Andraya C. Frith

John Lee is a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Groups. His practice focuses on corporate and securities law with a particular emphasis on public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, strategic transactions such as joint ventures, partnerships, and significant investments. He also regularly advises clients on corporate governance, securities law compliance, as well as general corporate and commercial matters. He has extensive experience ...

Neil M. Smiley is a leading lawyer in complex real estate transactions, planning and development. Having a unique dual experience in commercial real estate lawyer as well as a planning and development lawyer, Neil advises clients regarding the acquisition, financing, leasing and disposition of real property, as well as in connection with the myriad of approvals and entitlements required of governmental authorities to maximize value and/or develop such real property. Neil provides corporate su...

Ms. Shikhman was born and raised in the Soviet Union. Having witnessed injustices and abuses of power, she decided to become a criminal defence lawyer and to dedicate her career to ensuring that the power of the state functions within is proper limits and is not abused by those who possess power over the freedom of others. At the age of 17, Ms. Shikhman started working for a senior criminal defence lawyer pursuing her passion. At the age of 23 Ms. Shikhman graduated from Osgoode Hall Law Scho...

Cathy serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a partner at OKT. Her practice is focused on advancing Aboriginal and treaty rights through litigation and negotiation. Cathy has represented clients in applications and actions in Ontario and Manitoba, as well as in federal court and at the Supreme Court of Canada. She has also represented Indigenous clients in proceedings and tribunals regarding election processes, labour and employment, and environmental assessment. Cathy provides negotiation...

Andrew has a varied practice that includes particular experience in media and defamation law, aviation law and administrative law. He has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal; the Supreme Court of Canada; the Federal Court; and administrative tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Canadian Transportation Agency. Andrew has also acted in proceedings before several other courts, tribunals and inq...

Roger Townshend, a founding partner of OKT, is now a senior counsel to the firm. He practices Aboriginal , Constitutional, human rights , and administrative law, with particular stress on land claims litigation. He has a B.Sc (Hons.) in Mathematics. He has appeared in Court and advised on numerous cases relating to Aboriginal law claims including claims related to Aboriginal title and other Aboriginal rights and treaty rights, and duty to consult and accommodate cases. His court work has also...

Natasha vandenHoven is a partner and Head of the Pensions & Benefits Group. Her practice focuses on statutory and governmental plans, governance, fiduciary obligations, investment and administration issues, trusts, and compliance matters. In particular, she advises clients on pensions and benefits issues relating to corporate transactions, creditor/debtor agreements, and bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Natasha is experienced in executive compensation and advises clients on matters incl...

Matthew Urback is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Matthew, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Biography John Pirie leads the Firm's Litigation and Government Enforcement Group in Canada. He acts for clients in complex business disputes and white collar matters. John is widely recognized as a leading trial, arbitration and appellate lawyer. He is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation, and ranked by Chambers as a leading individual in both the Corporate Litigation and White Collar categories. Clients interviewed by Chambers have said: "John Pirie ha...

Gerry is recognized as a leading litigator whose dispute resolution practice encompasses all aspects of civil, administrative and commercial litigation, with an emphasis on professional negligence, pensions, cross-border issues, franchise, banking, insurance, real estate, product liability and employment matters. Gerry has appeared in all levels of court in Ontario, the Federal Court of Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada and before administrative boards and tribunals. As an adjunct professor...