About

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Class actions remain top of mind for most businesses with operations or interests in Canada — and Blakes is at the forefront of class actions defence with one of the most experienced teams in the country. Spanning nearly four decades, we have defended clients in more than 400 class actions across the country, including precedent-setting cases with industry-wide implications and multi-jurisdictional cases requiring global coordination. We are also among a small number of Canadian firms with notable class action success at trial and on dispositive applications and motions.

Our trial and appellate lawyers defend clients at all levels of courts and are skilled in preparedness, strategic planning, mediations, arbitrations and negotiated settlements. A key advantage is the experience of our integrated and coordinated national team of leading litigators who have deep knowledge and experience within each of the major Canadian jurisdictions. This platform ensures that we are able to expertly advise on class actions across the country.

We work alongside U.S. and international law firms, advisers and experts to ensure effective coordination of claims that are international in scope and extend into Canada. Through our cross-border experience, strong communication and collaboration, we help ensure the best representation for our clients.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) - Nationwide - Canada

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Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blake, Cassels & Graydon houses a leading national team of dedicated class action defence specialists with considerable expertise in product liability, privacy, antitrust and securities cases. The team offers ample experience representing domestic and international clients from a broad range of industries before all levels of provincial and federal court, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. The firm fields well-resourced teams in Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver, demonstrating a strong track record in cross-border disputes.

Work Highlights

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP represented Warner Bros. entities in a proposed class action concerning allegations of illegal fees in mobile games.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Gordon McKee
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Gordon McKee
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Band 1

Toronto-based Gordon McKee maintains a stellar reputation for his handling of class actions nationally, with notable experience acting for clients in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. He is particularly well regarded for his role in high-stakes product liability class proceedings.

Gordon has a wealth of experience and excellent judgement,. He gets to the heart of issues.

Gordon McKee has a very wide range and depth of experience in Canadian mass tort litigation and product liability.

Gordon McKee is a senior litigator, and probably one of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in Canada.

Robin Reinertson
2
Robin Reinertson
2
Band 2
Robin Reinertson continues to build her reputation in Canada's class action market from her Vancouver base. She is particularly active in competition and product liability cases.

Robin is a fantastic lawyer and gets to the point. She is so helpful.

Robin Reinertson is one of the best lawyers doing product liability. She's very good on her feet and very impressive.

Andrea Laing
3
Andrea Laing
3
Band 3
Andrea Laing is a Toronto-based lawyer with a strong track record of advising accounting firms and investment managers. Her class action practice is complemented by wider experience in securities litigation and investigations.

Andrea Laing provides excellent client service.

Catherine Beagan Flood
3
Catherine Beagan Flood
3
Band 3
Catherine Beagan Flood is well regarded for her representation in product liability and privacy-related class actions. She also has experience in high-stakes antitrust class proceedings.

Catherine is an incredible lawyer.

Catherine is very bright and an exceptionally good researcher.

Catherine is a master strategist with vision and impeccable skill.

Catherine Beagan Flood is often the smartest person in the room by a long shot. She's professional and polished.

James Sullivan KC
3
James Sullivan KC
3
Band 3
Based out of the firm's Vancouver office, James Sullivan KC offers his clients wide-ranging class action expertise, including before the Supreme Court of Canada.

James Sullivan has the experience to develop a practical strategy that ensures a successful defence.

James Sullivan is an expert in litigation in BC.

Ariane Bisaillon
5
Ariane Bisaillon
5
Band 5
Ariane Bisaillon capably advises clients on major class actions in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. She is based in the firm's Montréal office.

Ariane Bisaillon brings a high level of knowledge to a file. She is responsive and able to communicate key information concisely and effectively, which is key to her role.

Ariane is a star.

Jill M. Lawrie
5
Jill M. Lawrie
5
Band 5
Jill Lawrie is co-head of the firm's consumer protection group, practising out of the Toronto office. She offers substantial experience advising on product liability class action litigation, with notable expertise in the automotive and healthcare product manufacturing sectors.

Jill Lawrie is a fantastic lawyer.

Robin Linley
5
Robin Linley
5
Band 5

Based in Toronto, Robin Linley has a growing reputation in the disputes space based on his adept handling of class actions involving product liability issues.

Robin Linley is incredibly proactive, responsive and very smart. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian class action law.

Nicole Henderson
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Nicole Henderson
U
Up and Coming

Situated in Toronto, Nicole Henderson has a growing practice in the class actions and disputes space. Her areas of specialism include competition and product liability matters.

Nicole Henderson is one of the up-and-coming next generation of excellent Blake's lawyers.

Nicole is very responsive and takes ownership of client concerns.

Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)

Gordon McKee
1
Gordon McKee
1
Band 1
Robin Reinertson
2
Robin Reinertson
2
Band 2
Andrea Laing
3
Andrea Laing
3
Band 3
Catherine Beagan Flood
3
Catherine Beagan Flood
3
Band 3
James Sullivan KC
3
James Sullivan KC
3
Band 3
Ariane Bisaillon
5
Ariane Bisaillon
5
Band 5
Jill M. Lawrie
5
Jill M. Lawrie
5
Band 5
Robin Linley
5
Robin Linley
5
Band 5
Nicole Henderson
U
Nicole Henderson
U
Up and Coming