This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
News
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Lavery represents Aspen Skiing Company and KSL Capital Partners in a US$1.5 billion acquisition
As legal advisors for the Quebec portion of the transaction, Lavery represented the affiliates of Aspen Skiing Company, LLC and KSL Capital Partners, LLC during the acquisition of Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc., a ski resort operator and adventure company in North America that owns Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec. The transaction closed on July 31, 2017, for an approximate aggregate value of US$1.5 billion and created a new entity with a property portfolio of 12 four-season mountain resorts, 20,000 skiable acres, significant land available for real estate development, and Canadian Mountain Holidays, a leading heli-ski operator. The Lavery team was headed by Sébastien Vézina and François Arseneault (Corporate) and included Carole Gélinas and Mathieu Cantin (Real Estate), Audrey-Julie Dallaire and Daniel Bouchard (Environment), Zeïneb Mellouli (Labour), Eric Lavallée (Intellectual Property) and Maxime Rousseau-Turenne and Luc Thibaudeau (Litigation).
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Marie Cossette becomes ambassador for the CCIQ Leadership au féminin program
Lavery is proud to announce that Marie Cossette, the partner responsible for Business Integrity and the Public and Administrative Law group for the Québec City office, has been named ambassador for the Leadership au féminin program of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Québec (CCIQ). Mme Cossette is already considerably involved in supporting women in the Québec City business network, namely as leader of the first group of participants in the Québec City A Effect challenge, and continues to be committed to driving the professional success of women in the large Québec City business community. The program is aimed at women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs, who hope to leave a lasting personal mark on their profession and in their community, who seek a greater public presence, and who wish to get involved and make a difference. Click here for more information on the program or to participate.
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Louis Charette becomes Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
Lavery is pleased to announce that Louis Charette, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (College) during a ceremony held on September 16, 2017. Mr. Charette is the only Québec lawyer in this cohort to be inducted as a Fellow of the College. Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is an invitation only fellowship of exceptional trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds from the United States and Canada. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession. Click here for more information on the College. Following the induction of the new Fellows, Mr. Charette responded on their behalf.
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Lavery first ever law firm Parity Certified Bronze 2017
During the Annual Recognition Gala organized by Women in Governance, Lavery was designated “Business Pioneer in Parity Certification” and received “Parity Certified Bronze 2017”. Lavery is the first law firm to undertake the Parity Certification process, launched on June 22, 2017. This initiative of Women in Governance aims to increase the number of women in senior management positions. “Our participation in this initiative is based on Lavery’s vision of being a vehicle for fulfillment and advancement for the women in our organization,” commented Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery. “In addition to sending a clear message about our leadership in this area within the legal and business communities, the certification process will allow us to set clear objectives and structure the steps needed to support women in the advancement of their career.” The Parity Certification offered by Women in Governance is a unique initiative that acknowledges the courage of the thousands of inspiring women who take risks every day to transform the business world. Lavery invites its peers and Quebec’s large corporations to join this movement and launch the Parity Certification process so that they too can contribute to building a diversified business community.
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A hat trick for Sébastien Vézina, appointed independent arbitrator for the QMJHL
On August 25, Sébastien Vézina, a partner of the Business Law group, was selected for the third consecutive year to sit as an independent arbitrator for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), one of the three major junior leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The three QMJHL independent arbitrators sit on a rotating basis and review official decisions of the QMJHL, the Commissioner, or the Board of Governors, that may be appealed. This appointment contributes to the sound governance and integrity of the league by having an independent party intervene in decisions subject to an appeal. Only individuals with the recognized expertise and reputation in sports and governance are invited to take on this role.
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Lavery welcomes Karine Joizil, new partner in the litigation group
Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of a new partner, Karine Joizil, who is joining the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Over the years, Ms. Joizil has developed an expertise in commercial and administrative law litigation as well as impressive experience in the areas of class actions, access to information and the protection of personal information. She also has in-depth knowledge of the legislation governing the health sector and regularly advises health professionals and organizations. Ms. Joizil believes that it is important to invest in the legal community and in view of this has been lecturing on public and administrative law at the École du Barreau for over ten years. Ms. Joizil has also been very involved in the community throughout her career. She is currently chair of the board of directors for Recyc-Québec. “Lavery is always on the lookout for opportunities to grow, and Karine’s arrival among us confirms our firm intention to acquire exceptional talent in order to better serve our clients’ needs and contribute to advancing the practice. By hiring Karine, we have consolidated our offer of litigation and class action services”, remarked Anik Trudel, Lavery Chief Executive Officer.
