Department profile
Goodmans LLP

Corporate/Commercial

Canada Guide 2026 : Ontario


Goodmans LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Goodmans LLP

Goodmans Corporate and Commercial Group is the largest in the firm, bringing together business law and transactional work, with all the strategic entrepreneurial flair for which we are known.

In many ways, our business law capabilities are the very traits that make our transactional services so successful. By helping companies formulate and implement their business strategies, we are able to cultivate a profound understanding of the clients long-term objectives.

A large number of our business law clients have been with the firm since their businesses began – some of them upwards of 30 years. Even now, with clients among the world’s largest multinationals, we honour our roots, and advise start-ups and small businesses with equal passion.

Clients call upon Goodmans when a complex transaction needs to be pulled together with skill and finesse because of our recognized skill in every significant area of corporate and commercial law.

Our business law team is unique in its celebration of time-honoured, seasoned generalists – an increasingly rare breed at many firms, but the kind of advisor that more and more clients crave. We have always embraced the client relationship model – offering a trustworthy business partner to resolve complex issues, provide strategic advice, and ensure the client is happy with every level of service across the firm.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/Commercial - Ontario


What the Team is Known For
Goodmans is an eminent Toronto M&A firm with a notable profile in the REITs space and deep experience across various other industry sectors including mining and telecoms, healthcare, senior care, energy and financial services. In addition to high-end merger work, the firm has strong securities and private equity expertise, including experience of SPACs. It also advises on matters of corporate governance and shareholder activism. The team is frequently involved in multi-jurisdictional matters, including major inbound deals. It also benefits from the firm's leading expertise in corporate restructuring and is increasingly noted for its work in the cannabis space.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Goodmans advised TD Securities in connection with its role as a financial adviser and independent valuator for the Special Committee of the Board of Nuvei Corporation in its go-private takeover by Neon Maple Purchaser.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Goodmans is great to work with, distilling very complicated issues and matters to their actionable essence.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Goodmans is differentiated on commercial awareness. They ask the right questions and tailor their approach accordingly, so much so that we view them as creative thought partners.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • The firm's responsiveness, depth of knowledge and pragmatic advice sets them apart from other firms in the market.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Goodmans' lawyers are both completely focused on client service and provide world-class advice.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Eminent PractitionersDale H. Lastman, C.M., O.Ont.
    Eminent PractitionersDale H. Lastman, C.M., O.Ont.

    Dale H. Lastman, C.M., O.Ont.

    Toronto-based Dale Lastman, C.M. is widely recognised for his experience in handling complex corporate transactions across a variety of sectors.
    • Dale has not just been a source of great advice, but also a strong confidante to the company on all aspects of the business.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 1Neill May
    Band 1Neill May

    Neill May

    Neill May has a wealth of experience handling M&A and corporate finance matters. Based in Toronto, he advises on transactions across a broad range of industries, including mining and private equity.

    • If there is an issue, it is an issue for a few minutes and then it is sorted. He has a brilliant mind.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Neill is brilliant and a pleasure to work with.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Neill is among the smartest lawyers I've come across in Canada. He's been around for many years so has encyclopedic knowledge and moves at a million miles per hour. He is also responsive.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 3Robert A Vaux
    Band 3Robert A Vaux

    Robert A Vaux

    Robert Vaux is noted for his experienced handling of M&A and corporate governance matters arising from the cannabis and pharmaceutical sectors. He co-chairs the firm's Mergers and Acquisitions Group.

    • Robert is a highly experienced trusted adviser to our organisation, providing exceptional service and advice on complex matters.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 4Chris Sunstrum
    Band 4Chris Sunstrum

    Chris Sunstrum

    Toronto-based Chris Sunstrum is noted for his representation of clients from a variety of industries including mining and energy. His practice includes advising on corporate governance and M&A and private equity transactions.
    • Chris provides proactive, strategic legal advice. He is very responsive, knowledgeable and personable.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Chris has been amazing support with a keen sense of strategic approach.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Chris practices well above his year of call and manages complicated transactions seamlessly.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 4Jonathan Feldman
    Band 4Jonathan Feldman

    Jonathan Feldman

    Toronto-based Jonathan Feldman is an active corporate lawyer whose practice demonstrates capabilities across both M&A and REIT transactions.
    • Jonathan is an excellent corporate lawyer.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 4Stephen Pincus
    Band 4Stephen Pincus

    Stephen Pincus

    Stephen Pincus heads the firm's capital markets group. Based in Toronto, he regularly advises a broad range of clients on M&A and securities matters, including REIT transactions.
    • Stephen is a terrific lawyer.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 5Michelle Vigod
    Band 5Michelle Vigod

    Michelle Vigod

    Michelle Vigod co-leads the firm's mergers and acquisitions group, where she has a strong practice advising both public and private companies on a range of corporate matters, including acquisitions and divestitures.

    • Michelle is always available and raises issues as and when necessary.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Michelle is a superstar. She has been a massive help to our business.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 5Neil Sheehy
    Band 5Neil Sheehy

    Neil Sheehy

    Neil Sheehy is a key part of the team at Goodmans, where he is well placed to advise international and domestic clients on M&A and private equity transactions.

    • Neil provides excellent legal advice.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Goodmans LLP (8)

Ontario

Members

Provided by Goodmans LLP

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