Department profile
Torys LLP

Tax: Litigation

Global Guide 2026 : Canada


Torys LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Torys LLP

We are a full-service tax team with a long history managing complex, large-scale and cross-border transactions and structuring challenges, as well as all phases of tax controversy.

Whether on a transaction, discrete tax matter or dispute, we bring sophisticated thinking and tax advice that progresses clients’ business objectives. We know how to help clients avoid the problems that can stall a deal or impede its success. When a transaction is complicated by multijurisdictional cash, operations, financing opportunities or targets, we collaborate with clients to find creative solutions for the situation at hand.

We advise on the likelihood of success on audit and how to present transactions to tax authorities to reduce the risk of reassessment. When a tax dispute arises, we handle all phases of tax controversy. With full-service tax capabilities in our Canadian and New York offices, we have regular exposure to evolving tax structures in both jurisdictions. Our clients are financial institutions, multinationals, and domestic companies, and we are also longstanding counsel to Canada’s largest pension funds and asset managers.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax: Litigation - Canada


What the Team is Known For

Torys possesses a solid tax team with strong capabilities in the financial services sector. Its Toronto, Montréal and Calgary-based tax lawyers regularly advise on the tax aspects of prominent transactions handled by the firm's standout corporate practice. The firm is also known for its large tax advisory group, including its robust cross-border tax planning expertise bolstered by its New York office. It is additionally well regarded for its strength in tax controversy and litigation.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Torys acted as counsel to Homesteaders Life Company in its CAD1.2 billion acquisition of Park Lawn Corporation with Birch Hill Equity Partners.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Torys does a great job managing complex and sophisticated matters. Their responses are always well thought-out, providing a thorough analysis, while clearly articulating the associated risks.

    Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Torys is very coordinated with commercial teams and, on a tight deadline, they are great at rolling up sleeves and getting the work done.

    Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • The firm has a deep bench strength and is very integrated in the industry.

    Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Torys is the top financial institutions, banking and tax law adviser on the street. They provide excellent services.

    Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • The firm is very up to date on current issues and is very well-versed in corporate and commercial issues and impacts.

    Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jerald M Wortsman
    Band 1Jerald M Wortsman

    Jerald M Wortsman

    Jerald Wortsman enjoys an outstanding reputation in the Canadian tax market. He is particularly noted for his strong relationships across the financial services sector, from high-street banks to a host of private investors, including REITs and pension funds. Based in Toronto, he is the head of the firm's tax practice.
    • Jerald is unparalleled.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Jerald is the gold standard. He is incredibly technically knowledgeable. He is also practical and commercial and will always find a creative solution to get the deal done.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Jerald is super smart and understands our business very well. He is one of our most trusted advisors.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Jerald is a great practitioner with in-depth knowledge. He is attentive, effectively listens and pays close attention to detail. He is also very responsive.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Jerald can speak to a very wide range of technical points. He is a very smart guy.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Martha MacDonald
    Band 1Martha MacDonald

    Martha MacDonald

    Martha MacDonald handles a range of tax disputes, including those relating to transfer pricing, for clients including financial institutions. She leads the firm's tax controversy practice from Toronto.
    • Martha Macdonald is one of the top tax litigators in Canada. She gives absolutely first rate litigation strategy advice.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • The level of insight she provides and ability to communicate very complicated topics is really fantastic. She is an exceptional talent.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • I really enjoy working with Martha. She gives decisive, practical and effective advice.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Martha is highly respected and one of the most knowledgeable people in the tax bar in Canada.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Martha is very strategic, understands how to run and argue a case and can explain tax issues to a judge.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Corrado Cardarelli
    Band 2Corrado Cardarelli

    Corrado Cardarelli

    Corrado Cardarelli provides counsel on tax structures and reorganisations, as well as commercial transactions. He is based in Toronto.
    • Corrado is a strong tax practitioner.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Corrado is a true asset to our organisation.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Gwen Watson
    Band 3Gwen Watson

    Gwen Watson

    Gwen Watson impresses for her role as lead tax adviser on a number of transformative agreements, including acquisitions and corporate reorganisations. She is based in Toronto.
    • Gwen has been a very helpful resource for our organisation.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Gwen is very knowledge of various tax matters and has immense knowledge within her tax practice area. She takes the time to explain matters and is very responsive in addressing queries.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Gwen Watson is outstanding.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • Gwen is very easy to work with and is very practical.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Craig Maurice
    Band 4Craig Maurice

    Craig Maurice

    Calgary-based Craig Maurice acts as a tax adviser across a range of different transactions, including acquisitions, investments and project finance, as well as corporate restructuring.
    • Craig provides excellent knowledge and advice.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 4John J Tobin
    Band 4John J Tobin

    John J Tobin

    Toronto-based John Tobin advises on acquisitions, reorganisations and securities transactions, as well as contentious mandates concerning the interpretation of tax regulations.
    • John Tobin is super smart and practical

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • John is very practical.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
    • John is a wonderful partner to work with.

      Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
  • Band 5Andrew Wong
    Band 5Andrew Wong

    Andrew Wong

    Andrew Wong regularly leads on tax aspects of complex transactions. He is experienced in handling deals such as M&A.

Ranked Individuals at Torys LLP (7)

Canada

Members

Provided by Torys LLP

Torys LLP has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

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

Explore thought leadership