Legal Elite 2013 - Business London
Transcription
Legal Elite 2013 - Business London
LEGAL ELITE THE MAGAZINE OF PREFERRED LEGAL SPECIALISTS SPECIALIST B U S I N E S S L O N D O N 2 0 13 LEGAL ELITE THE MAGAZINE OF PREFERRED LEGAL SPECIALISTS SPECIALIST FAMILY LAW GROUP Lerners 4 FAMILY LAW GROUP Harrison Pensa BUSINESS LAW GROUP Siskinds 6 8 PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS Legate & Associates 10 BUSINESS LAW GROUP Lerners INSURANCE & PERSONAL INJURY LAW Foster Townsend Graham & Associates LLP 14 COMMERCIAL LITIGATION DEPARTMENT Cohen Highley PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER Good Law Office 12 16 18 GREG WILLOUGHBY Only Immigration 20 Jennifer Howard, Leanna Simpson, Matthew Villeneuve, William Clayton ABSENT: Genevieve Samuels Lerners FAMILY LAW GROUP J just like the people involved, divorce proceedings can vary wildly from simple and straightforward to tumultuous and bitter. One of the most important things a family law lawyer can do is to recognize what path a client is headed down to provide the most prudent and effective legal representation. Led by one of the most experienced family lawyers in Southwestern Ontario, the Lerners LLP family law group prides itself on providing the right kind of counsel for every situation. “We do it all,” says Bill Clayton, head of the family law group. “We are known for handling complex issues and going to court to get them resolved, but we also recognize when it’s in the best interest of a particular client to take a different approach and not go blazing into court.” Clayton has more than 40 years experience in family law and has been practicing family law exclusively since 1988. The family law group includes partners Leanna Simpson, Matthew Villeneuve, Jennifer Howard and associate Genevieve Samuels. “I helped to train all these people. They are excellent lawyers,” Clayton says, proudly. “As a group, we can handle any situation because of our experience and dedication. And that has earned us a reputation in the legal community. We have the ear of judges in this region. They know we are serious about what we do and 80, 85 & 88 DUFFERIN AVENUE always work to do the very best for our clients.” Sometimes that means striking a deal and avoiding court, but other times it means launching an aggressive litigation strategy. “We will always strike a deal if that is in the best interest of our clients,” Clayton says. “But it’s important to note we are not shy about going to court. We won’t settle just to avoid court if that’s the best approach for the client.” Working within a large multi-faceted firm, the family law group can reach out to other departments to consult on issues that often are involved in complex divorces and separations. When family businesses, trusts, estates and property issues complicate the situation, the group has the resources to find a solution. The five lawyers work across Southwestern Ontario, all the way to Toronto. This year, Lerners will establish a family law practice in Toronto, which will have three lawyers by the end of 2013. “We’re responding to demand from clients that we have a presence in Toronto,” Clayton says. “That goes back to the reputation we’ve established for technical expertise and a willingness to do whatever is required to get the best possible result for our clients.” With a stellar track record and an ongoing commitment to be the very best, the Lerners family law group continues to live up to its impressive reputation. | 519-672-4510 | www.lerners.ca 5 BACK ROW: Janice Jones, June MacDonald, Barb Powell, Melissa Kidd Jonathan Dunlop, Toenie Hersch, Julie Legacy, Caroline Nevill FRONT ROW: Kate Bennett, Hillary Houston, Terry Hainsworth, Alexis Di Nucci MIDDLE ROW: Harrison Pensa FAMILY LAW GROUP H harrison pensa is a full-service law firm with one of the largest family law departments in Southwestern Ontario. The practice group consists of five lawyers, five assistants and two law clerks. The group offers a full span of experience and knowledge in every area of family law. What really makes this family law group stand out is the care and compassion that clients experience from the dedicated staff, some of whom have been with the firm for decades. “Domestic matters are trying, says Toenie Hersch, practice group leader, “and we are all— as lawyers and staff—appreciative of the client’s situation during a very emotional time.” The team is focused on providing a client-centred culture that focuses on limiting financial and emotional costs by resolving legal issues as quickly and effectively as possible. Clients appreciate the caring and respectful manner in which they are treated, particularly when the situation involves relationship breakdowns or child protection proceedings. As a whole the team has in-depth expertise to handle any issue related to family law, including: divorce, domestic contracts, adoptions, matrimonial litigation at all levels, property issues, custody, visitation and child and spousal support. Terry Hainsworth, a veteran and wellrespected family lawyer, focuses his practice on economic issues in family law. Hainsworth