Department profile
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Energy: Nuclear

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada

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McCarthy Tétrault LLP

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About

Provided by McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Unlocking the potential of small modular reactor (SMR) technology requires the support of specialized legal expertise. Leveraging deep knowledge of Canada’s nuclear regulatory framework and SMR experience, McCarthy Tétrault helps leading developers and sector participants address opportunities and risks as the SMR market evolves.

SMR technology is an emerging and rapidly evolving area, seen as critical to the energy transition. Our team has worked extensively for decades in the conventional nuclear space with various participants, and have advised some of the world’s leading SMR developers. Our expertise spans the entire SMR value chain and includes experience with permitting, implementing strategic and Indigenous partnerships, navigating environmental and end-of-life obligations, and assisting with all types of capital raising. We have represented project proponents, developers and investors in the financing, acquisition, development and refurbishment of nuclear energy projects. 

McCarthy Tétrault has developed unique and well-established relationships with industry participants and stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, private equity firms, lenders and potential SMR players, allowing our team to bring such participants together and facilitate developments in the SMR space .

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Nuclear - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

McCarthy Tétrault enjoys a sterling reputation for its nuclear energy practice, which offers extensive experience advising utilities, developers, investors and government stakeholders on major nuclear projects across Canada. The team is particularly noted for its expertise in nuclear project development, refurbishment programmes, financing, regulation and licensing, as well as for its strength in advising on emerging SMR initiatives, international trade controls and complex infrastructure transactions within the nuclear sector.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McCarthy Tétrault advised the Building Ontario Fund on its commitment to invest up to CAD1 billion in the Darlington New Nuclear Project, alongside Ontario Power Generation and Canada Growth Fund. The transaction involved an equity investment in the four‑reactor small modular reactor project.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • McCarthy Tétrault is responsive, thoughtful and provides strategic advice.

    Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

  • McCarthy's focuses on actionable guidance that supports decision-making while appropriately managing legal and regulatory risk.

    Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

  • McCarthy's has a deep understanding of our business and was able to confront all new issues that arose during the course of the transaction.

    Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • David Lever
    David Lever

    David Lever

    David Lever is a distinguished energy and infrastructure lawyer with extensive experience advising developers, investors, lenders and utilities on major power projects in Canada and internationally. He is particularly noted for his expertise in nuclear project development, financing and refurbishment programmes.

    • I can always count on him for sound legal and strategic advice.

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

    • He is highly responsive, practical in his approach and plays a key role in ensuring advice is well-aligned with our broader commercial and strategic objectives.

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada
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  • Mark Johnson
    Mark Johnson

    Mark Johnson

    Mark Johnson is co-head of the firm's national energy group and a partner in the Toronto office. He is highly experienced in advising both public and private sector clients on construction, refurbishment and partnerships in the nuclear sector.

    • Mark has this ability to abstract himself from the issue and look at things from different perspectives.

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

    • Mark is able to take large, complex topics and draft legal provisions that are simple so non-lawyers can comprehend them.

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

    • Mark has lots of experience in this space and is very pragmatic

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada
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  • Seán C O'Neill
    Seán C O'Neill

    Seán C O'Neill

    Seán O'Neill serves as co-head of the firm's national energy group. He is particularly noted for his experience representing clients in financing, development and acquisitions in the nuclear sectors.

    • I could not have asked for better services than I received from Sean.
      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada

    • He is responsive, pragmatic in his approach and consistently delivers thoughtful, well-structured advice that aligns with our business and project objectives.

      Energy: Nuclear respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at McCarthy Tétrault LLP (3)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

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