Transportation: Rail & Road | Canada

DLA Piper is a well-established global firm with a strong footprint in the transportation industry in Canada. Lauded for its extensive experience in the rail sector, the transportation team regularly represents shippers in disputes against railway companies, notably in rail level of service arbitrations and final offer arbitrations. It possesses further expertise in rail rate reasonableness cases. The firm is also highly regarded for its expertise in the aviation sector, advising domestic and international air carriers on regulatory and litigation matters, including defence against class actions. Its lawyers also provide transactional and commercial advice for players in the aviation industry, and it is active in aircraft finance.

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.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a top law firm in the aviation space that is sought out by major manufacturers, lessors and investors. The aviation and aerospace team advises on aircraft finance as well as general commercial and tax matters, restructuring and insurance relating to aviation. Its lawyers also provide guidance on regulatory compliance and litigation matters. Clients include major financiers, as well as companies in the mining and agriculture sectors.

Borden Ladner Gervais is a national law firm with a first-class cross-sector transportation team advising clients on the full spectrum of maritime law, including ship construction, finance, purchases and sales, terminal operations, insolvency proceedings, cargo claim defence, charter party disputes, and environmental matters such as fuel oil spills. It offers coverage across Canada, with its offices in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver playing key roles in the shipping arena, and its Team North initiative offering advice on shipping in the Arctic. The firm also operates a well-regarded aviation practice, with particular experience in aerospace disputes and claims. It possesses an especially strong reputation in cases involving fatal aircraft accidents and aerospace product liability concerns. Additionally, its rail practice has been growing in recognition, as the team regularly assists clients with regulatory matters and rail accident-related litigation.

Fasken operates a well-regarded transportation team with national presence, acting predominantly on behalf of railway companies. The firm provides advice on the full gamut of rail transportation matters, including commercial transactions, litigation, insurance and taxation advice, as well as environmental and labour and employment issues. It is adept advising on class actions arising in the transportation space, and also offers notable expertise in infrastructure and public-private partnership developments as well as real estate matters.

Gardiner Roberts is a well-regarded law firm based in Toronto with significant expertise in both the marine and the rail and road industries. The group routinely advises both national and international clients on regulatory proceedings and compliance cases, offering guidance on matters such as vessel licensing and registration, purchase and sale, cargo claims, collisions and marine insurance.