Find Lawyers in Canada for Securities Law
Practice Area Overview
Generally, in each Canadian jurisdiction, a distribution of securities must be qualified by a prospectus that is filed with and cleared by the relevant securities regulatory authority unless an exemption from this requirement is available. In addition, securities legislation in the various Canadian jurisdictions deems certain trades in securities that were previously acquired under an exemption from the prospectus requirements, called "first trades," to be distributions. Securities of an issuer that is a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws (that is, an issuer that is subject to periodic reporting requirements) and that were acquired under an exemption from the prospectus requirements are generally freely tradable, depending on the exemption relied upon, after a four-month hold period. The most regularly relied upon exemption from the prospectus requirements is the accredited investor exemption (permits certain qualified investors, including institutional investors and persons or companies that meet income or asset tests, to acquire securities on a prospectus-exempt basis).
Lawyers in this area must have a comprehensive understanding of the provincial securities laws administered by the applicable provincial regulatory authority, as well as the rules and policies of the national securities exchanges and IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, which is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada). An important aspect of the practice is advising issuers and other market participants as to which information about the issuer and the securities being offered is "material" and therefore requires disclosure in offering materials or other disclosure documents.
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Gesta Abols’ practice is focused on mergers & acquisitions (including private equity), strategic investments, corporate governance and shareholder activism. Gesta provides expert legal advice, superior service and structure to bring clarity to complex challenges. Gesta is the Co-Leader of the firm’s US Practice and on the executive of the firm’s Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions (CM and M&A) Committee. Gesta is consistently recognized as a leader in the ...
Owais is a partner with Harper Grey practising in the areas of securities litigation and regulation. Owais has successfully represented clients in securities litigation and commercial litigation disputes including those involving shareholders, regulatory matters involving the Ontario Securities Commission, IIROC and the TSX, and securities class actions. He has also defended clients against allegations of white collar crime. Prior to joining Harper Grey, Owais practiced at a leading securitie...
Daniel Allen is a partner in the Vancouver office of Gowling WLG. His practice focuses on public and private offerings of securities, mergers and acquisitions and advising on securities regulatory requirements. In addition to transaction related work, Daniel provides ongoing advice on securities and business law matters to public and private corporations and individuals. He acts as counsel to numerous mining companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange. He provi...
Rod Anderson's practice focuses on securities related litigation. For many years, Rod has been recognized by Best Lawyers®, Benchmark Canada and Lexpert® as a leading securities litigation lawyer. He has also been recognized as a leading US/Canada Cross-Border litigation lawyer in securities by Lexpert® since 2013. Rod's client base includes brokers, brokerage firms, executives, professionals, directors and officers of private and public companies, shareholders and other business ...
Marcus Archer focuses on public and private debt and equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, reorganizations and purchases and sales of businesses and assets, acting for corporations, private equity, investment banks and creditors. He also assists clients with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, continuous disclosure and general corporate matters. Mr. Archer is a director or corporate secretary of a number of public and private corporations. Mr. Archer joined our...
Crispin is a member of the firm’s Business Law, Corporate Finance & Securities, Energy and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups. His practice is focused on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate reorganizations. He has extensive experience in corporate finance and securities transactions, including public and private share and debt financings, initial public offerings, business combinations and stock exchange listings. Additionally, Crispin has acted as coun...
With 19 years of experience in corporate finance and securities law, Angela is sought out for her ability to efficiently manage complex, time-sensitive transactions and provide pragmatic advice to executives and boards on compliance, governance and risk management issues. As an experienced securities lawyer, Angela advises domestic and international companies across industries in connection with strategic M&A, stock exchange listings, compliance, joint ventures, financings, corporate gove...
Donald Belovich is a partner in the Capital Markets, Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups and Co-Head of the Cannabis Group. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, public financings and complex corporate reorganizations. Donald also acts as counsel to issuers and underwriters in connection with initial public offerings and other public offerings and private placements. He regularly advises issuers, boards of directors and special committees on the structuring of M&A...
Steven Bennett is a partner and Co-Head of the Mining Group. He is also a member of the Corporate, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Groups and the firm's Emissions Trading & Climate Change practice. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities, private equity transactions, and general corporate and commercial law. Steven has significant experience representing domestic and international clients in inter-jurisdictional tra...
Jean Bertrand focuses on commercial and corporate litigation, including class actions and arbitration, and on administrative law, with emphasis on regulated activity such as competition, transportation, international trade and energy. He has appeared frequently before Quebec and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as before regulatory boards such as the Commission des transports du Québec, the Régie de l’énergie, the Competition Tribunal, ...
Pierre Bienvenu, Ad. E. is a disputes lawyer with more than 35 years' experience in international commercial arbitration, corporate and commercial litigation, and constitutional law. He has acted as counsel or served as arbitrator in international arbitrations involving disputes in energy, transportation, telecommunications, mergers and acquisitions, construction, pharmaceuticals, international distribution and joint ventures, and foreign investment. A former co-chair of the IBA’s Arbit...
Joel Binder is a partner in the Corporate Group with a broad corporate/securities practice. Joel is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading corporate lawyers and has been ranked in the areas of M&A, private equity, capital markets and securities, and corporate law by The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada , The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory , Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A , International Financial Law Review’s IFLR1000 and...
William Braithwaite is senior counsel at the firm and was Chair of the firm from 2012 to 2018. He previously served on the firm’s Partnership Board and Executive Committee, and is the former Head of the Corporate Group in the Toronto office. Bill practises primarily in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. In addition to acting on some of the most significant cross border merger transactions, he has acted as counsel to major Canadian corporations, boards of directors, and inst...
René Branchaud, partner and chairman of the board of directors of the firm, practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. His services are in demand with European entrepreneurs and investors, primarily in France, wi...
Stuart practises corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on corporate finance and securities and mergers and acquisitions. Stuart has acted for domestic and international companies in a wide variety of transactions including equity and debt financings, business combinations, acquisitions and stock exchange listings. He also advises clients on corporate and securities regulatory compliance issues and corporate governance matters. Stuart has extensive experience acting for clients involv...
Robert Brush is recognized as one of Canada’s leading securities and corporate commercial litigation lawyers. In addition to being recognized as Securities Litigation Lawyer of the Year for 2020 by Benchmark Litigation , Robert has been recognized by Lexpert as one of the Top 500 Lawyers in Canada and has been featured in the Lexpert Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a leading corporate commercial litigator by Best Lawyers in Ca...
David Byers is senior counsel and former Co-Chair of the National Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. David is highly experienced in complex commercial litigation, including product liability, securities, insolvency and insurance, as well as in domestic and international arbitration. David has extensive advocacy experience appearing before both the Trial and Appellate levels of courts in Ontario. His representations reflect a practice of extraordinary depth and scope, including acting ...
Nadia Campion's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation including shareholder oppression applications, D&O liability, estates matters, class actions and professional liability. Nadia also has an active land development and real estate litigation practice. Nadia has extensive trial experience and appears regularly before the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal and various regulatory and administration tribunals. She also has expertise in Toronto Commercial List pro...
Brian is a strategic advisor for his clients. He focuses on facilitating opportunities and solving problems on their behalf by combining his legal experience, business background and negotiation skills with diligence and common sense. He has extensive experience in assisting both public and private clients, with a special emphasis on established/emerging entrepreneurs. Brian works closely with his clients in Western Canada and beyond in a variety of matters, including acquiring and selling bu...
Robert Carelli is a partner, Head of the Montréal office’s Corporate Group and a member of the firm’s Partnership Board. Named as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2020 by Canadian Lawyer , Robert has over 20 years of extensive experience focused primarily in the areas of securities, capital markets, public and private mergers & acquisitions and corporate governance. He advises issuers and underwriters on public offerings and private placements, b...
Jean-Pierre is responsible for the Québec Region Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions practice group. He practises business law and helps clients achieve their strategic and commercial objectives. Jean-Pierre specializes in securities and financing, mergers and acquisitions, governance, structured products and commercial transactions. Jean-Pierre advises companies and investment banks in capital market and private financing transactions, vendors, acquirers and special committees i...
Keith Chatwin is head of the Corporate Group in Calgary. His practice involves a broad array of securities and general corporate transactions, ranging from public and private debt and equity financing to mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and recapitalizations, and shareholder activism and defense. Keith has acted in respect of a number of contested and uncontested take-over situations, as well as a number of corporate and intercorporate arrangements, including reverse take-ove...
