Lax O’Sullivan to merge with London firm

laxLax O’Sullivan Scott Lisus LLP has become the latest Canadian firm to go global, announcing a merger with London-based firm Kronick Blatter Peign, a Swiss verein.

Following on the heels of Ogilvy Renault LLP’s tie-up with Norton Rose Group and rumours global powerhouse DLA Piper is scouting for a Canadian partner, the Lax O’Sullivan deal caps a busy few months in the Canadian legal marketplace.

The 14-lawyer Toronto litigation outfit will join KBP’s global network of more than 1,400 lawyers, under a new name, Lax Blatter. The firm will offer service in more than 43 countries in 39 languages, according to Clifford Lax, managing partner at Lax O’Sullivan.

“Our clients are increasingly international in scope and require their lawyers to serve their needs throughout the world,” he said

Ulrich Blatter, chair of KBP’s executive committee also welcomed the merger.

“We have wanted to have a Canadian presence for many years and we are delighted that Lax O’Sullivan Scott Lisus now forms part of our worldwide family,” he said in a statement, which also announced the firm will relocate its global headquarters to Toronto.

When reached by phone for further comment on the merger, all Lax would say was: “Ha, ha, ha.”

Lax did confirm the firm’s April Fools Day prank had been quite a success, with a variety of others calling to congratulate as well.

Recent articles & video

Bennett Jones appears in eight commercial list cases last week

Supreme Court of Canada sets hearings for debt, mining, injury, robbery cases

Global firm Vinson & Elkins opens doors in Denver

University of Washington law school receives landmark bequest

Sean Griffin takes CEO mantle at Langlois

SCC says right to preliminary hearing is not tied to offence date

Most Read Articles

BC Supreme Court postpones estate trial due to fairness concerns over lack of legal counsel

BC civil liberties group intervenes in Sikh lawyer's challenge to oath of allegiance

Sustainability standards evolve: experts examine Canada’s growing ESG compliance challenges

McCarthy Tétrault appears in five commercial list cases last week