Department profile
McMillan LLP

Transportation: Aviation: Finance

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


McMillan LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by McMillan LLP

McMillan has one of the most significant transportation practices in Canada. Our Transportation Group regularly engages in all aspects of the regulatory, economic and financial regulation of transportation undertakings under the federal Canada Transportation Act. The Transportation Group is also regularly engaged to provide advice under other federal legislation, including the Canada Marine Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the Railway Safety Act, the Competition Act, and the Investment Canada Act, and regulations under each. We also regularly advise on corresponding provincial regulatory frameworks, including those dealing with warehousing, handling and distribution of goods and services. Our clients include some of the world’s leading shippers, lessors, financiers, freight carriers, ports and terminals, governments, trade associations, and facility operators. We regularly represent governments, operators, and freight carriers, including in the rail, trucking, and marine modes of transportation. 

The Transportation Group is particularly strong in regulatory analysis, commercial advisory services and advocacy in contested proceedings relating to rates and conditions of service on Class I railways in Canada.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Aviation: Finance - Nationwide - Canada


What the Team is Known For

McMillan's well-established rail and road transportation team operates primarily out of the firm's Vancouver office. Its lawyers are regularly engaged by major rail shippers, short-line railways and terminals, as well as national and international trucking companies. The department provides a broad spectrum of services spanning economic and commercial regulation, corporate and transactional counsel and litigation support, as well as assistance in related areas such as real estate and tax.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McMillan acted for FTAI Aviation in its acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s Commercial Engine Solutions business.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The lawyers at McMillan are subject matter experts who are very knowledgeable about the industry.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
  • McMillan has exceptional domain knowledge and an outstanding track record of success in working with clients.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
  • McMillan has great rail transportation expertise as well as excellent litigation and economic analysis skills.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1François Tougas
    Band 1François Tougas

    François Tougas

    François Tougas is recognised for his experience in regulatory proceedings before the CTA, as well as in general commercial negotiations involving major railways and shippers. He is based in Vancouver.
    • He is extremely effective on strategy and has firm grip on economic, financial and legal issues. I've never worked with a lawyer that is as capable in this way.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • François Tougas works very well with us, is extremely knowledgeable and is good at communicating with stakeholders.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • François provides exceptional strategic advice.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • François is a highly devoted counsel who has sophisticated knowledge of both the industry and its regulations.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
  • Band 1Lucia Stuhldreier
    Band 1Lucia Stuhldreier

    Lucia Stuhldreier

    Well-known and respected Vancouver-based transportation lawyer and litigator Lucia Stuhldreier regularly advises on rail transportation concerns. These include rate and service matters as well as commercial freight agreements.

    • Lucia Stuhldreier has great legal knowledge and does incredible work.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • Lucia is extremely knowledgeable, provides great advice and is very responsive.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • Lucia Stuhldreier is very knowledgeable, calm and reasoned. She understands our business and also the broader challenges.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • She has strong technical and analytical abilities as well as knowledge of the law. It is refreshing to find a person of her skills.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
  • Band 2Andrew E C McFarlane
    Band 2Andrew E C McFarlane

    Andrew E C McFarlane

    Based in the firm's Toronto office, Andrew McFarlane operates a broad finance practice that includes an emphasis on aircraft financing. His clients include aircraft lessors and financial institutions.
    • Andrew knows the industry well.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
  • Band 3Ryan Gallagher
    Band 3Ryan Gallagher

    Ryan Gallagher

    Ryan Gallagher is a respected Vancouver-based lawyer whose practice comprises advising leading shippers and rail users on regulatory and compliance matters.
    • Ryan is remarkable on technical detail.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • He has great technical expertise, is very responsive and is a hard worker.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • Ryan Gallagher is very knowledgeable and extremely responsive.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada
    • Ryan Gallagher is very good with economic issues and integrating them with legal aspects.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at McMillan LLP (4)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by McMillan LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership