About

Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP

The Aird & Berlis Tax Group is highly regarded on a national and international basis for domestic and international tax planning, structuring of business transactions and resolving tax disputes. Our lawyers are recognized for innovative domestic and international tax planning and for the development of creative structures. Other law firms and accounting firms regularly seek the expertise of our Tax Group to serve their clients more effectively.

We provide advice on the structuring of all types of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, plans of arrangement, financings and sale transactions. We also assist the owners of private corporations in doing succession planning. Lawyers from our Tax Group work closely with our Capital Markets Group and Corporate/Commercial Group to ensure that business transactions, arrangements and strategies produce the most favourable tax consequences possible.

As a result of our strong technical expertise and superior negotiating skills, we are able to successfully represent clients seeking advance tax rulings, handling audits, disputing and negotiating the settlement of tax reassessments and, if necessary, appearing on their behalf in the Tax Court and appellate courts of Canada.


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax - Canada

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Aird & Berlis is a popular choice among multinational companies for international tax planning, cross-border M&A, financings and restructurings. The firm offers a depth of knowledge in a number of tax law areas, including dispute resolution and regularly acts for clients in the finance, energy and mining sectors. Based in Toronto, the firm is recognised for its national reach, with further strength through its Vancouver office.

Work Highlights

  • Aird & Berlis represented Linamar Corporation in its acquisition of Bourgault Industries for CAD640 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Barbara Worndl
S
Barbara Worndl
S
Senior Statespeople

Barbara Worndl is a well-regarded and longstanding figure in the Canadian tax market. She advises clients on various transactions, with a particular focus on REITs and on the real estate sector more generally.

Barbara is a seasoned tax professional.

Barbara is an outstanding practitioner and always gives reliable advice.

Jack Bernstein
2
Jack Bernstein
2
Band 2
Jack Bernstein chairs the firm's international tax practice and assists clients with tax planning and transactional mandates. He is admitted to both the Québec and Ontario Bars.

Jack Bernstein is a seasoned tax professional, who is well known in Canada, the US and elsewhere.

Jack has seen every type of deal, is on top of every issue and seems to know everybody. He is a terrific guy.

Jack is a legend at the tax bar. He is a tireless advocate and continues to deliver smart and practical advice.

He has a very quick and creative mind. He sees the issue immediately and very quickly generates ideas to solve a problem.

Jack has a lot of experience under his belt and he brings those years of experience with any discussion you have with him.

Francesco Gucciardo
3
Francesco Gucciardo
3
Band 3
Francesco Gucciardo is praised for his tax expertise as it relates to complex transactions.

Francesco is responsive, creative and anticipates my needs.

He is incredibly responsive and very knowledgeable on the Canadian tax code.

Francesco has very strong technical knowledge and explains complicated things in an easy manner to clients.

Francesco is a strong tax lawyer with business acumen.

The way he navigates the complexities and gives us real solutions is crystal clear.

Louise R Summerhill
3
Louise R Summerhill
3
Band 3
Louise Summerhill is frequently called upon for her disputes practice, with a wealth of experience in tax litigation mandates.

Louise clearly demonstrates she cares about us as individuals and for our company's issues.

She is everything you would want to have as a client. It is really comforting to have her on the case.

We could not be more pleased with Louise's representation.

Louise is amazing.

4
Christopher Slade
4
Band 4
Christopher Slade regularly represents both domestic and international clients in tax litigation.

Christopher is an excellent litigator.

Chris is an excellent attorney and is extremely knowledgeable.

Christopher is a great lawyer. His knowledge of taxation is fantastic.

He is a strong lawyer and good to deal with.

Ranked Lawyers at
Aird & Berlis LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Canada

Tax

Barbara Worndl
S
Barbara Worndl
S
Senior Statespeople
Jack Bernstein
2
Jack Bernstein
2
Band 2
Francesco Gucciardo
3
Francesco Gucciardo
3
Band 3
Tax: Litigation

Louise R Summerhill
3
Louise R Summerhill
3
Band 3
4
Christopher Slade
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP

Andrew Nicholls

Angelo Gentile

Archie Rabinowitz

Brodie Kirsh

Carol J. Burns

Christopher Slade

Clifford Rand

David Malach

Donald Carr

Ed Esposto

Edward Miller

Elisabeth V. Atsaidis

Francesco Gucciardo

Holly V.A. Cunliffe

Jacob C. Brown

Josh Kumar

Louise R. Summerhill

Manjit Singh

Marni Pernica

Megan Lambert

Melanie A. Yach

Michael A. Selchen

Monica Carinci

Neil Bass

Rachel L. Blumenfeld

Renee Van

Saam Nainifard

Stacey Byldorp

Stan Fedun

Stephanie D'Amico

Stuart F. Bollefer