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Lavery represents athlete and former Olympian in athletics Bruny Surin in a dispute
Sébastien Vézina, a partner of the Business Law group, together with Martin Pichette and Frédéric Laflamme, respectively a partner and a lawyer of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, are representing Bruny Surin in a dispute instituted against a sporting goods manufacturer. Mr. Surin alleges that the business used his name on a brand of running shoes without his consent. Thanks to Lavery, Bruny Surin won the first step in the proceeding as the Superior Court dismissed the defendant’s motion for dismissal on the ground that the Quebec courts lack jurisdiction to hear the dispute. The defendants were also ordered to disclose information to Bruny Surin on the proceeds from the sale of the shoes in Canada.
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Lavery a proud partner of Pride at Work
On September 1, 2017, Lavery officially became a partner of the Pride at Work initiative. Lavery has committed to provide a work environment favourable to diversity in which each member of the firm can realize his or her full potential. Inclusion and tolerance are core values to Lavery which apply to all decisions regarding employment, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance evaluations, compensation and promotions, but also to all aspects of the client relationship. Through dialogue, education and thought leadership, Pride at Work empowers employers to foster workplace cultures that recognize LGBTQ+ employees as an important part of a diverse and effective workforce. Since 2008, the organization’s benchmarking, training, and consulting services help Canadian employers to create safer, more inclusive work spaces, realize the full potential of their staff teams and bring down barriers to employment for Canada’s LGBTQ+ community.
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Léonie Gagné and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin publish an article on the insured persons' obligation to minimize their damage
Léonie Gagné and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin publish an article on the insured persons' obligation to minimize their damage. (in french only)
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Élodie Brunet and Zeïneb Mellouli speakers at the 2017 Ordre des CRHA HR convention
On September 27, Élodie Brunet and Zeïneb Mellouli, respectively a lawyer and a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, will speak at the 2017 Ordre des CRHA HR convention being held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Together with Dr. Yves Lamontagne, they will participate in a multidisciplinary panel entitled Gestion de la santé mentale : entretien avec un psychiatre. Various subjects related to managing disability and psychological injuries will be discussed and practical solutions proposed. Click here to register for the seminar.
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Judith Rochette takes part in the Marathon SSQ in Quebec City
On August 27, Judith Rochette, a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, took part in the 20th annual Marathon SSQ, completing the half-marathon event. The race consisted of running a 21.1 km course that started in Saint-Romuald and ended in the Old Port of Quebec City. Ms. Rochette completed her race in 1 hour, 56 minutes and 17 seconds.
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A new team joins Lavery’s Litigation group in Québec City
Lavery is pleased to announce that a new team composed of two partners has joined its Litigation and Conflict Resolution group in the Québec City office. Judith Rochette, who joins the firm as a partner, is returning to her roots because she previously worked with Lavery for twelve years. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1988, she holds a Master in Health Law from the Université de Sherbrooke and has extensive experience in civil and professional liability and insurance law. Me Rochette is familiar with the business community and will actively contribute to developing the firm’s presence in the health, insurance, financial services and educational sectors which are her core practice areas. With forty years of practice behind him, Errol Payne is joining the firm as a partner. He practises primarily civil and professional liability, general insurance, life and disability insurance, and media law in loss of reputation and privacy matters. He is actively involved with the Barreau du Québec, where, as counsel for the Professional Liability Insurance Fund, he defends lawyers being sued for professional liability. He has also been a member of the Barreau’s Professional Inspection Committee since 1999 and has served as chair since 2008, and as such, is a top reference on ethics, disciplinary law and professional liability. “The arrival of Judith and Errol at our Québec City office will definitely enable us to better serve our ever-growing clientele in the national capital and will enhance our presence in the surrounding important business centres. Their reputation within the Quebec business community and their expertise correspond with the highest standards of the profession. We are honoured that they accepted our offer to join our large family,” commented Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer.