This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
News
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Great Success for Lavery’s Annual Summer Cocktail
On June 13, 2012, about 130 people took part in the firm’s summer cocktail. This annual event, which was held at the chic hotel Le Saint-Sulpice in the heart of Old Montreal, has enabled Lavery lawyers and partners to meet with present or prospective clients in a relaxed and festive setting. Once again, the cocktail was a genuine success.
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University Certification Presentation Ceremony with Regards to a Continuing Education Program in Business
Lavery is pleased to have welcomed at our office, on June 12, the partners involved in a continuing education program in business for a university certification presentation ceremony to employees of Distinction Group Inc. (GDI), a Canadian leader in the areas of industrial and commercial maintenance. This program, entitled "Gérer et superviser efficacement" (Managing and supervising efficiently), is managed by the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal and tailored for first-level managers within a company.A Lavery partner, Marie-Claude Perreault has been actively involved in the program’s implementation, ever since its launch in 2008, as a trainer for the module entitled Fulfilling the role of a first-level manager. "This module gave me the opportunity to deal with various subjects of interest for Distinction Group employees who enrolled in this training course, including human resources management, the development of harmonious labour-management relations, the laws on labour standards, the respect of health and safety standards as well as the rules associated with the protection of personal information", she pointed out.GDI’s president and CEO, Claude Bigras, is happy that the company chose to invest in the training of its first-level managers. "This program has endowed GDI with the undeniable advantages of team management skills, knowledge of labour relations laws and conflict resolution as well as the human relations techniques, methods and skills required for a more efficient, healthy and lasting project and operations management", he said.The Assistant Dean of the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal, Monique Kirouac, welcomed the second certification presentation ceremony. "On April 6, 2010, during an official ceremony, GDI managers were the first recipients of this new official university certification awarded by our Faculty. On June 12, 2012, many GDI managers were awarded a certification for having successfully completed this continuing education program. In short, the program represents an excellent initiative that draws academia and business closer together".In addition, the president and CEO of the firm Relais Expert-Conseil, Luc Chabot, is pleased by the partnership with the Université de Montréal. "Our firm has worked in close cooperation with the Faculté de l’éducation permanente to develop a new management training program perfectly suited to the actual and complex needs of today’s businesses. Each module of the program has been thoroughly analysed and I’m very happy to note the remarkable success this continuing education program in business has had with GDI employees".Lavery would like to join the Université de Montréal and Relais Expert-Conseil in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 certifications and in thanking GDI’s senior management team for its continued support that contributes to the long-term success of the program.From left to right: Denise Pellerin, psychologist, coach and trainer; Marie-Claude Perreault, Partner at Lavery and trainer; Luc Chabot, President and CEO of Relais Expert-Conseil; Monique Kirouac, Assistant Dean, Academic Studies, Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal; Yves André Godon, Executive Vice-President, GDI; Valérie Korozs, Associate at Lavery and trainer; and Éric Robillard, trainer.
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Lavery represents the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec with respect to an investment of $98.5 M in GENIVAR
The law firm Lavery is pleased to announce that it has represented the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (hereinafter the « Caisse ») in connection with a $98.5 M investment in the company GENIVAR. This investment is part of the proposed acquisition by GENIVAR of UK-based WSP Group plc, a consulting firm with operations in more than 30 countries. The Lavery team was headed by Jean-Sébastien Desroches (mergers and acquisitions) and included namely Josianne Beaudry (securities law), Sive Burns (mergers and acquisitions) and Jean Tessier (securities law). With regards to this transaction, the Caisse subscribed for 4,105,305 subscription receipts in GENIVAR inc. [TSX: GNV]. The subscription was made through private placement and the closing date of this subscription is scheduled close to June 27, 2012. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, each subscription receipt will be issued at a unit price of $24 for a total purchase price of $98,527,320. Each subscription receipt gives the right to receive, following the closing of the acquisition of WSP Group plc, one common share of GENIVAR’s share capital, without additional consideration or formality.