has 450 TALBOT STREET | extensive experience working with entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals. He has authored numerous articles and has contributed to leading textbooks used by lawyers across Canada. Having taught family law for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators, Hainsworth brings a unique knowledge base and perspective to his areas of expertise. “I see the tax end of things, which many family lawyers do not,” explains Hainsworth. “If, for example, someone wanted to develop an estate plan, I might also advise them on ways to minimize their income taxes.” Although the family law group has proven expertise in the court process at all levels, where possible they first try to resolve issues through negotiation and mediation, which can be quicker and less draining processes, both emotionally and financially. A huge benefit for clients is the full-service nature of the firm, which includes tax, estate, real estate and corporate practice groups providing clients access to legal services that may be related to their matrimonial case. For example, as a result of a separation, a client may require legal advice with respect to their will, their business, tax issues or estate planning. This full-service and client-centred approach sets Harrison Pensa apart as a leading law firm in the region. 519-679-9660 | www.harrisonpensa.com 7 FRONT ROW: Graeme Sperryn, Henry Berg, Stacey Bothwell, Barry Cleaver 2ND ROW: Fausto Boniferro, Craig Clarke, Curtis Cleaver, John R. Kennedy, Taimi Williamson 3RD ROW: Fred Rose, Ross E. Hurd, Peter Dillon BACK ROW: Adnan Chahbar, Alec Bildy ABSENT: Dick Lockwood Siskinds BUSINESS LAW GROUP F for over 80 years, Siskinds has been dedicated to ensuring our business clients receive exceptional service and practical, resultsoriented solutions. Siskinds’ business lawyers have earned a reputation for unequalled expertise and dependable counsel in all areas of business and commercial law. We are trusted advisors for companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to flagship Canadian and multinational corporations. We pride ourselves on developing strong, long lasting client relationships while delivering cost effective results based on talent, training, and a true commitment to our clients. With 15 lawyers, the Siskinds business law group is one of the largest in Southwestern Ontario. Positioned inside a large, nationally respected, full-service firm, the group works closely with other departments within the firm to provide clients with comprehensive service in whatever area of law is required. “We have colleagues who specialize in employment and labour, immigration law, franchise law and commercial litigation that our clients access as part of our overall team approach,” says partner Ross Hurd. When corporate commercial disputes arise, the business law group works together with Siskinds’ commercial litigation department to identify the issues and develop strategic solutions aimed at resolution, and where necessary, to provide strong representation in court proceedings. 680 WATERLOO STREET | “We target our services to the needs of business owners, whatever the size of their business,” says partner Graeme Sperryn. “Our clients range from large and mature businesses to small and mid-sized companies. They come to us for the very best of legal services, which we can provide efficiently and cost effectively.” Siskinds has deep roots in London and the Southwestern Ontario community, and the firm’s lawyers and staff are involved as volunteers in the community in numerous ways. Siskinds’ lawyers provide leadership on many boards of charitable organizations, and the firm has a well-established policy of community giving and sponsorship of charities and sports teams. The firm’s reputation for excellence was recently recognized when Siskinds was named one of the top 10 regional law firms in Ontario by Canadian Lawyer magazine. The award recognizes service excellence, legal expertise and the breadth of its coverage across the province. Siskinds has offices in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, all of which allow the Siskinds business lawyers to provide their clients with full-coverage service, not only in numerous areas of law but also in major cities in Ontario and Quebec. Internationally, Siskinds has a working association with the Dacheng Law Firm, the largest law firm in China, providing a unique advantage to its clients doing business in that part of the world. We invite you to learn more about the firm and the business law group at www.siskinds.com. 519-672-2121 | www.siskinds.com 9 Barbara Legate, Joni Dobson Legate & Associates PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS F for decades, barbara legate has worked tirelessly to help those who most need legal representation–victims of accidents, malpractice and negligence. She has always surrounded herself with a small group of equally dedicated professionals, and together they have helped thousands of people, breaking new legal ground along the way. Last year, the firm took a major step by becoming a partnership. Legate & Associates is now a partnership between Legate and her long-time colleague, Joni Dobson. “The partnership puts us in a position to expand as a firm,” says Dobson. “We’re growing, but our focus continues to be providing assistance to injured people who need our help to navigate the complex legal system.” Dobson has more than 12 years of legal experience and joined Legate more than seven years ago. They have worked together on numerous precedent-setting cases during that time. More importantly, they have helped victims and their families to receive financial compensation that helps them rehabilitate their bodies and minds, restoring the lives they had before being injured. “People who come to us really want one thing above all else,” Dobson says. “They want to get on with their lives, to get back to what they were doing. We do everything possible to make that happen. We pursue every legal avenue, but we go beyond that and help clients make other arrangements that will help them get their lives back on track.” Although the firm is poised to grow and represent more clients, it will always be a 150 DUFFERIN AVENUE, SUITE 302 boutique firm, specializing in plaintiff personal injury representation. “The way we operate here is unique,” Dobson says. “We represent families and we operate very much like a family. We are close and work collaboratively to help all our clients. The whole firm is involved in all our cases. We consult each other and work together.” Recently Keith Finley joined the fold. He specializes in mass torts—groupings of individual suits against a single defendant. Currently, the firm is representing about 60 women in a mass tort action against a local gynecologist. “One of the things that defines our firm is our willingness to pursue challenging and unique cases,” Dobson says. “Consequently, they are hard-fought by the defendants. To establish some clients’ rights to be compensated in situations that might not have been decided that way in the past, if it means fighting appeals all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, that’s what we do.” The spirit of fighting for the underdog extends beyond the firm itself. The lawyers at Legate & Associates give their time to numerous local charities and social organizations, including Parents of Technologically Dependent Children, which runs the Kids Country Club respite homes, the Brain Injury Association of London, the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, Big Sisters of London and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. “We see every day how people’s lives are affected by injuries and negligence,” Dobson says. “We are dedicated to helping improve those lives by whatever means necessary.” | 519-672-1953 | www.legate.ca 11 BACK ROW ON STAIRS : Peter Johnson, Matthew Wilson, Ian Shewan, Brad Bain, David Lyons, Graham Porter, David Woodward, Jim Dunlop FRONT ROW ON STAIRS : Ottavio Colosimo, David Street, Anne Reinhart, Fred Tranquilli, Jennifer Sloszar FRONT OF STAIRS : Greg Hatt, Janet Stewart, Barbara Blew, Thomas Conway Lerners BUSINESS LAW GROUP W and across Southwestern Ontario for decades. The business group’s expertise has expanded to meet the needs of a growing, and increasingly diverse, local economy in recent decades. “The group, as a whole, has a level of sophistication that helps with complex files,” Shewan notes. “Because we work within a full-service firm, we can reach out to experts in any field to handle any kind of issue. If a client has an unusual situation or challenge, someone here will have the experience to handle it. Clients consider us a one-stop solutions shop.” Given Lerners commitment to downtown— with three buildings grouped in a campus on Dufferin Avenue—it’s not surprising its business law group continues to grow and represent a significant number of London businesses. “We’re proud of the Lerners history in London and Southwestern Ontario,” Shewan says. “We’ve worked with countless businesses, helping as they got established and assisting as they’ve grown into large successful organizations.” Regardless of the kind of business, clients rely on the Lerners business law group to help them prosper and thrive. with hundreds of years of collective experience at a firm that has been in London for more than 80 years, the business law group at Lerners LLP has a breadth of experience few other firms can match. One of the largest business law groups in Southwestern Ontario, it handles mergers and acquisitions, along with any other business issue or service. Over the years, its 17 lawyers have handled some of the region’s largest and most complex business transactions. Clients come from all sectors of the economy: Businesses of all sizes, public sector institutions, charities, not-for-profits and professionals all rely on the group’s expertise to complete everything from corporate governance to incorporation to trademark protection. “We get deals done, efficiently and at a fair price,” says practice group leader Ian Shewan. “That’s what our clients want when they hire us.” Some of the city’s best corporate lawyers have joined the