Best Lawyers in Canada for Biotechnology Law

Christian Leblanc is first and foremost a litigator. He has extensive experience with respect to commercial and intellectual property litigation, including class actions and arbitrations. Christian has been appointed as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), one of the most prestigious legal associations in North America. This is a testimony to the highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and collegiality displays with his clients and...

Jennifer Wilkie is a partner in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office, and an active member of the firm’s Patents, Intellectual Property Litigation & Strategy and Life Sciences groups. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the intellectual property field, including over 15 years as a registered patent agent. Her practice has focused primarily on patents, especially patent litigation and patent prosecution, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical and chemical patents. Jennifer regularly acts ...

Peter Pliszka, a senior partner in Fasken’s Litigation Group, is regarded as one of Canada’s leading litigation lawyers. Peter’s practice is focused primarily on product liability, class action, commercial and insurance litigation matters, and it is national in scope. Peter conducts litigation proceedings across Canada and has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and other Canadian provinces as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. Peter is Fasken’s Chair-Life Sci...

Brian Kingwell is a partner in the Vancouver office, practising in the firm's global Intellectual Property and Life Sciences groups. For over 25 years, his practice has focused on patent prosecution, strategic patent portfolio counselling and due diligence in the areas of molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering and medical devices. Brian advises innovative clients across a range of sectors and industries, including health care, biotechnology, agriculture and...

Jeffrey Coles is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Intellectual Property Law. Jeffrey practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey Coles since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jeffrey Coles is held by other lawyers.

With over 30 years’ experience in business law, Mireille Fontaine practices mainly in private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, securities Law and fund formation. She is a seasoned business advisor, recognised for her legal and business acumen, her availability, and her efficiency. She helps her clients achieve and exceed their most ambitious objectives. In addition, Mireille specialized in cross-border transactions namely between Canada and the United States, as well a...

Jay Lefton practices corporate and securities law. Jay advises clients on public and private mergers & acquisitions transactions, private equity matters and public and private financings, as well as assisting with strategic alliances, technology transfer and licensing. He works predominantly in the technology and life sciences sector. Assisting acquirers and target companies and their boards of directors, Jay advises on negotiated transactions and unsolicited takeover bids, most of which ...

Alex Gloor is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Intellectual Property Law. Alex practices law in Ottawa, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Alex Gloor since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Alex Gloor is held by other lawyers.

Christopher Van Barr is among Canada's most experienced and sought-after intellectual property litigators. He has represented some of the world's largest and most innovative companies, such as Bayer, Regeneron, OpenAI, Google, Takeda, as well as institutions such as Canada's National Research Council, in the most complex of high-stakes IP litigation cases. Chris is recognized for his first-chair trial and appeal expertise and strategic foresight. In numerous independent surveys, Chris' client...

Lisa Thorne is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Intellectual Property Law. Lisa practices law in Vancouver, British Columbia Best Lawyers has recognized Lisa Thorne since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lisa Thorne is held by other lawyers.

Lisa Sim practises intellectual property law with a focus on protecting, commercializing, and managing the intellectual assets of her clients. Her practice has a particular emphasis on trademark and patent matters that span a range of industries including health, biotechnology, agriculture and energy. As a registered patent agent, Lisa has significant experience in the preparation and prosecution of patents and assists clients with the strategic design and management of their intellectual pro...

Ingrid VanderElst is co-chair of the Ontario region’s Life Sciences group. Regularly assisting clients in the health products and related service industries, Ingrid advises on regulatory and intellectual property issues. Clients include pharmaceutical, natural health product, medical device, cosmetic and food manufacturers, as well as pharmacy and laboratory services providers and agri-business operators. On the regulatory side, Ingrid has assisted clients with product licensing, establ...

Nikki is a partner in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office where she assists numerous clients with finance, commercial land transactions and general business matters. Nikki has assisted numerous clients with finance, commercial (non-First Nations and First Nations) land transactions and general business matters. This work includes: commercial lending and financing arrangements, including private placements and public offerings; purchase, sale, leasing and development of real property including ...

Jay Zakaïb is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. Jay practices law in Ottawa, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Jay Zakaïb since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jay Zakaïb is held by other lawyers.

Janet Grove is the Canadian head of our life sciences and healthcare sector. Building on her experience and knowledge from years spent in corporate development and legal roles within industry, Janet helps clients in the technology and health sciences sectors – IT, health sciences, telecommunications and clean-tech. She is sought out for her expertise and business approach to structuring and negotiating both merger and acquisition transactions and complex commercial relationships to deve...

Timothy C. Bailey PhD is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Intellectual Property Law. Timothy C. practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Timothy C. Bailey PhD since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Timothy C. Bailey PhD is held by other lawyers.