This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
News
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Lavery welcomes three new lawyers
Lavery is pleased to announce that three lawyers have recently joined the firm. The new lawyers will be members of three of Lavery’s practice groups. Ms. Tereza Kristic (2013) will practise in the Business Law Group in our Montreal office. Mr. Benjamin Poirier (2012) joins the Litigation Group in Montreal whereas Mr. Pier-Olivier Fradette (2010) will practise in the Administrative Law Group in Quebec City.The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses."The addition of these lawyers shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups in the firm’s Montreal and Quebec City offices", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.
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Marc Beauchemin, Jean Martel, Evelyne Verrier and Leïla Yacoubi of Lavery, coauthors of an article in the Canadian Journal of Insurance Law
Mr. Marc Beauchemin, Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., Ms. Evelyne Verrier and Ms. Leïla Yacoubi, lawyers at Lavery, are the coauthors of an article entitled “Regulatory Offences in the Distribution of Insurance Products: A Call for Diligence” that was published in the January 2014 issue of the Canadian Journal of Insurance Law, a publication intended for insurance professionals and legal practitioners.In this article*, the coauthors analyze the main aspects of a decision rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada on November 21, 2013, which has an important impact on the distribution of insurance products in Quebec, including with regards to the extent to which insurers may incur penal liability for regulatory offences committed by financial services firms which they authorize to distribute their products.This article, which has already been published on Lavery’s website, can be read by clicking here.*Reproduced with permission of the publisher LexisNexis Canada Inc. from Canadian Journal of Insurance Law, Vol. 32, No. 1, January 2014.
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Emmanuel Sala and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, coauthors of an article in the Mining Journal
Mr. Emmanuel Sala and Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, a Business Law partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “An uncertain outlook – Quebec’s mining taxation regime continues to perplex and deter investors in the province” that was published in the February 2014 issue of the Mining Journal (PDAC supplement), a prestigious British publication covering all aspects of the mining industry, including exploration, financing, development, production and marketing.In their article, Messrs. Sala and Latreille discuss recent changes to the Quebec mining taxation regime, their impact on the ability of mining companies operating in Quebec to attract capital to finance their projects and developments to watch for in the near future.To read this article, click here.
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Lavery supports Pro Bono Québec in its first benefit event designed to promote access to justice
Lavery is pleased to support Pro Bono Québec in its first fundraising event that is designed to improve access to justice and will take place on March 19, 2014 at the Robin des Bois Restaurant at 6:00 p.m.Participants will take part in a silent auction where they will have the opportunity to acquire grands crus.To know more about the fundraising event, to reserve tickets or make a donation, click here (French only).
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The former Premier of Quebec, Pierre Marc Johnson, joins Lavery
Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, has joined the firm as counsel.A lawyer and physician, Mr. Johnson is recognized for his expertise in the areas of international trade negotiations, environmental law and health law. Since 2009, he has acted as chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. He also acted as personal representative of former Quebec Premier, Jean Charest, before the Chinese authorities in connection with the mission of the Council of the Federation to the People’s Republic of China in November 2008.Mr. Johnson is a highly sought-after legal advisor to governments, business corporations and many institutions including the United Nations, as well as a speaker and former McGill University law professor. He has also published numerous articles and books that discuss issues such as the environment, international governance and globalization. Mr. Johnson sits on the boards of directors of several corporations and organizations. He has been the recipient of many awards during his distinguished career, including the Grand Croix of the Ordre de la Pléiade and Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec."Lavery is honoured to welcome Pierre Marc Johnson, a remarkable lawyer whose impressive achievements speak for themselves. Mr. Johnson’s international expertise is widely acknowledged in Quebec, throughout Canada and around the world. Our firm will greatly benefit from his experience with international transactions", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.
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Michel Servant of Lavery invited to chair the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2014 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal
Mr. Michel Servant, a Business Law partner at Lavery, will be the Chairman of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2014 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different categories: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals. The award winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people.This event will take place as a Gala Evening on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Montréal Science Centre. 2014 will mark the 29th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence and Mr. Charles Guay, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada will act as Honorary Chairman. Standard Life provides long-term savings, investment and insurance solutions to more than 1.4 million Canadians.HEC Montréal is a university business school whose reputation as a leader in teaching and research is recognized in Quebec, Canada, and around the world.
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Lavery strengthens its position in the legal services market
The firm welcomes 31 lawyers from the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières offices of Heenan BlaikieLavery is pleased to announce that the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières teams of Heenan Blaikie will join the firm on March 1, 2014: 31 lawyers, two notaries and about 30 employees. This announcement comes after 13 lawyers and 12 staff members from the Montreal office of Heenan Blaikie joined Lavery. The firm thus welcomes a total of 85 people.This is aligned with the firm’s strategic plan that provides for the reinforcement of Lavery’s position as a leader in the business community in Quebec and elsewhere.These seasoned lawyers, who bring to Lavery decades of legal experience, will help the firm deepen its bench strength and enhance its service offering to clients in key areas of practice, particularly business law, labour and employment law, and litigation. Being present in the Eastern Townships and the Mauricie will also give Lavery the opportunity to maximize services provided to its clients located in these two regions."Early on we found common ground with our colleagues at Lavery: shared values and corporate culture, a similar pool of expertise and a determination to provide unparalleled service to our clients", said Sylvain Provencher, head of the Sherbrooke office.The head of the Trois-Rivières office, Jean Boulet, pointed out: "We decided to join Lavery because this well-established firm will increase its regional market reach in Quebec and enable our office to widen the range of services already provided to regional clients.""With the integration of the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières offices of Heenan Blaikie to the Lavery network, our firm successfully stepped up its presence in accordance with its strategic goals. At Lavery, we consider it a privilege to welcome lawyers whose recognized experience and enviable reputation are definite assets to the firm as well as a dedicated staff renowned for its competence and professionalism. Today more than ever, Lavery has become the go-to law firm for companies doing business in Quebec", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.
