Department profile
Bennett Jones LLP

Disputes (International & Cross-Border)

Global Guide 2026 : Canada


Bennett Jones LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Disputes (International & Cross-Border) - Canada

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Bennett Jones is a distinguished Canadian law firm with roots in the Alberta energy market, offering national coverage and expertise across transactional and contentious matters in conjunction with industry-specific experience. The law firm provides international scope to clients through an office presence in New York (practising only Canadian law) and through relationships with a network of global partner firms. Oil and gas has long been part of the firm’s identity, and it performs strongly on transactions and disputes in the space, including international arbitration.

The law firm offers a broad suite of services in disputes, including high-performing and globally oriented practices in arbitration and international trade. The firm has a strong track record representing clients in international arbitration – including at major ICC centres – with an emphasis on energy and construction disputes, often involving Middle Eastern entities. Ita US presence provides the firm with opportunities to partner with US firms as Canadian counsel on major class action and litigation defence work. A highly regarded competition group on the contentious side assists clients with investments into Canada, and the firm provides additional expertise acting on customs and trade disputes.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The depth of Bennett Jones's team is strong across the board. Their client service is top notch as well.

    Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Bennett Jones has very knowledgeable and intelligent lawyers.

    Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Bennett Jones has very skilled counsel at the senior, intermediate and junior levels. They work well together as a team.

    Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Martin J Valasek
    Band 1Martin J Valasek

    Martin J Valasek

    Martin Valasek is renowned for his handling of major international disputes, with significant experience overseeing arbitration matters on behalf of companies in the natural resources, energy and manufacturing industries. He represents such clients in proceedings conducted under ad hoc, ICC, LCIA and ICSID rules.

    • Martin Valasek is exceptional.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Richard B Swan
    Band 2Richard B Swan

    Richard B Swan

    Richard Swan is a seasoned litigator with notable experience concerning insolvency disputes. He also represents clients in shareholder oppression and securities claims, working from the Bennett Jones's Toronto office.

    • His insights into a case are consistently exceptional, and he delivers outstanding results.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Richard is able to provide clear and calm direction during a highly stressful time.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • He displays impressive ability in court.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Robert W Staley
    Band 2Robert W Staley

    Robert W Staley

    Toronto-based Robert Staley is a tremendously well-regarded commercial litigator with an active practice representing clients in shareholder disputes and securities class actions. He also has deep experience in litigating issues with international complexities.

    • He is a wonderful person to work with; he understands the higher-level needs for his clients.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Robert has a very unique way of simplifying things and describes them in layman's terms.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • He is responsive, reliable and dependable.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Rob is extremely experienced and strategic.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Vasilis Pappas
    Band 2Vasilis Pappas

    Vasilis Pappas

    Vasilis Pappas co-heads the international arbitration practice group at Bennett Jones, dividing his time between Vancouver and Calgary. He is widely esteemed for his skilled handling of disputes arising from the natural resources and energy industries.

    • Vasilis has excellent judgement, and is self-confident and fearless.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Vasilis Pappas is a very skilled counsel. He's capable of dealing with complex issues and handling large volumes of documents.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Blair C Yorke-Slader KC
    Band 3Blair C Yorke-Slader KC

    Blair C Yorke-Slader KC

    Acclaimed Calgary-based litigator Blair Yorke-Slader KC of Bennett Jones maintains a first-rate reputation for handling the full gamut of corporate/commercial litigation, including skill in securities and trusts disputes. He regularly represents clients from the financial services, real estate and chemical manufacturing sectors before trial and appellate courts, as well as the Alberta Securities Commission.

    • Blair is second to none in the city as a trial lawyer. In bet-the-company litigation, he should be your first call.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Blair is one of the finest litigators I know and is very successful for his clients.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Munaf Mohamed
    Band 3Munaf Mohamed

    Munaf Mohamed

    Calgary-based Munaf Mohamed KC of Bennett Jones is much admired for his prowess with high-stakes commercial litigation. He offers additional strength in asset recovery, civil fraud, insurance and contractual disputes.

    • He is really good at thinking creatively of different paths.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Munaf is a master strategist. He is responsive, smart and practical.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal
    • Munaf has superlative strategic skills and is a wicked advocate.

      Disputes (International & Cross-Border) respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Bennett Jones LLP (6)

Canada

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership