media & Entertainment
■ Tax
■ Technology
■ Telecommunications
■ Transportation
■ Venture Finance
Capital Markets:
Aird & Berlis advises on domestic and international public and private debt and equity financings, rights offerings, take-over bids, stock exchange listings, initial public offerings, securities regulatory compliance, reorganisations, plans of arrangement, M&A and divestiture transactions. The firm’s clients include private and public corporations, family offices and other investors, financial institutions, mutual funds, investment dealers and limited partnerships.
Corporate/Commercial:
Aird & Berlis advises clients on matters ranging from day-to-day commercial issues to complex corporate transactions, including business incorporation, corporate structuring, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, reorganisations, shareholder and partnership agreements, franchising, distributorships, joint ventures, corporate governance, privacy and data security, licensing arrangements and competition.
Energy:
Aird & Berlis advises domestic and international clients on generation, cogeneration, district energy, nuclear, electricity and gas distribution, geothermal and geo-exchange, conservation and demand management, emissions trading, power transmission, smart meters, financing, corporate structures, joint ventures, outsourcing and M&A.
Financial Services:
Aird & Berlis advises on banking, financing, borrowing, insolvency and restructuring transactions of all sizes. The firm works with some of the largest and most prominent financial institutions, including Canada’s Big Five banks, many US banks, several non-traditional lenders and borrowers, as well as companies in financial distress, court-appointed officers, secured and unsecured creditors, bondholders, landlords and liquidators.
Infrastructure:
Aird & Berlis provides innovative advice with respect to the structuring, procurement, financing, refinancing and divestiture of complex infrastructure projects across Canada and internationally, including public-private partnerships. The firm advises a broad range of both public sector and private sector participants.
Intellectual Property:
Aird & Berlis advises clients on acquiring, protecting, enforcing, defending and exploiting their IP rights on a national and international basis. The firm provides a full range of services in IP procurement, litigation, licensing, technology transfer and corporate transactions in connection with all forms of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, trade secrets and domain names.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
Aird & Berlis acts in all forms of dispute resolution — civil lawsuits, class actions, quasi-criminal proceedings, administrative proceedings, appeals, mediation, private arbitrations or other alternative dispute resolution. The firm’s litigators have appeared at all levels of provincial and federal court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Municipal & Land Use Planning:
Aird & Berlis advises landowners, developers, financial institutions, municipalities and various public interest groups on municipal, land use planning and development matters. The firm’s municipal lawyers regularly appear before local and regional councils, land division committees, committees of adjustment, the courts and various tribunals dealing with land use, such as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
Real Estate:
Aird & Berlis represents clients involved in the development, construction and management of office buildings, hotels, residential and commercial condominiums, residential rental projects, retirement homes and shopping centres. The firm’s real estate sector expertise spans new development, land use planning, commercial leasing, real estate enforcement, acquisitions, financing and dispositions.
Tax:
Aird & Berlis is highly regarded on a national and international basis for tax planning, structuring of domestic and international business transactions and resolving tax disputes. The firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, reorganisations, income trusts, mutual and hedge funds, private equity formation and structuring, partnerships, joint ventures, derivatives, executive compensation and relocation, foreign affiliate transactions, foreign investment entities, cross-border loans, transfer pricing and tax controversy.
Workplace:
Aird & Berlis advises employers on workplace law matters, including wrongful and constructive dismissals, employment contracts, accommodation, compensation and benefits, harassment, privacy, human rights, restructurings, collective bargaining, strikes and lockouts and occupational health and safety issues.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP
- TorontoBrookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Box 754, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, ON M5J 2T9
- Web: www.airdberlis.com
- Tel: +1 416 863 1500
- Fax: +1 416 863 1515
- View ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
112 items provided by Aird & Berlis LLP
To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate: The Employer’s Dilemma
There is currently no legislation which requires mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, and we do not anticipate such legislation to arise. Case law is similarly difficult to glean an answer from, as the topic of mandatory vaccination has yielded mixed results.
2021 Business Planning for Young Leaders: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Year: On-Demand Webinar
Join our esteemed panel of young leaders for a virtual event and gain insight into where the finance, technology, philanthropy and legal industries are headed and how to plan for a successful year in 2021.
Examination and Discussion of the Duty of Honesty in Contractual Performance: On-Demand Webinar
Join our panel of experts as they examine and discuss the duty of honesty in contractual performance as it pertains to C.M. Callow Inc. v. Zollinger. Gain insight into what warrants a breach of honest contractual performance and how to comply with these regulations.