group in recent years, bolstering what has always been an important part of Lerners, an iconic London law firm. The firm’s history in London means it has been serving the needs of businesses locally 80, 85 & 88 DUFFERIN AVENUE | 519-672-4510 | www.lerners.ca 13 BACK ROW: FRONT ROW: Brian Foster, Chris Prince, John Graham, Larry Abey Thomas Lacerte, Evelyn ten Cate ABSENT: James Townsend Foster Townsend Graham & Associates LLP INSURANCE & PERSONAL INJURY LAW I it’s not just a bump on the head. When the lawyers at Foster Townsend Graham & Associates joined forces with Neuphysio Rehabilitation last fall, they knew that the public was ready for Head Smart. With high profile athletes such as Sidney Crosby and many NFL players living with the after-effects of head injuries, the consequences of concussions are just beginning to be understood and explored. On ice, in the fields and on the courts, many of our young athletes are sustaining mild brain injuries at an alarming rate. FTGA was instrumental in bringing free baseline concussion screening to local youth in sport at the first Head Smart clinic last fall at Kinsmen Arena—and, they are continuing to do so this month through clinics planned at local arenas and a city high school. The purpose of baseline testing is to obtain an overview of an athlete’s normal physical and cognitive functioning prior to injury. “In our work, we see a lot of brain injuries, so we’re very aware of the damage concussions can do,” says partner Evelyn ten Cate. “The clinic is one of the many ways we work within the community to help people avoid brain injuries and to help raise awareness among those who are living with injuries.” Head Smart is only one fine example of how Foster Townsend Graham & Associates gives back to the community through supporting local initiatives. The firm itself practices insurance defence and personal injury law—and nothing else. It is a boutique firm that has burgeoned into the size of many full-service firms by striving to become one of the province’s leading insurance defence firms. 150 DUFFERIN STREET, SUITE 900 Foster Townsend Graham & Associates’ reputation across Ontario has fuelled growth every year. Last year, the firm moved to 150 Dufferin Avenue, occupying the top two floors of the ten-storey building located in the heart of Richmond Row. There are 30 lawyers and nearly 70 support staff with room to expand further, as needed. “Prior to the move, we were scattered in more than one location,” comments co-managing partner Chris Prince. “Now that we’ve moved to this location, our clients can access us more easily and we are more efficient.” And, speaking of efficiency, FTGA is one of the first law firms in London to be 100% digital. With state-of-the-art technology, all documents are scanned and stored electronically enabling their lawyers to access any and all files from wherever they may be in Ontario. But, no matter how far afield FTGA lawyers travel, it is apparent that the firm plans to remain rooted and committed to London. In addition to the innovative Head Smart program, Foster Townsend Graham & Associates continues to be a champion of the Brain Injury Association of London and Region along with SARI Therapeutic Riding. They eagerly support local athletic teams, the annual Toys for Tots campaign, the Unity Project and, most recently, the Centre for Cognitive Vitality at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Hospital. Says partner Thomas Lacerte: “We take pride in being part of this community, whether it’s advocating for a client or supporting vital organizations central to the well-being of our citizens. That is the kind of firm that we are and will continue to be.” | 519-672-5272 | www.ftgalaw.com 15 TOP ROW: BOTTOM ROW: Frank Highley, J.Brian Phillips, Gordon B. Carmichael Christian Jannetta, Paul R. Steacy , R. Tyler Hortie , Benjamin G. Blay , Gene P. Chiarello , Landon Hang Cohen Highley COMMERCIAL LITIGATION DEPARTMENT A although the details vary in every situation, businesses that come to Cohen Highley LLP for legal help all have one thing in common—they want their particular issue solved as efficiently as is possible so that they can get back to focusing on their day-to-day operations. In some cases they need to engage the services of the firm’s commercial litigators, tapping into years of courtroom experience to get a result the client wants. Other times the solution can be found with the solicitors in the firm’s corporate commercial group. Often, the answer is to blend the services of the litigators and solicitors, negotiating a solution but keeping open the option of going to court. “Some people, hopefully in good humour, joke that litigators operate on the dark side of the law,” says Christian Jannetta, head of the firm’s commercial litigation department. “But there are times when it is necessary to go to court or to be prepared to go to court if you can’t reach agreement with the other party in a dispute. Having a solid reputation as commercial litigators can help us reach a settlement because the other side knows we will go to court if it gets to that point.” The goal