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Katia Opalka of Lavery, speaker at a Canadian Bar Association webinar
Katia Opalka, an environmental and aboriginal law partner at Lavery, delivered a presentation on the Quebec legislative framework for water during a recent webinar entitled “Regional Approaches to Water Across Canada” organized by the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.
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The Quebec Bar 2014 National Symposium on Class Actions – Jean Saint-Onge interviewed by the Journal Barreau
Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, was interviewed by the Journal Barreau in connection with the 11th edition of the National Symposium on Class Actions that will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on March 20-21, 2014.According to Mr. Saint-Onge, the symposium has become a must-attend event that yearly draws dozens of speakers from Quebec, Canada and the United States who are discussing the most recent case law and trends with regards to class actions. Mr. Saint-Onge believes that class actions have become increasingly popular partly because they allow greater access to justice at a more affordable cost.To read this interview (in French, page 31), click here.
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Lavery represents Industrial Alliance in the redemption of its series C preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $100 million
On December 31, 2013, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. redeemed all of its Non-Cumulative 5 Year Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares Series C (the “Series C Preferred Shares”) then outstanding for an aggregate amount of $100 million. The Series C Preferred Shares were redeemed in accordance with the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Series C Preferred Shares and were delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2013. Industrial Alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Maxime Bergeron (corporate and securities). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.
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Lavery welcomes thirteen new lawyers to its Montreal office
Lavery is pleased to announce that thirteen new lawyers, who are practising in health law, labour law and litigation, have joined its Montreal office: six partners, one counsel and six associates. The new partners are as follows:Magali Cournoyer-Proulx practises in the areas of labour and employment law, and health law. She is recognized for her expertise in matters relating to the individual contract of employment and all legal questions concerning health institutions. She also advises various professional orders, syndics, organizations and associations in regulatory, disciplinary and ethical matters, and with respect to professional liability. Norman A. Dionne practises in the area of labour and employment law. He has long-standing experience in union certifications, the negotiation of collective agreements, the management of labour conflicts and grievance arbitrations. He is often called upon to act in cases involving employment disputes. Véronique Iezzoni focuses her practice on civil litigation. She has solid experience in matters regarding civil and professional liability, in particular relating to health and social services centres including the liability of the nursing staff and medical residents. Simon Gagné focuses his practice on both health and labour law, including grievance arbitrations, labour standards and the interpretation of collective agreements. He also offers a broad range of health law services to institutional and corporate clients. Sylvain Poirier, LL.M., heads Lavery’s Health Law team. For more than 25 years, he has been practising in health law and labour law. Mr. Poirier is a founding member of the Société de médecine et de droit du Québec. He was also a lecturer for the Université de Sherbrooke’s Master’s program in Health Law. Mr. Poirier is recognized as a leading practitioner in the area of Health Care Law in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Best Lawyers also named him 2014 Montreal Lawyer of the Year in Health Care Law. Philippe Tremblay specializes in commercial litigation. He has led numerous complex files giving rise to a number of construction law remedies and has acted in various public-private partnership (PPP) construction files. Patrick A. Molinari, FRSC, is counsel. He brings to his health law and regulatory practice the experience of an exceptional career in academia. A professor at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal from 1977 to 2010, he headed the Centre de recherche en droit public (Public Law Research Centre). He also acted as Associate Dean and then Dean of the Faculty as well as Provost, Administration and Finance of the Université de Montréal. In addition, Mr. Molinari was Chairman of the Board of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal from 2004 to 2012. The new associates are as follows: Amélie Bélisle practises in the area of labour and employment law. She advises and represents small, medium and large private and public sector clients in all aspects of their labour and employment needs. She also acts as a legal advisor for her clients, representing them before various administrative and civil tribunals. Laurence Bich-Carrière focuses her practice on all aspects of civil and commercial litigation. She is also the author of several articles, including in the areas of intellectual property and constitutional law. Rhonda Grintuch focuses her practice on all aspects of health law as well as labour and employment law. She has also developed expertise with regards to the ethical, legal and social implications of pharmacogenomics research. Jérôme Laflamme practises in the area of labour and employment law. He handles every aspect of the employment relationship, including the interpretation of collective agreements, grievance arbitration matters, labour relations, labour standards and employment litigation. Mélanie Sauriol practises in the areas of labour and employment law, and health law. Her practice includes handling matters pertaining to grievance arbitration, labour standards, privacy law and human rights. She regularly advises health and social services institutions on administrative issues related to their organization and management. Charles Olivier Thibeault, M.Sc. (Health Services Management), practises in the area of health law. He assists institutions and organizations in Quebec’s health and social services sector with various legal issues. "We are very pleased to welcome these new lawyers. Their combined experience and expertise will help maximize our service offer in certain practice areas to reflect our clients’ needs and our growth objectives", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.
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Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin of Lavery, speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law
Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, Litigation lawyers at Lavery, acted as speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law that was held in Montreal on February 12, 2014.Organized by the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association (CICMA), this event drew many insurance professionals who wanted to learn more about the case law and trends that had an impact on the industry in 2013.