Minimizing Taxes on a Wealth Transfer & Ensuring Liquidity - Complimentary Online Session
Friday, March 19, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Complimentary Video Interview with Dr. Hadiya Roderique, Author, "Black on Bay Street"
Join Aird & Berlis associate David Mba as he poses questions related to Dr. Roderique's career, Black inclusion in the legal sector and ways to foster positive changes.
Dasha Peregoudova to Serve as Team Canada’s Ombudsperson for the 2020 Olympic Games
Dasha will provide counsel to members of Team Canada during the Games to help them resolve issues and disputes so that they can focus on their sport and perform to their full ability. Should the need arise, Dasha will represent Team Canada members at hearings before various authorities.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Partner Matthew Hibbert
Matthew advises a range of public and private companies, including startups, in various regulated industries. He has a strong background in the food and beverage sector, including specialized expertise in alcohol regulatory matters.
Ontario Proposes Significant Changes to the Expropriations Act in Bill 245
Ontario has proposed new legislation which will introduce amendments to the Expropriations Act respecting hearings of necessity, the board of negotiation and statutory interest rates. The changes represent some of the most significant changes to the Ontario Expropriations Act in the past 25 years.
Are You Prepared for the Changes Coming to Ontario’s Corporate Law Requirements?
Two major changes are coming to Ontario’s corporate law landscape: removal of the Canadian residency requirement for directors; and simplifying the shareholder resolution approval process for private corporations.
What You Should Know When Exercising Discretionary Power at Contract
Exercising discretion in good faith does not require one party to subordinate its interest to another party. Commercial parties can take comfort that they should be able to avoid liability by exercising discretion in accordance with the underlying purpose of contract.
The 411 on File Wrapper Estoppel in Canada
Canada now has file wrapper estoppel and the courts are actively figuring out the bounds of how far that goes.
Here Are Six Important Securities Litigation Cases from 2020 That You Need to Read
From securities class actions to enforcement of sanctions, we hand-picked five cases from Ontario and British Columbia, plus one U.S. decision, which together highlight some key securities litigation developments in 2020.
OEB to Continue Its Responding to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Consultation
On December 16, 2020 and January 18, 2021, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued letters about the publication of expert reports from London Economics Inc LLC (LEI) and ICF on the future of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) projects in Ontario.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Five New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Aaron Bains, Danny Kharazmi, Josh Kumar, David Neligan and Kenneth Pimentel have become partners of the firm.
Five Key 2020 Decisions for Businesses
Despite the pandemic defining much of 2020, five key decisions were released last year of lasting impact to businesses and commercial dealings.
New Reporting Requirements for Trusts
Are you a settlor, trustee, beneficiary or protector of a Canadian trust? If so, you need to be aware of changes to the Income Tax Act that have the following important requirements, expected to be put into effect for the current fiscal year
Determining EBITDA in a Time of COVID-19
As entities look to report on the past year, it’s worth considering how we calculate the impact of the pandemic on earnings. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) is the most commonly used stand-in for earnings and can be found in a wide array of agreements.
Subversive Capital Closes Largest Cannabis SPAC in History
TPCO Holding Corp. (“The Parent Company”), formerly known as Subversive Capital Acquisition Corp., completed its qualifying transaction to acquire Caliva and Left Coast Ventures, with global icon and entrepreneur Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Roc Nation.
The Collingwood Judicial Inquiry: Lessons for Ontario’s Electric Utilities
The Collingwood judicial inquiry published its report, entitled “Transparency and the Public Trust: Report of the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry,” on November 2, 2020. It contains 306 recommendations relating to best practices in corporate governance and municipal governance.
A Look Back at Our Top Energy Stories From 2020
Changes to electricity rates in Ontario, environmental initiatives, the expansion of natural gas to communities across Ontario, energy storage, the Trans Mountain pipeline and the Ontario Energy Board’s new governance structure were a few of the top stories we covered at EnergyInsider.ca in 2020.
What’s New at Tarion Commencing February 1, 2021
There are a number of changes to Tarion’s structure, processes and documentation commencing February 1, 2021 that require the attention of developers as new documentation will be required to be used for new sales and project launches.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Five New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Aaron Bains, Danny Kharazmi, Josh Kumar, David Neligan and Kenneth Pimentel have become partners of the firm.
The Swiss Shield: A Trademark Registration Is a Defence to Damages Even if Later Invalidated
In the Federal Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Group III International Ltd. v. Travelway Group International Ltd., 2020 FCA 210, it was held that a trademark registration was an absolute defence to damages or profits during the period of registration.
The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
On December 16, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources the Honourable Seamus O’Regan announced the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. Canada will be leveraging its position as one of the world’s top hydrogen producers to stimulate the Canadian economy and reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Ontario Energy Board Looking to Simplify Rate Applications for Smaller Distributors
On December 17, 2020, the OEB issued a letter inviting “smaller electricity distributors” to participate in a meeting to identify opportunities to improve regulatory efficiency for their rate applications.
OEB Approves Pipeline Route Realignment on Motion to Review and Vary
On March 12, 2020, the Ontario Energy Board approved construction by Imperial Oil Limited of a pipeline for the transportation of refined petroleum products from a facility in Hamilton to a facility in Toronto.
OEB Approves Recovery of Foregone Revenue by Electricity Transmitters
The OEB issued its decision approving 2021 UTRs on December 17, 2020. In the 2021 UTR decision, the OEB addressed recovery of foregone revenue recorded by transmitters in accordance with its July 2020 decision.
Ron Clark Comments on the Ontario Generation Contract Review Report
The Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines issued a directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in November 2019 to review existing generation contracts and identify changes that might result in cost savings.
OEB Releases Report on Potential Projects to Expand Access to Natural Gas Distribution
The Ontario Energy Board has released its Report to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and to the Associate Minister of Energy on Potential Projects to Expand Access to Natural Gas Distribution.
Inclusionary Zoning – What Does It Mean for My Development Project?
The City of Toronto has released details of its proposed inclusionary zoning framework. At its September 22, 2020 meeting, the Planning and Housing Committee endorsed a draft official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment to implement inclusionary zoning as a basis for public consultation.
To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate: The Employer’s Dilemma
There is currently no legislation which requires mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, and we do not anticipate such legislation to arise. Case law is similarly difficult to glean an answer from, as the topic of mandatory vaccination has yielded mixed results.
2021 Business Planning for Young Leaders: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Year: On-Demand Webinar
Join our esteemed panel of young leaders for a virtual event and gain insight into where the finance, technology, philanthropy and legal industries are headed and how to plan for a successful year in 2021.
Examination and Discussion of the Duty of Honesty in Contractual Performance: On-Demand Webinar
Join our panel of experts as they examine and discuss the duty of honesty in contractual performance as it pertains to C.M. Callow Inc. v. Zollinger. Gain insight into what warrants a breach of honest contractual performance and how to comply with these regulations.
Minimizing Taxes on a Wealth Transfer & Ensuring Liquidity - Complimentary Online Session
Friday, March 19, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Complimentary Video Interview with Dr. Hadiya Roderique, Author, "Black on Bay Street"
Join Aird & Berlis associate David Mba as he poses questions related to Dr. Roderique's career, Black inclusion in the legal sector and ways to foster positive changes.
Dasha Peregoudova to Serve as Team Canada’s Ombudsperson for the 2020 Olympic Games
Dasha will provide counsel to members of Team Canada during the Games to help them resolve issues and disputes so that they can focus on their sport and perform to their full ability. Should the need arise, Dasha will represent Team Canada members at hearings before various authorities.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Partner Matthew Hibbert
Matthew advises a range of public and private companies, including startups, in various regulated industries. He has a strong background in the food and beverage sector, including specialized expertise in alcohol regulatory matters.
Ontario Proposes Significant Changes to the Expropriations Act in Bill 245
Ontario has proposed new legislation which will introduce amendments to the Expropriations Act respecting hearings of necessity, the board of negotiation and statutory interest rates. The changes represent some of the most significant changes to the Ontario Expropriations Act in the past 25 years.
Are You Prepared for the Changes Coming to Ontario’s Corporate Law Requirements?
Two major changes are coming to Ontario’s corporate law landscape: removal of the Canadian residency requirement for directors; and simplifying the shareholder resolution approval process for private corporations.
What You Should Know When Exercising Discretionary Power at Contract
Exercising discretion in good faith does not require one party to subordinate its interest to another party. Commercial parties can take comfort that they should be able to avoid liability by exercising discretion in accordance with the underlying purpose of contract.
The 411 on File Wrapper Estoppel in Canada
Canada now has file wrapper estoppel and the courts are actively figuring out the bounds of how far that goes.