Eugene is a trusted advisor to a number of public and private companies. His practice focuses on the areas of securities, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. As head of McLeod Law's Securities & Capital Markets group, Eugene has extensive experience advising companies on initial public offerings, private placement financings, corporate governance matters, securities reporting, and general regulatory compliance issues, private equity funds, purchase and sale transactions, limi...
John Ciardullo is the Managing Partner of the Toronto office where he is responsible for overseeing management, strategic direction and client service. He is also a member of the Partnership Board, Executive Committee, Management Committee and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. He is the former Head of the Corporate Department and the Capital Markets and Public Mergers & Acquisitions Groups. John has expertise in a broad range of corporate transactions and has led some of Ca...
Mr. Clemens has practised as counsel in the field of civil litigation and administrative law since being called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1976. His practice has included appearances in all of the Superior Courts of British Columbia and the Supreme Court of Canada and before arbitration panels involving shareholders and partnership disputes, professional negligence claims, real estate, employment, securities, banking, insurance and maritime litigation. Mr. Clemens is experienced in adm...
Tracey Cohen, KC is a leading commercial litigation and dispute resolution Partner in the Vancouver office. Tracey has been recognized for expertise in Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation and International and Commercial Arbitration and has repeatedly been recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 female litigators. Tracey was appointed as King’s Counsel in 2015 and was admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in March 2019. Tracey has been n...
Vanessa Coiteux is a partner in the Corporate Group. Her practice focuses on securities, public and private mergers & acquisitions and corporate financing. She frequently advises issuers and underwriters in connection with public and private offerings in Canada and abroad, as well as TSX-listed securities issuers on regulatory compliance, corporate governance and continuous disclosure requirements matters. Vanessa specializes in cybersecurity and advises public and private companies on le...
Leland Corbett is a partner in the Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets Groups. His practice focuses on the corporate-commercial area and he frequently acts in public and private financing and other capital markets transactions, including corporate and investment banking transactions, share and asset acquisitions and dispositions, securities transactions and other merger and acquisition activity. Leland has been senior counsel in many large and complex corpora...
Geoff Cowper, KC is a leading general litigator and a leader of the Firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution group. Geoff has served as counsel in leading private and public cases in Canada and internationally. These have included leading decisions with national and international dimensions respecting commercial law, public law and human rights.
Alistair Crawley is a founding partner of Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP and is one of Canada’s leading securities and corporate commercial litigation lawyers. Alistair’s practice includes all aspects of litigation and advice involving the capital markets and the securities industry, including investigations and enforcement hearings, contested corporate transactions and investment loss claims. Alistair has argued some of Canada’s most significant securities law cases, including t...
Pierre Dagenais has extensive corporate and securities law experience, with particular emphasis on public M&A and corporate finance. He has acted as counsel in many M&A transactions, including take-over bids and statutory arrangements. He has been involved in a number of IPOs and other corporate finance transactions (including those with a cross-border component) for issuers, underwriters and investors. Pierre has been a leader in ESG financings, including acting for an issuer in the ...
Alix d’Anglejan-Chatillon is a partner and Co-Head of the Financial Products & Services Group. She practices principally in the areas of investment management, the regulation of capital markets and derivatives. Her clients include North-American, European and Asian-based investment fund managers, including managers of mutual funds, pooled funds, hedge funds, credit funds, private equity, real estate and infrastructure funds, and fund of fund structures, as well as commercial and inv...
Perry Dellelce is a founder and managing partner of Wildeboer Dellelce LLP, one of Canada’s leading corporate finance and transactional law firms. Perry practises in the areas of securities, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Perry has been recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory as one of Canada’s leading practitioners in the areas of Technology Transactions and Global Mining. Prior to completing his law degree at the University of Ottawa, Perry holds...
Mike Devereux is a partner in the Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups and a member of the Associates Committee in the Toronto office. His practice focuses on securities and corporate law, with an emphasis on public and private mergers and acquisitions, shareholder activism, private equity transactions, strategic transactions such as joint ventures, partnerships and significant investments, and corporate finance transactions. Mike has advised issuers, boards of directors, spe...
Vik advises clients as a member of the Securities/Corporate Finance/Mergers & Acquisitions Team. He recognizes that businesses have diverse needs and require practical, manageable, and intelligent legal solutions in order to succeed. Vik provides these legal solutions by leveraging his professional experience and robust relationships, helping his clients accomplish their goals on-time and on-budget. Vik believes that efficiency and creativity are key to success. He strives to maintain an ...
Terence Dobbin focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and public financings. He regularly advises acquirers and target companies in connection with negotiated transactions and unsolicited take-over bids. Mr. Dobbin has extensive experience with large, multijurisdictional transactions, including cross-border acquisitions and financings. He advises boards of directors and their committees on a variety of issues, often in business-critical situations. He is recognized in all d...
Jonathan Drance was a senior partner and in January 2014 he transitioned to being a consultant to Stikeman Elliott. He has specialized expertise in project development and financing, including undertaking various activities in M&A and the capital markets relating to capital projects and infrastructure. From 2008 to 2010 Jonathan served on the Board of BC Hydro and, at various times, served as Chair of each of its Corporate Governance Committee and its Capital Projects Committee.
Jeffrey Elliott is a partner in the Financial Products & Services, Capital Markets and Securities Groups. His practice focuses representing domestic and international sponsor and investor clients in the formation and capitalization of a broad range of private funds with investment mandates covering private equity, debt, energy, real estate, agribusiness, infrastructure, emerging markets, leveraged buyouts, venture, growth equity, fund of funds and hedge funds. He has also assisted the spo...
Ron Ferguson is a partner and member of the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Groups. He has a diversified corporate practice focusing on cross-border private and public M&A, private equity investments (including PIPE’s), corporate finance, corporate restructuring and banking. In addition to his practice, Ron is a member of the Management Committee in the Toronto office.
Justin Ferrara’s main practice is in securities law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. Mr. Ferrara has represented a number of both publicly traded and privately held clients in a broad range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, public and private equity financings, corporate reorganizations and corporate governance issues. Mr. Ferrara has also advised special committees regarding numerous types of strategic and related-party transactions.
Bryan Finlay KC is recognized as one of the top litigation lawyers in Canada. Bryan's counsel practice is broad and has engaged the most complex commercial, constitutional, tort and public law issues. These have included issues of corporate espionage, spoliation, fraud, shareholder rights, directors' and officers' responsibilities, financial reporting obligations, responsibilities and obligations of government and its various agencies, securities regulation, fiduciary obligations, defamation,...
Mr. Fitzgerald is a leading practitioner in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and securities law with significant experience in a wide range of both public and private transactions, including public offerings, private placements, negotiated transactions, hostile take-over bids, shareholder activism and complex corporate reorganizations. Mr. Fitzgerald has extensive experience with large, multijurisdictional transactions and provides advice to boards of directors and their committees, ofte...
Brad Freelan is a Partner in the firm’s Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions group with a practice focused on mergers and acquisitions, shareholder activism, corporate governance and corporate finance. Brad has significant experience representing acquirors and targets across a broad range of industries in both public and private M&A transactions, and frequently provides governance advice to boards and special committees. He has a particular expertise assisting clients with cont...
Linda Fuerst's litigation practice covers a broad range of commercial and professional liability matters, with a particular focus on securities litigation, class proceedings and regulatory issues. She has litigated civil, criminal and regulatory matters and has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, and represented clients in connection with investigations and proceedings by t...
Olivier Godbout is a partner in the Corporate Group. His practice focuses primarily in the areas of securities, corporate finance, domestic and cross-border public and private mergers and acquisitions, and governance matters. Olivier advises clients from a wide range of industries, including transportation, telecommunications and manufacturing. In 2016, Olivier worked in Stikeman Elliott’s London office where he acted for issuers and underwriters in corporate finance transactions as wel...
Ivan Grbesic is a partner and Co-Head of the Mining Group. He is also a member of the Capital Markets, Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups. Ivan plays a leading role in the firm’s Latin American coverage group. Ivan’s practice focuses on corporate and securities law, with an emphasis on corporate finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations. He regularly provides advice to issuers and underwriters in connection with initial public offe...
Raman Grewal is a partner in the Corporate Group and a member of the firm’s Partnership Board. She practises principally in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, having expertise on a wide range of matters including domestic and international securities offerings, corporate governance and securities regulatory compliance. She has counselled Canadian and international issuers and underwriters on a wide range of capital markets transactions and securities regulatory matters, inc...
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