Vancouver-based litigation boutique Allen McMillan Litigation Counsel has strong expertise in real estate litigation, and matters related to municipal law and administrative law. The group is led by three knowledgeable partners: Greg Allen, Wes McMillan and Kaitlyn Meyer. Allen is noted for capabilities in shareholders’ remedies and defamation, McMillan has a niche focus on religious freedom, the doctrine of unconscionability and pre-incorporation contracts, and Meyer deals with a variety of partnership and corporate control disputes. John Trueman is a key contact at an associate level, and Bryan Hicks joined as counsel from Miller Thomson LLP in March 2025.
Dispute resolution: British Columbia in Canada
Allen McMillan Litigation Counsel
Responsables de la pratique:
Greg Allen; Wes McMillan; Kaitlyn Meyer
Les références
‘The real advantage of Allen McMillan is the people. They are down to earth, but approachable.’
‘Kaitlyn Meyer is compassionate, focused and clear’
‘I value their collaborative approach and commitment to working together with a client’s other advisors to get to the best outcome for the client. ’
Principaux clients
Municipal Insurance Association
City of Burnaby
City of Abbotsford
City of Victoria
Ministry of Attorney General
Principaux dossiers
- Represented the plaintiff company in a claim for several million dollars in damages for additional business income and property losses.
- Obtained judgment for over 30 putative pre-sale purchases.
- Acted for the plaintiff who sought payment of financial incentives in exchange for securing over $3 million in financing for a real estate development in the Olympic Village area of Vancouver.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Regularly litigating in trial and appellate courts, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP represents clients in high-profile class actions and arbitrations. The group is led by a capable duo: Joe McArthur KC advises on both domestic and international arbitrations, and Robin Reinertson has notable specialism in class action and product liability matters. Other key members of the team include Sean Boyle (securities class actions and capital markets litigation), Roy Millen (construction litigation and contract disputes) and Peter Rubin (commercial litigation and insolvency matters). Alexandra Luchenko represents clients in the mining, financial and tech industries, whilst Laura Cundari has in-depth knowledge of the energy, hospitality and infrastructure sectors. Rochelle Collette and Claire Hildebrand were promoted to partnership in January 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Joe McArthur KC; Robin Reinertson
Autres avocats clés:
Sean Boyle; Roy Millen; Peter Rubin; Alexandra Luchenko; Laura Cundari
Principaux clients
Absolute Software Corporation
Fission Uranium Corp.
Warner Bros Entertainment Inc., Warner Bros Entertainment Canada Inc. & Warner Bros Home Entertainment Inc.
Western LNG
Excelsior Mining Corp.
Romspen Investment Corporation
Mowi Canada West Inc.
Federation of Law Societies of Canada
The former directors and officers of Pure Gold Mining Inc.
Oxbow Sulphur Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Representing the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project, a $30bn joint venture natural gas pipeline project, in the BC Supreme Court against allegations of non-compliance with certain permitting conditions.
- Advised Fission Uranium Corp. in a dispute over its C$1.14bn acquisition by Paladin Energy, which was opposed by an investor, a Chinese state-owned actor.
- Defending the Warner Bros entities in a proposed class action concerning allegations of illegal fees charged in mobile games.
Fasken
Fasken’s Vancouver office is home to a team of leading litigators, specializing in class actions, administrative and public law, and privacy litigation. Leading the group, Tracey Cohen KC maintains a strong position in the market for complex commercial disputes and privacy class actions, whilst Andrew Nathanson KC is active in securities litigation. The practice also benefits from Geoffrey Cowper KC, who has notable proficiency in complex arbitrations; Andrew Borrell is recognized for his work in class actions; and Gavin Cameron is a key advisor in contractual and shareholder disputes. In the last 12 months, Alexandra Mitretodis and Daniel Byma left the firm whilst Kaleigh Milinazzo was promoted to partner, and Lars Brusven joined from Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tracey Cohen KC; Andrew Nathanson KC
Autres avocats clés:
Geoffrey Cowper KC; Andrew Borrell; Gavin Cameron
Principaux clients
The Assembly of First Nations
Google LLC
Skeena Resources Ltd.
