Department profile
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence)

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Rankings

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

Band 1

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

Provided by Chambers

  • 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

  • The team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon are excellent lawyers. They are effective, clear communicators who are very helpful with all aspects of the litigation.

    Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Blake's strategy in addressing and dealing with cases, their specialty knowledge of the law and adversaries in different jurisdictions, and their incredible responsiveness set them apart from others.

    Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • They are professional and persuasive as a team.

    Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon is responsive and extremely good at keeping the client informed of developments.

    Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • The team at Blake, Cassels & Graydon are experienced, pragmatic and organised practitioners.

    Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Gordon McKee
    Band 1Gordon McKee

    Gordon McKee

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Gordon McKee has a very wide range and depth of experience in Canadian mass tort litigation and product liability.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Gordon McKee is a senior litigator, and probably one of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in Canada.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 2Robin Reinertson
    Band 2Robin Reinertson

    Robin Reinertson

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Robin Reinertson is one of the best lawyers doing product liability. She's very good on her feet and very impressive.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 3Andrea Laing
    Band 3Andrea Laing

    Andrea Laing

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 3Catherine Beagan Flood
    Band 3Catherine Beagan Flood

    Catherine Beagan Flood

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Catherine is very bright and an exceptionally good researcher.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Catherine is a master strategist with vision and impeccable skill.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Catherine Beagan Flood is often the smartest person in the room by a long shot. She's professional and polished.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 3James Sullivan
    Band 3James Sullivan

    James Sullivan

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • James Sullivan is an expert in litigation in BC.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 5Ariane Bisaillon
    Band 5Ariane Bisaillon

    Ariane Bisaillon

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Ariane is a star.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Band 5Robin Linley
    Band 5Robin Linley

    Robin Linley

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
  • Up and ComingNicole Henderson
    Up and ComingNicole Henderson

    Nicole Henderson

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada
    • Nicole is very responsive and takes ownership of client concerns.

      Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (8)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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