Department profile
Goodmans LLP

Restructuring/Insolvency

Global Guide 2026 : Canada


Goodmans LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Goodmans LLP

Goodmans Restructuring Group is widely and consistently recognized as Canada’s top restructuring and insolvency practice. For 23 consecutive years, Chambers Global has ranked Goodmans Restructuring Group as Canada's #1 and most experienced restructuring practice.

Our Restructuring Group has become one of the largest and best in Canada by developing cross-functional abilities and consistently building a diverse track-record of successful results for our sophisticated clients. Over the years, our lawyers have acted for every major type of stakeholder in every type of restructuring in the country. The scope and caliber of our credentials in restructuring is unmatched.

Our Restructuring Group has acted for all sides in restructuring situations. We are known for our successful representation of a diverse client base that includes a variety of domestic and international stakeholders including debtors, court-appointed monitors, noteholders, industry regulators, governments, private equity firms, lenders, distressed purchasers and investor committees in major restructurings across Canada’s major industry sectors including for example, oil & gas, mining, media, technology, retail, pharmaceutical and telecoms.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - Canada

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Goodmans is a premier Toronto law firm recognised for its leading expertise in the restructuring and insolvency space across Canada. It represents an impressive range of commercial clients, with notable experience advising bondholders and acting on large international insolvencies. The firm houses a distinguished bench of lawyers who offer deep and broad expertise to both debtors and creditors, as well as notable skill advising on matters arising within regulated industries, including telecoms, energy and resources. The restructuring and insolvency team also assists clients engaged in the real estate, retail and manufacturing sectors. The Goodmans group is active on restructurings under both the CCAA and CBCA.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Goodmans lead advice for Endo International, and it's Canadian operating company Paladin labs, in connection with its restructuring initiatives.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Goodmans is a highly strategic, creative and forward-thinking team. They not only help find solutions to problems but also flag issues that may become problems in the future.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • The Goodmans team is made up of extremely technical, but still very commercially-focused, lawyers.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • I have had nothing but exceptional service and responsiveness.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleGale Rubenstein
    Senior StatespeopleGale Rubenstein

    Gale Rubenstein

    Toronto-based Gale Rubenstein is a seasoned restructuring and insolvency lawyer with vast experience handling matters in this field.
  • Band 1Brendan O'Neill
    Band 1Brendan O'Neill

    Brendan O'Neill

    Brendan O'Neill is held in high regard for his expert representation of court-appointed monitors in CCAA proceedings and also acts for sponsor funds on recapitalisation transactions. He is based in Toronto.

    • Brendan has been a fantastic advisor and partner for our firm over the years. He is easy to work with, highly responsive and has a great ability to bring creative thinking to our projects.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
    • He is sharp, commercial and knowledgeable.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
    • Brendan is one of the top lawyers in his field.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Robert J Chadwick
    Band 1Robert J Chadwick

    Robert J Chadwick

    Robert Chadwick is deeply experienced in assisting clients with recapitalisation transactions, strategic reviews and CCAA proceedings. He is based in Toronto.
    • Robert is highly technical, diligent and solution-driven.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
    • Robert is exceptional.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Chris Armstrong
    Band 3Chris Armstrong

    Chris Armstrong

    Chris Armstrong is a well-regarded practitioner in the restructuring field, with experience advising debtor companies undergoing CCAA proceedings, as well as noteholders, trustees and loan agents. He is based in Toronto.
    • Chris is very diligent and highly technical.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
    • Chris has a great ability to take a complex point of law and translate it into everyday language. He's also a master strategist and is superb on his feet.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Joseph Pasquariello
    Band 3Joseph Pasquariello

    Joseph Pasquariello

    Co-head of Goodmans' corporate restructuring group, Joseph Pasquariello frequently advises monitors and special managers in CCAA proceedings. Based in Toronto, he has notable experience relating to some of the most significant matters in the Canadian market.

    • Joseph offers excellent technical advice. He is also extremely practical and commercially-focused.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
    • Joseph has excellent expertise, is user-friendly to clients and is a pleasure to work with.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Caroline Descours
    Band 4Caroline Descours

    Caroline Descours

    Caroline Descours is based in Toronto, where she regularly assists with CBCA proceedings and refinancing transactions.
  • Band 4Joseph Latham
    Band 4Joseph Latham

    Joseph Latham

    Joseph Latham is a respected Toronto lawyer who frequently acts as counsel to court-appointed monitors. He also has experience acting for debtor-in-possession lenders on CCAA-related matters.

Ranked Individuals at Goodmans LLP (7)

Canada

Members

Provided by Goodmans LLP

Goodmans LLP has rankings in the following guides

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