Sandoz Canada Inc.
Marsh Canada Limited/Marsh Canada Limited and Thomas Liu
Hootsuite Inc.
Proctorio, Incorporated
Scott Hawthorn
Verano Holdings Corp.
Paladin Energy Ltd.
Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited
Steelix Builders Group Ltd.
Cermaq Canada Ltd.
Cermaq Group AS
Cermaq Norway AS
Cermaq US LLC
Lemare Lake Logging Ltd.
Lions Gate Forest Products Ltd.
airG Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Google LLC, Google Canada Corporation, and Alphabet Inc. in a putative class action brought by Spark Event Rentals. who alleges that Google engaged in a conspiracy with Apple Inc. and Apple Canada Inc. that caused the price Spark paid for Google ads to be higher than the price would have otherwise been.
- Acting for Sandoz Canada Inc. in class action proceedings brought against it and many co-defendants in relation to the production and sale of pharmaceuticals.
- Acting for Sanovest in a complex, multi-action partnership dispute involving allegations of oppression and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to a limited liability partnership with land holdings at Bear Mountain, a golf resort development outside of Victoria, B.C.
McCarthy Tétrault
The Vancouver litigation group at McCarthy Tétrault has a proven track record in securities litigation, appellate matters and class actions, and particular expertise in the mining and energy sectors. The practice is spearheaded by Jill Yates, Donovan Plomp and Toronto-based Tom Sutton. Yates also leads firm’s national Class Actions Group, with extensive experience in high value and complex cases. Michael Feder KC has a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration, and Alexandra Cocks has in-depth knowledge of privacy claims and real estate disputes. Other key names include Patrick Williams (product liability and contract cases) and Una Radoja (shareholder disputes and professional negligence claims). Aidan Cameron left the team in July 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jill Yates; Donovan Plomp; Tom Sutton
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Feder KC; Alexandra Cocks; Patrick Williams; Una Radoja
Principaux clients
Meta Platforms
Uber Technologies, Inc. and Uber Canada Inc.
CGN Mining Co. Ltd
Canadian National Railway Company
Government of Canada
Syngenta Canada Inc.
Artemis Gold Inc and BW Gold Inc
Blue Goose Cattle Company Ltd.
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
City of Surrey
Principaux dossiers
Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson
With a longstanding reputation for litigation and dispute resolution in British Columbia, Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson continues to be sought out for advise on real estate and property disputes, securities cases and contract disputes. The group receives key support from Irwin Nathanson KC on large contractual and property disputes, and Stephen Schachter KC on class actions and professional negligence. James MacInnis KC is an authority on construction disputes and mining claims, whilst Karen Carteri, FCIArb. stands out for her work in complex shareholder and partnership disputes. Emily Hansen and James Parker were promoted to partner in January 2025, whilst Julia Lawn, who is now a Justice at the BC Supreme Court, and Peter Senkpiel KC left the firm in March 2025.
Autres avocats clés:
Irwin Nathanson KC; Stephen Schachter KC; James MacInnis KC; Karen Carteri; Emily Hansen; James Parker; Mark Oulton KC; Julia Lockhart; Kayla Strong
Les références
‘Emily Hansen always exhibits a great deal of professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic insight. If a client, or potential client, approaches me with a matter that may be destined for litigation, I never hesitate to refer them to Emily. One of her defining attributes which sets her apart from other litigators I have worked with is her ability to tackle complex legal issues and explain these issues to her clients in a clear, concise, and reassuring manner.
‘The firm of NST operates in a very professional and courteous manner when interacting via telephone, email, video conferences or in person. Their team is comprised of knowledgeable, practical and « common sense » lawyers. Having lawyers with varied backgrounds and experience provides clients with novel answers/options to difficult questions.’
‘They valued my time, my priorities and showed a genuine desire to find practical solutions. Law is not a one-size fits all, and this firm whole-heartedly embraces and delivers a hands-on and effective approach.’
Principaux clients
Graham Construction/Gracorp
Martini Group of Companies
Intracorp Homes
Tudor Gold Corp.
FortisBC Holdings Inc.
Rogers Communications Inc.
The Law Society of British Columbia
Beedie Development Group
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
Interfor Corporation
Norbord Inc. (now part of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd)
Taseko Mines Ltd.
Ocean Pacific Hotels Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Beedie Development LP and Kingsgate Property Ltd. in a dispute with the Vancouver School Board over the rent payable for a third ten year renewal term under a lease for the lands on which the Kingsgate Mall is located.
- Acting as counsel for Intracorp Projects Ltd. as development management and Terrapoint Developments as investor/limited partner in a downtown Vancouver development project dispute worth over $100m.
- Acting for Canadian Forest Products Ltd. in an arbitration and a related ongoing civil claim for damages in excess of $10m relating to the closure of Canfor’s Mackenzie sawmill.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
As a part of the larger Borden Ladner Gervais LLP disputes practice, the Vancouver group’s well-established client base includes go-to contacts in the construction, oil and gas and transport industries. Robert Deane and Michelle Maniago lead the team, which specializes in matters including shareholder disputes and insolvency cases. Deane exhibits skill in contractual disputes, arbitration-related litigation and enforcement applications, whilst Maniago brings expertise to class actions and appeals. Sarah McEachern is rated for her work in construction, energy and mining disputes. Another key members of the group is Matthew Swanson, who excels in real estate and franchise disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Deane; Michelle Maniago
Autres avocats clés:
Sarah McEachern; Matthew Swanson
Principaux clients
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
City of Vancouver
Deep Water Recovery Ltd. and Union Bay Industries
Haider Pirani, Mehboob Pirani, and Mustaq Pirani
Mark Morabito
Pan American Silver Corporation
Powertech Labs Inc.
Canadian National Railway Company
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
HSBC Global Asset Management (Canada) Limited and HSBC Investment Funds (Canada) Inc.
Trigon Pacific Terminals Limited
Ercon Holdings Ltd.
Centura Building Systems (2013) Ltd
Canadian Civil Liberties Association
Kwaxdlau Project Limited Partnership, Kwaxdlau Project GP Ltd. and Haisla Nation
Principaux dossiers
Lawson Lundell LLP
Led by Clara Ferguson, the Vancouver dispute resolution group at Lawson Lundell LLP focuses on business clients in areas such as class action defence and securities litigation. The team also has in-depth knowledge of alternative dispute resolution, appellate advocacy and insolvency issues. Laura Bevan has expertise in commercial and insurance litigation, whilst Craig Ferris KC has broad experience extending to pharmaceutical product claims and consumer pricing issues. Marko Vesely KC has a particular focus on class actions, cross-border disputes and shareholder litigation. Scott Boucher joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright in August 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Clara Ferguson
Autres avocats clés:
Laura Bevan; Craig Ferris KC, Marko Vesely KC
Principaux clients
British Columbia Securities Commission
Law Society of British Columbia
Concord Wedgemount Creek GP
Westurban Developments Ltd.
Orion Fund JV Limited
Canada Energy Regulator
Ernst & Young Inc.
Cenyard Gardens
Manjit Nahal, Lakhvir Nahal, Rajan Nahal and Peter Nahal
Orogenic Gold Corp.
UEX Corporation
The Attorney General of Canada (Justice Canada) and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
BC Hydro
B2Gold Back River Corp.
