Canada: Arbitration
Commercial arbitration is well established in several sectors as the forum of choice for resolving commercial disputes, both domestic and international. Our research picks out 26 Canada-based experts recognised for their market leading work as arbitrator and counsel.
Norton Rose OR LLP is the leading firm in Canada for commercial arbitration, and four lawyers are selected for inclusion. Yves Fortier QC is chairman emeritus of Norton Rose OR and a “legend in this field”. He has served as chairman or party-appointed arbitrator on more than 100 arbitral tribunals and is “profoundly knowledgeable on all aspects of commercial arbitration”. Pierre Bienvenu is global practice leader of Norton Rose Group’s international arbitration practice and “one of the world’s leading experts”. Commended for his work as counsel in domestic and international proceedings, he is also well known for his work as arbitrator and is a vice president of the LCIA court. Stephen Drymer is co-chair of the international arbitration team, and is much in demand for his advice on the design and implementation of international arbitration agreements. Martin Valasek is “first class” for investor-state and commercial contract related arbitration proceedings.
Barry Leon at Perley-Robertson Hill & McDougall LLP is a “class act” and “one of the finest counsel in Canada”. He is internationally known as a member of the commission on arbitration – ICC International Court of Arbitration. Andrew de Lotbinière McDougall is head of the firm’s practice group in this area and a “star”. He is a member of the ICC’s Canadian and French national committees and has experience of proceedings conducted under ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules.
At Stikeman Elliott LLP, Benjamin Greenberg QC is very well known as a former Quebec Superior Court judge, and is a former chair of the Canadian International Arbitration Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and listed on the international arbitration and mediation panels of the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. John Judge is “thoroughly professional and very effective”. He has sat as arbitrator and chair in proceedings through the ICC and is vice-president of the North American users council of the LCIA.
Henri Alvarez QC of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP in Vancouver is regarded as “absolutely world class”. One of the most highly recommended individuals in the research overall, he serves as sole arbitrator, party-appointed arbitrator and chairman and regularly conducts arbitrations in English, Spanish and French.
Marc Lalonde PC OC QC is a “legend in this field”, and was actively involved in Canada’s adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law as its standard international arbitration law.
David Haigh QC at Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP is “one of the finest arbitrators in Alberta” and internationally renowned from his time as chair of the Canadian national committee for the ICC.
William Rowley QC is former chair of McMillan LLP and “extremely well known both at home and abroad”. He also accepts arbitral appointments through 20 Essex Street chambers in London, England and is renowned for his expertise in a range of sectors including energy, antitrust and infrastructure disputes.
Christopher Thomas QC at JC Thomas Law Corporation in Vancouver is a “market leading trade disputes expert”. He is a member of Canada’s roster of arbitrators for the ICC as well as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre’s roster of arbitrators.
Todd Weiler is “hugely knowledgeable” about investment treaty arbitration under NAFTA and investment protection treaties worldwide, and is an “authority” according to our sources.
Babak Barin in Montreal is co-head of the ADR strategic team at BCF LLP and is “extremely well known in the market”. He is commended to researchers both for his “hugely effective work as counsel” and also as sole and party-nominated arbitrator.
At Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, John Lorn McDougall QC is extremely well known as chairman of the Canadian National Arbitration Committee (Canadian Chamber of Commerce), and is a highly skilled operator.
Brian Casey of Baker & McKenzie LLP is a well-known disputes specialist, and has acted as arbitrator, chair and counsel in arbitrations both in Canada and internationally.
The “well recognised and authoritative” Janet Walker is based at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University and has served as an ICC arbitrator in various matters.
William G Horton is based in Toronto and widely regarded as a “very strong arbitration practitioner”. A former head of litigation at McMillan Binch and at Blake Cassels & Graydon, he has served in both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations relating to nuclear facilities, government privatisation contracts and IP disputes.
Gerald Ghikas QC is chair of the international trade and arbitration group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and “one of the finest practitioners in Vancouver”. He has acted as counsel or arbitrator in local and international disputes in Canada, the US, Europe and Hong Kong.
At Lerners LLP, Earl Cherniak QC is “highly respected for the depth of his expertise”. He is a member of the Canadian roster of arbitrators for the ICC and a roster member of the LCIA.
Robert Wisner at McMillan LLP is “the first choice as counsel” for many interviewees and has experience of ICSID, UNCITRAL, NAFTA, ICC, SCC and CIETAC arbitrations. He was feted for his work in commercial and investor state proceedings.
Tim Martin of adr.governance.inc in Calgary is viewed as “the best around for energy disputes”. He is a member of the panel of arbitrators of the ICC, ICDR, SIAC and AAA and is “much in demand” according to our sources.
Murray Smith of Smith Barristers in Vancouver was praised for his “great experience and judgement”, and has acted as arbitrator in proceedings under AAA, ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
James Redmond QC is “among the elite arbitration practitioners in Alberta”. He is on the rosters of institutions such as the International Centre for Dispute Resolution, AAA, ADR Institute of Canada, and received votes from interviewees across the country.
Fabien Gélinas is an associate professor at McGill University in Montreal, and is recognised across Canada and beyond as former general counsel of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC. He was described as “intelligent and effective” by those who have worked with him.