Five law firms made announcements
Welcome to this week’s roundup of movements among major law firms, in which we sum up significant hires, promotions, departures, and other announcements.
Bereskin & Parr LLP
B&P announced the addition of Alfred Macchione, a registered Canadian trademark agent and a registered patent agent in Canada and in the U.S., as of counsel in the firm’s Toronto office.
He covers all facets of the clearance, acquisition, enforcement, and exploitation of patents, trademarks, copyright, and designs. He has experience in licensing and transactional IP.
“His breadth of knowledge in the IP space will be a great asset to the firm’s current portfolios, while fostering new ones,” Stephen Beney, the firm’s managing partner, said in a news release.
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Cassels welcomed Andrew Skodyn and Sean Jackson as partners to its national intellectual property group. The firm recognized their track records of success in complex patent litigation and their knowledge of IP law in general.
“Their expertise will not only complement but further elevate our position as an industry leader in intellectual property law across the country,” Kristin Taylor, the firm’s managing partner, said in a news release. “The dynamic portfolios they bring align seamlessly with our commitment to providing tailored, business-minded solutions for our clients.”
“Andrew has been a leader in his field for more than 20 years and Sean is a rising star,” said Casey Chisick, who chairs the national intellectual property group. “Together, they cement our position as a leader in patent litigation while also contributing to the new look of our IP practice.”
“Cassels’ growth, in IP and across the firm, is impressive, and I look forward to adding my contributions to the firm's already well-established status as an industry leader,” said Skodyn.
Skodyn focuses on patent and trademark disputes, complex commercial conflicts, product liability defence, and class actions. He has experience in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, general life sciences, information technology, social media, professional services, manufacturing, agribusiness, banking, and oil and gas.
Jackson assists clients in the industries of pharmaceuticals, medical products, oil and gas, and telecommunications. He regularly guides clients through proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations, SOR/93-133.
McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP
The Ontario-based firm announced the appointment of Matthew Villeneuve as managing partner and of James Elsley as associate managing partner.
Villeneuve, leader of the firm’s family law practice group, served as associate managing partner for the past three years. Elsley, an experienced corporate and real estate lawyer, held the role of associate managing partner from 2017 to 2020.
Michael Peerless, department head of the firm’s class actions team, has stepped down as managing partner after a three-year tenure.
SmithValeriote Law Firm LLP
SV Law welcomed Ben Grant as a lawyer in the Guelph office. In his tax practice, he helps businesses and individuals in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency. In his civil litigation practice, he represents clients in partnership and shareholder disputes, regulatory and trade disputes, and other civil disputes.
Wildeboer Dellelce LLP
The firm has added Mariam Al-Shikarchy as a partner in the firm’s tax practice group. She handles all aspects of domestic and international tax planning, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, corporate finance, investment funds, and employee executive compensation.
She assists clients ranging from start-ups, multinational private and public corporations, investment funds, pension funds, and high-net worth individuals.
“Mariam will be a strong addition to our Tax practice group,” Perry Dellelce, the firm’s managing partner, said in a news release.
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