David Mitchell, Howard Mitchell Holdings Ltd., Slow Loris Holdings Ltd., Mitchell Press Limited, Howard Mitchell
Principaux dossiers
Dentons
Covering the entire scope of litigation areas, the Dentons team in Vancouver is geared to support on class actions, corporate and securities litigation and contractual disputes. Morgan Camley KC leads the group, representing clients in the courts and arbitrations. Other key members of the team include Emma Irving who particularly stands out for her work in civil litigation and class actions, and Morgan Burris has in-depth knowledge of disputes involving environmental and intellectual property claims. Associate Samantha Chang is another name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Morgan Camley KC
Autres avocats clés:
Emma Irving; Morgan Burris; Samantha Chang; Melanie Power
Les références
‘Dentons has a strong commercial litigation department in the Vancouver market. They are routinely involved in large files, including class actions, and compare strongly to the best departments in the market.’
‘The person I work most with at Dentons is Samantha Chang. She is excellent. She is sharp, hard-working and incisive. She is one of the strongest litigators at her level of call in the city.’
‘Emma Irving and Melanie Power have been supporting one of our institutional clients in British Columbia for a number of years. They are excellent litigators. They give very practical advice about how to find the most efficient means to resolve, and win, disputes. They are very smart, experienced, responsive, detail-oriented, strategic thinkers.’
Principaux clients
Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (“LEAF”)
Niantic ats. Stasch and Petty
Acciona
Canadian National Railway Company (CN)
Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited (“CFCL”)
Sam Hanson, Jason Ratzlaff, Graham Thom, South Street (Alderbridge) LP, South Street (Alderbridge) GP Ltd., South Street Development Managers Ltd., Rev Investments Inc., Gatland Development Corporation and Brent Hanson
Brad Paddison Contracting Ltd.
Gold Flora Corporation (previously TPCO Holding Corp.)
Microsoft, et al ats Moretti|Dell et, al ats Moretti
Teda Investment Inc.
Consortium of 32 Airport Authorities
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for LEAF in matters involving the rights of transgender and non-binary youth in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.
- Representing defendants, including CFCL, in multiple regulatory investigations and two class actions arising from allegations of surreptitious use of facial recognition and geolocation tracking technologies in Canadian shopping malls.
- Represents Acciona in a litigation against the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District following the termination of a wastewater treatment plant contract in early 2022.
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
The Vancouver litigation and dispute resolution group at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP benefits from the firm’s national and international presence, and has appeared before all levels of British Columbia courts. Practice head Rebecca von Rüti stands out for her work in class action defence cases. Kevin Wright is involved in competition and antitrust class actions, and David Neave has experience in products liability and commercial litigation. Counsel John Landry KC strengthens the team’s international trade, energy and rail transportation offering. Shea Coulson left the firm in January 2025. The team gained two new partners and four counsel from Clark Wilson LLP in November 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rebecca von Rüti
Autres avocats clés:
Kevin Wright; David Neave; John Landry KC
Les références
‘David Neave is a seasoned statesman in litigation.’
‘Rebecca von Rüti is a very good litigator and drafter.’
‘This practice offers a solid combination of industry knowledge and practical solutions, with focus on technology, flexible billing and team collaboration. Clients may find the team’s experience and diverse skill set useful, particularly when compared to more traditional firms.’
Principaux clients
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Canada ULC and PF Prism C.V.
Fiserv
McGraw Hill LLC and McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited
Match Group
Baker Hughes/Brush Group
Home Depot
Moneygram Payment Systems, Inc and Moneygram Payment Systems Canada, Inc.
Teal Cedar Products Ltd.
Tolko Industries Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Bristol-Myers Squibb (“BMS”) in 6 separate proposed national class actions brought with respect to opioids.
- Defended Ford Motors in a BC class proceeding and continuing to defend Ford Motors in a Québec class proceeding alleging various misrepresentation claims with respect to fuel efficiency and mileage.
- Acting for Pfizer in three product liability class proceedings commenced in BC, Ontario and Quebec in respect to Xeljanz/Xeljanz XR.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright’s disputes team in British Columbia is adept in handling complex commercial litigation, particularly in niche industries such as forestry and cryptocurrency. Spearheading the team, James Goulden KC has a proven track record representing major corporations, local governments and health authorities. Thomas J. Moran brings strength to disputes involving forestry law and other natural resource matters, and Daniel Bennett KC has notable proficiency in commercial and real estate disputes. At an associate level, Scott Silver is recommended for challenging appellate matters. Nathan Lapper was promoted to partnership in January 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
James Goulden KC
Autres avocats clés:
Thomas Moran; Daniel Bennett KC; Scott Silver; Tayrn Mackie; Sarah McCalla; Nathan Lapper
Les références
‘The difference when using Norton Rose Fulbright is that they are always looking for creative ways to resolve issues. I want to know the risks but I also want to know how we can make things happen.’
‘I can’t say enough about Taryn Mackie, she is simply one of the most genuine, hard working and smart people I have ever encountered. She takes the time to understand her clients and tailors her approach based on that. I also got to work a lot with Nathan Lapper this year and he is very knowledgeable.’
‘The lawyers aren’t just advisors, they are relationship builders. They do an excellent job understanding business needs and tailoring advice.’
Principaux clients
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
Canada Lands Company CLC Limited
Gibbons Hospitality Group
Fraser Health Authority
Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District
Iris Energy
Deloitte Management Services LP
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Rio Tinto Alcan in a successful Supreme Court dismissal of environmental tort claims brought by two Indigenous groups.
- Representing Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District in defending a claim by Acciona in relation to claims totalling over C$1bn in relation to the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in North Vancouver.
- Representing Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers Inc. and Gibbons Hospitality Group Ltd. in connection with a long-term commercial lease they entered into with a well-known real estate development company in Vancouver.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
The Stikeman Elliott LLP disputes team in British Columbia represents clients in all aspects of commercial litigation, with particular expertise in the real estate, natural resources and financial services industries. Practice head David Brown is reputed for his shareholder disputes and insolvency expertise, whilst Angela Crimeni handles the full spectrum of disputes involving real estate, contract law and employment agreements. A standout feature of the team is Jonathan Buysen, who has appeared before provincial and federal courts.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Brown
Autres avocats clés:
Angela Crimeni; Jonathan Buysen
Principaux clients
Woodstock Ventures Ltd.
One West Holdings Ltd.
Lloyd’s Underwriters
Starr Marine Agencies Inc.
Veolia Water Technologies Inc.
Principaux dossiers
Bennett Jones LLP
Sought out by clients in the real estate, pharmaceutical and transport industries, Bennett Jones LLP has a particularly strong arbitration and commercial litigation group in Vancouver. At the helm of the practice, Melanie Teetaert is well versed in contractual disputes, negligence claims and commercial lease disputes. Another key member of the team is Vasilis Pappas, who is a key advisor in commercial and construction arbitration. David Gruber left the firm in February 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Melanie Teetaert
Autres avocats clés:
Vasilis Pappas
Principaux clients
Crystal Currency Exchange Inc
ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society
Douglas College
Manna Industrial Fund (Value-Add) LP and Manna Industrial Fund
A Chinese Investor
Canadian Pacific Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC)
Cosimo Borrelli, Liquidator of Akai Holdings / China Medical Technologies
Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Travelers Canada
Glencore International AG
Principaux dossiers
Cassels
Covering all types of commercial litigation, the Vancouver team at Cassels places a strong emphasis on contractual issues, negligence claims and defence of class action suits. Toronto-based John M. Picone leads the national team, with Jordanna Cytrynbaum focusing on complex multi-party litigation in Vancouver. Jessica Lewis is active in securities litigation matters, with strong knowledge of transactional litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Picone
Autres avocats clés:
Jordanna Cytrynbaum; Jessica Lewis
Principaux clients
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.
Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (“LAAC”)
IsoEnergy Ltd.
IDC Worldsource Insurance Network Inc.
Masonite International Inc.
Orian Inc.
John Eneas, Adam Eneas, Sandi Detjen
8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc.
Centurion Apartment Properties (Scott Road 1) Inc.
Starmark Properties Corp., 0930825 BC Ltd., Maryam Pour-Nasrollah, Shima Hashemi, Shadi Hashemi, and Parham Golfeshan
Taisheng Investments Inc.
A&W