Department profile
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Environment

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada

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McCarthy Tétrault LLP

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About

Provided by McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Environmental expertise with compliance, protection and best practices

As one of the first law firms in Canada to practice environmental law, we have formidable expertise to navigate the complex provincial, territorial, federal and international laws, regulations and agreements affecting large and complex projects and transactions. This includes environmental assessment processes, contaminated sites, climate change and emissions trading, negotiations with interest groups, representation of our clients in public hearings and in environmental litigation, and training, audits, investigations and defense related to occupational health and safety.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

McCarthy Tétrault is a full-service law firm that assists companies from a range of different sectors, including oil and gas, forestry and energy. The environmental, regulatory and Aboriginal law group's expertise includes advising on the environmental assessments of major projects, climate change and environmental litigation. The practice also has notable experience handling the environmental aspects of M&A transactions, with further strength in land contamination disputes, hazardous waste issues and carbon trading. The law firm is a popular choice among prominent Canadian and international companies, as well as governmental entities.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP represented Nature Trust of BC in its estuary rehabilitation program and related judicial review application.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • McCarthy Tétrault's service levels and responsiveness are very good.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • The firm is good at organising strategies and understanding the needs of the business, both on the minute details and at the macro perspective.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • The team stands out for its strong technical expertise in Canada’s evolving environmental sector, particularly across multiple provincial regimes.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • The McCarthy Tétrault team quickly grasps the complex environmental science nuances of the matter at hand. Their team approach allows a comprehensive legal strategy to be developed in a timely manner.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • The partners have a deep understanding of our industry and its environmental legal challenges. The environment department is able to identify risks and setbacks early in the development of a case, even when the context is complex.

    Environment respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Nicholas Hughes
    Nicholas Hughes

    Nicholas Hughes

    Based in Vancouver, Nicholas Hughes is an experienced environmental litigator with particular expertise in handling matters at the intersection of transportation and environmental law, as well as in judicial reviews relating to biodiversity.

    • Nick is an outstanding strategist, visionary and reliable lawyer.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • He is a creative practitioner who is very strong.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Cindy Vaillancourt
    Cindy Vaillancourt

    Cindy Vaillancourt

    Montréal-based Cindy Vaillancourt is frequently sought out by clients for her handling of operational environmental compliance matters, providing further expertise relating to land contamination issues and environmental permit approvals.

    • Cindy demonstrates a strong ability to assess not only the legal framework, but also the broader relational and strategic environment in which decisions are made. She is a trusted adviser whose perspective extends meaningfully beyond technical legal analysis.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • She is one of the most professional and knowledgeable people that I have the chance to work with.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Selina Lee-Andersen
    Selina Lee-Andersen

    Selina Lee-Andersen

    Selina Lee-Andersen is well known for her work in the environmental regulatory compliance space, servicing clients out of the law firm's Vancouver office. Her practice also encompasses advising on the environmental aspects of projects and investments.

    • We appreciate Selina's subject matter expertise.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Terri-Lee Oleniuk
    Terri-Lee Oleniuk

    Terri-Lee Oleniuk

    Terri-Lee Oleniuk is typically sought out for her regulatory expertise. Her environmental practice is complemented by her knowledge of energy regulation and Aboriginal law, particularly in relation to solar projects. She is based in Calgary.

    • Terri-Lee Oleniuk truly stands out. She goes the extra mile to ensure clients are satisfied and genuinely wants them to succeed. She is a trusted, results-oriented and highly strategic leader.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • She has strategic judgement and calm leadership on complex matters.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Kimberly Howard
    Kimberly Howard

    Kimberly Howard

    Calgary-based Kimberly Howard regularly represents energy companies in both contentious and advisory cases, often in relation to contamination claims. Her practice also encompasses permitting and compliance matters.

    • Kimberly is exceptionally professional and approachable, consistently demonstrating genuine care for both our team and our industry.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • What is unique about Kimberly is the multidisciplinary nature of her practice, which spans numerous environmental issues.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Una Radoja
    Una Radoja

    Una Radoja

    Vancouver-based Una Radoja boasts a diverse environmental practice, regularly advising corporate clients on contentious and regulatory matters. She often assists with the approval of corporate transactions and projects undergoing environmental assessments.

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Ranked Individuals at McCarthy Tétrault LLP (6)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

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