Here Are Six Important Securities Litigation Cases from 2020 That You Need to Read
From securities class actions to enforcement of sanctions, we hand-picked five cases from Ontario and British Columbia, plus one U.S. decision, which together highlight some key securities litigation developments in 2020.
OEB to Continue Its Responding to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Consultation
On December 16, 2020 and January 18, 2021, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued letters about the publication of expert reports from London Economics Inc LLC (LEI) and ICF on the future of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) projects in Ontario.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Five New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Aaron Bains, Danny Kharazmi, Josh Kumar, David Neligan and Kenneth Pimentel have become partners of the firm.
Five Key 2020 Decisions for Businesses
Despite the pandemic defining much of 2020, five key decisions were released last year of lasting impact to businesses and commercial dealings.
New Reporting Requirements for Trusts
Are you a settlor, trustee, beneficiary or protector of a Canadian trust? If so, you need to be aware of changes to the Income Tax Act that have the following important requirements, expected to be put into effect for the current fiscal year
Determining EBITDA in a Time of COVID-19
As entities look to report on the past year, it’s worth considering how we calculate the impact of the pandemic on earnings. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) is the most commonly used stand-in for earnings and can be found in a wide array of agreements.
Subversive Capital Closes Largest Cannabis SPAC in History
TPCO Holding Corp. (“The Parent Company”), formerly known as Subversive Capital Acquisition Corp., completed its qualifying transaction to acquire Caliva and Left Coast Ventures, with global icon and entrepreneur Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Roc Nation.
The Collingwood Judicial Inquiry: Lessons for Ontario’s Electric Utilities
The Collingwood judicial inquiry published its report, entitled “Transparency and the Public Trust: Report of the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry,” on November 2, 2020. It contains 306 recommendations relating to best practices in corporate governance and municipal governance.
A Look Back at Our Top Energy Stories From 2020
Changes to electricity rates in Ontario, environmental initiatives, the expansion of natural gas to communities across Ontario, energy storage, the Trans Mountain pipeline and the Ontario Energy Board’s new governance structure were a few of the top stories we covered at EnergyInsider.ca in 2020.
What’s New at Tarion Commencing February 1, 2021
There are a number of changes to Tarion’s structure, processes and documentation commencing February 1, 2021 that require the attention of developers as new documentation will be required to be used for new sales and project launches.
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Five New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Aaron Bains, Danny Kharazmi, Josh Kumar, David Neligan and Kenneth Pimentel have become partners of the firm.
The Swiss Shield: A Trademark Registration Is a Defence to Damages Even if Later Invalidated
In the Federal Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Group III International Ltd. v. Travelway Group International Ltd., 2020 FCA 210, it was held that a trademark registration was an absolute defence to damages or profits during the period of registration.
The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
On December 16, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources the Honourable Seamus O’Regan announced the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. Canada will be leveraging its position as one of the world’s top hydrogen producers to stimulate the Canadian economy and reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Ontario Energy Board Looking to Simplify Rate Applications for Smaller Distributors
On December 17, 2020, the OEB issued a letter inviting “smaller electricity distributors” to participate in a meeting to identify opportunities to improve regulatory efficiency for their rate applications.
OEB Approves Pipeline Route Realignment on Motion to Review and Vary
On March 12, 2020, the Ontario Energy Board approved construction by Imperial Oil Limited of a pipeline for the transportation of refined petroleum products from a facility in Hamilton to a facility in Toronto.
OEB Approves Recovery of Foregone Revenue by Electricity Transmitters
The OEB issued its decision approving 2021 UTRs on December 17, 2020. In the 2021 UTR decision, the OEB addressed recovery of foregone revenue recorded by transmitters in accordance with its July 2020 decision.
Ron Clark Comments on the Ontario Generation Contract Review Report
The Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines issued a directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in November 2019 to review existing generation contracts and identify changes that might result in cost savings.
OEB Releases Report on Potential Projects to Expand Access to Natural Gas Distribution
The Ontario Energy Board has released its Report to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and to the Associate Minister of Energy on Potential Projects to Expand Access to Natural Gas Distribution.
Inclusionary Zoning – What Does It Mean for My Development Project?
The City of Toronto has released details of its proposed inclusionary zoning framework. At its September 22, 2020 meeting, the Planning and Housing Committee endorsed a draft official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment to implement inclusionary zoning as a basis for public consultation.