is always to get the situation resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible, says Frank Highley, the senior member of the commercial litigation department. With more than 35 years practising corporate commercial law, he has dealt with every imaginable situation and typifies the kind of experienced representation the commercial litigation department provides to its clients. “The litigators and solicitors work together in a number of areas,” says Paul Steacy, head of the corporate commercial group. “We work together on strategies for our clients for resolving issues before they become problems whenever possible.” Cohen Highley recently hired two new commercial litigators, bringing the total number of lawyers in the corporate commercial department to eight—four litigators and four solicitors. The firm also opened a corporate commercial office in Kitchener, the first London firm to expand to the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Headed by Tyler Hortie, the office staff provides a variety of corporate services for clients in the area, extending to the western suburbs of Toronto. “Whether we’re talking about litigation or not, our focus is on customer service,” says Brian Phillips, a solicitor in the department. “We find out what the client wants to accomplish and we endeavour to provide them with various avenues to get to their goal.” “Some clients want to avoid court at all costs,” says Jannetta. “Others want to head to court right away. Our job is to assist our clients in choosing the best strategy for their situation and to then execute that strategy with a view to obtaining for them the best result.” ONE LONDON PLACE, 255 QUEENS AVENUE, 11TH FLOOR | 519-672-9330 | www.cohenhighley.com 17 Gordon Good Good Law Office PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER O one of the biggest costs for business owners is lost productivity when employees are injured in a car crash or any other serious non-work-related injury and as a result, are away from the job for extended periods of time. When an injury occurs, the first concern, of course, is for the individual and his or her family. But very quickly, the person’s absence at work can cause havoc that translates into serious problems for the employer. Gordon Good has specialized in personal injury law for more than three decades, during which time he has helped countless employees with their efforts to return to work. Where a return to work becomes impossible, Good gets settlements, or when necessary, proceeds with a trial to obtain compensation for the losses. “The repercussions of an injury are widespread, and people don’t always think of the effect it can have at the workplace,” says Good. “I work closely with the injured and their employers to make sure they get the representation they need right away to protect their legal rights and obtain the necessary treatment, return-to-work assistance and ultimately full compensation. Money does not replace health. The first priority is to regain as much recovery as is possible following the injury.” Few people know their legal rights after an accident, and fewer still know what actions to take in the early days of their ordeal to protect those rights and keep all options open. “The insurer knows the rules and works in this field all the time,” Good says. “Injured persons don’t know the rules, so my job is to be on their side at a crucial time when decisions they make about rehabilitation and the steps taken to ensure proper compensation are made. These decisions 171 QUEENS AVENUE, SUITE 500 | will affect the injured person and their families for the rest of their lives.” Good never represents insurance companies and is an active member and director of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, a group of lawyers who represent individuals against insurance companies in personal injury claims. “When you hire me, you deal with me,” he says. “I have kept my office small intentionally. You don’t meet with junior lawyers; you meet with me and the experienced law clerk assigned to your file. I keep you up to date on how your file is proceeding. I return calls and emails to guide my clients throughout the entire process of obtaining fair and full compensation for all losses. The process is complicated. Clients have questions, which require answers. My job is to provide these answers in a timely manner.” That kind of personal attention has prompted lawyers in other fields to recommend Good to their clients in need of personal injury representation. Although the Good office is small and personal, it has a reputation for winning significant cases against insurance companies. Good recently won a $1.1-million judgment for a seriously injured individual who was just in the process of commencing his professional career. “People come to me when they are hurting. Their employers may have helped them to find me and encouraged them to come in and talk,” Good says. “When they place their faith in me, I am honoured. I consider it a privilege to represent people who need help getting their lives back on track, people who are seeking compensation are entitled to receive help on the long road back to the fullest possible recovery.” 519-433-4663 | www.goodlawoffice.com 19 Greg Willoughby Only Immigration GREG WILLOUGHBY A as nations of the world simultaneously become more integrated but also adopt increasingly complex regulations governing the flow of people and goods, Greg Willoughby finds himself busier than ever. Willoughby is an immigration lawyer who has spent 12 years developing his expertise. The name of his firm, Only Immigration, describes exactly what he does. Willoughby has practised Canadian and American immigration law exclusively since being called to the bar. He has also been the Professor of Immigration and Refugee Law at Western University Law School, and has shared his expertise at many industry and legal conferences. Willoughby’s exclusive focus on a single area of law has given him an unusual body of knowledge and experience that differentiates him from others practising in the field with less focus. He spends much of his time working for companies based throughout Canada with international operations. Operating around the globe, they need to send workers to and from offices and factories in many countries. Sending a person across the border to work can be more complicated than sending a crate of goods. Often it’s more urgent. “If a factory relies on a specialized piece of equipment to be up and running, a company can lose a lot of money if it breaks down,” Willoughby explains. “If it’s a sophisticated machine, the technician might have to come from another country, and the longer it takes 100 FULLARTON STREET | to process the paperwork and get him into the factory to repair the equipment, the longer the factory is idle.” Even when timing is not as urgent, Willoughby helps corporations plan their international personnel moves, helping create smooth border experiences for everyone involved. “I work a lot with human resources directors to make the border a yield sign, not a stop sign.” Since the terrorists attacks in September, 2001, the border experience has become less predictable, and another service Willoughby offers is the knowledge of what border crossings might create less red tape than others. He has developed relationships with immigration officers and border officials across the country, and that allows him to increase the odds of success at a given border anywhere from coast to coast. It’s not just corporations that are caught up in complicated and sometimes arbitrary immigration regulations. Although the majority of Willoughby’s work is commercial, he also represents many individuals who have immigration challenges. Reuniting a family or helping someone gain freedom from an oppressive circumstance are their own rewards, and Willoughby thoroughly enjoys the work he does for individuals. He is a sole practitioner, so clients always receive his full attention and always deal directly with him. Recently, he moved to a new downtown office. He is closer to many of his corporate clients but still very accessible to individuals. 519-645-1500 | www.onlyimm.com 21 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS LONDON Contributors Christopher Clark Christopher Clark is an award-winning freelance writer who writes regularly for a variety of newspapers and magazines across Canada. He is a regular contributor to Business London and writes materials for businesses and organizations of all sizes. He has a master’s degree in journalism from Western University and is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western. 1147 Gainsborough Road London, Ontario N6H 5L5 519.471.2907 www.businesslondon.ca Publisher & Editor: Gord Delamont Contributing Writers: Christopher Clark Kym Wolfe Contributing Photographer: Kym Wolfe Kym Wolfe is a versatile writer whose articles and photos have appeared in dozens of newspapers, trade publications and business and lifestyle magazines. She also provides writing, editing and training services for the corporate and non-profit sectors and has taught grammar and business writing courses for Western University. Richard Bain Layout & Design: Gary Cronin Advertising & Sales: Linda Greenfield Maura Haughian ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FEBRUARY 2013 Richard Bain Richard Bain’s photographs have appeared in publications throughout North America and Europe. He is well known for his series of coffee table photo books: Cheers! Ontario Wine and Local Flavours, with foreword by Jim Cuddy; London, People Parks and Places, with foreword by Victor Garber; Images of Waterloo County, with foreword by Peter Gzowski; Niagara, with foreword by Donald Ziraldo; the bestseller Stratford, with text by Christopher Plummer; London, with foreword by Bill Brady; The Thames, with foreword by Lloyd Robertson; Stratford, Dramatically Different, with foreword by Colm Feore, as well as several other titles. In addition, Richard has numerous commercial clients. His photography studio and home are located in London, and together with his wife, Joan, he has four children. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40064683 ISSN 1711-3601