Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: Dec. 20, 2021 update

New appointments announced by 13 law firms

Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: Dec. 20, 2021 update

Welcome to this week’s roundup of movements among major law firms, in which we sum up significant hires, promotions, departures and other announcements.

Cain Lamarre

The firm welcomed the following lawyers:

  • Mélanie Dubé − notary services, real estate law
  • Mélissa Laflamme − personal and family law, litigation
  • Marie-Sandrine Bélanger – litigation
  • Audrey Poirier −aboriginal and constitutional law

Clark Wilson LLP

Mauro Palumbo joined as a partner in the firm’s capital markets, securities, mergers & acquisitions group. With over 20 years of experience, Palumbo advises issuers, investors, and entrepreneurs on legal and regulatory issues in matters of commercial, corporate finance, and securities law.

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

Geneviève Lille is now a counsel in the firm’s Toronto office. As a taxation law expert, Lille is a frequent speaker on taxation matters, and an author and a contributor to various tax ‎publications.

“With her considerable experience in advising Canadian and multinational companies on corporate tax matters, Geneviève is an excellent addition to our tax group,” said Robert Seidel, firm’s ‎managing partner. “I welcome her to the Toronto office and am confident that our clients will benefit from her practical guidance on the complex challenges of corporate tax law.”

Durrant Barristers

Andrew Paterson joined as a new lawyer of the firm, effective December 12. Paterson has experience in litigation and investigation and was once an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

The firm named Steve McKersie as the CEO and a member of its international board. Mckersie will serve a six-year term, effective January 1, 2022.

“It has been my honour and privilege to lead our firm for the past six years and, in so doing, to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented individuals around the world – including our next CEO,” said Peter Lukasiewicz, firm’s outgoing CEO whose term ends December 31.

“I have known Steve since he first joined our firm 23 years ago. He has an outstanding ability to build trust and work effectively with clients and colleagues across our global platform.”

Harrison Pensa LLP

The firm announced the following moves:

  • Matthew Bota and Justin Newman – as partners in the wills, estates, trusts and charities group
  • Colin Campbell and Arifa Serter – as partners in the insurance services group
  • Kate Bennett and Jennifer Wall – as partners in the family law group

“Introducing six new partners is extraordinary, and it’s a testament to their dedication to client service, leadership in their practice areas, and mentorship to the next generation of lawyers at the firm,” said William Mitches, firm’s managing partner.

Lawson Lundell LLP

The firm welcomed two new lawyers to its Vancouver office:

  • Lorenzo Babini – associate in the corporate commercial group
  • Ryan Moore – associate in the mining group

“Lawson Lundell is an industry leader across Western Canada, and I am thrilled to be working with an incredible team to continue providing exceptional legal services,” Lorenzo said.

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining the team at Lawson Lundell. The dedication and expertise that the lawyers here bring to the table is exemplary,” Moore said.

McMillan LLP

The firm announced Iain Tape as an associate in its capital markets group in the Vancouver office.

Minden Gross LLP

Zohar Barzilai is now an associate in the firm’s securities and capital markets and business law groups.

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

The firm named UK capital markets and Islamic finance partner, Farmida Bi, as global chair, effective January 1, 2022. In her leadership role, Bi’s priorities will include supporting the firm’s vision of providing exceptional client service and fostering a culture of inclusivity and connectivity across the firm’s offices worldwide.

Smart & Biggar

The firm welcomed Shruti Abhyankar as a technical consultant in the Montréal office, with a practice focused on patent drafting and prosecution.

Stikeman Elliott LLP

Danielle Miller Olofsson is now a senior associate in the firm’s privacy and data protection group, while Charif El-Khouri joined as an associate in the firm’s employment and labour group − both in the Montréal office.

Five lawyers also joined as associates in the firm’s corporate group in the Calgary office:

  • Raveena Benipal
  • Carson Falk
  • Arielle Fewer
  • Alexandra Ghelerter
  • Brian Reigh

WeirFoulds LLP

The firm announced Charles Lund as an associate in its municipal law practice group. Lund completed his articling term with a full-service regional firm where he gained experience in various areas of municipal law, including land use planning and development, environmental contamination claims, expropriations, and building permit disputes.

Please submit your law firm news, including appointments, moves and other professional news by filling out this form or by emailing [email protected].

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