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Lavery salutes the courage and determination of Alexandre Despatie
Just like all Quebecers and Canadians who cheer for Alexandre Despatie, Lavery was shocked to learn that Alexandre suffered an injury during training before the Madrid Diving Grand Prix in Spain. We wish him a speedy recovery and acknowledge his remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks at certain moments in his career.Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery is convinced that Alexandre will confidently be back on the diving board for the Olympic Games in London.
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Olga Farman wins the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec
Lavery is pleased to mention that Olga Farman, a Lavery partner, is the recipient of the 2012 edition of the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec in the category Affaires et professions. This prestigious award, which recognizes the contribution of exceptional women to the development of Quebec, is based on rigorous and demanding criteria. Olga Farman has met all the requirements of these awards. Through the varied nature of her commitment that touches upon the areas of law and culture, her leadership among her peers as well as in connection with various professional and social projects, her creativity in the complex and fast-evolving life sciences sector, and her ability to consider each potential obstacle as a new challenge to undertake, Olga Farman represents a model of professional achievement and community involvement. To know more about the Women of Distinction Awards, please click here. (in French)
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Brian C. Elkin publishes an article in the American magazine For The Defense
Brian C. Elkin, partner at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled "Bound by Provisions – Choice of Forum in Common Law Canada", which was published in the May 2012 issue of For The Defense, a monthly publication of the Defense Research Institute, a U.S.-based organization of civil defence lawyers with an international membership.In this article, the author draws attention to recent court decisions in the common law provinces of Canada, which reflect an important trend that risk managers and lawyers advising clients, who are involved in cross-border transactions, should be aware of.Click here to read this article.
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Jocelyne Gagné appointed Judge of the Federal Court
Lavery is very pleased with the appointment of Jocelyne Gagné, partner of our firm, as a Judge of the Federal Court, as of June 1, 2012.With more than 20 years of legal experience, Jocelyne Gagné has focused her practice on civil and commercial litigation where, as a litigator, she represented clients before all levels of court in Quebec.A renowned speaker and an executive member of the Canadian Bar Association since 2007, the year that she joined Lavery, Jocelyne Gagné has successfully managed important files in various practice areas, including the liability of banks, construction law and real estate law.At Lavery, we know that Jocelyne Gagné will take up this new professional challenge with the same level of competence and dynamism she has always demonstrated.
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An economic South-North Mission in the Plan Nord Territory
Lavery, in collaboration with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Québec Manufacturers and Exporters, Investissement-Québec, and AGC Communications, is organizing a South-North economic mission within the Plan Nord territory. From June 17 to 19, we will guide the executives of companies and organizations that would like to take advantage of the new business opportunities that Plan Nord will generate. The program includes guided tours of mining development facilities owned by Xstrata in Matagami, Arcelor Mittal in Mont-Wright, and Rio Tinto/IOC in Labrador City, meetings with the executives of these companies, and business meetings with the mayors, economic development agents, major work providers, local entrepreneurs, and Aboriginal communities living on the territory. Companies and organizations that take part in this mission will have the opportunity to find out about the business potential and identify South-North business opportunities, foster and develop a South-North business network, create new business alliances and partnerships, and gain a better understanding of the needs and operations of the major work providers within the mining industry. Several companies and organizations have already confirmed their participation. You can contact René Branchaud at [email protected] or 514 877-3040 for more information. You can register online, on the website of Manufacturers and Exporters or by phone at 514 866-7774. Consult the Mission Guide (français seulement)
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Appointment of Michel Yergeau as Judge of the Superior Court of Québec
Lavery is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michel Yergeau, partner of our firm, as a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec, as of June 1, 2012.During his 26 years at Lavery, Michel Yergeau distinguished himself by his administrative skills and his legal expertise. For a total of 13 years, he held the strategic position of Chairman of the firm’s Board of Directors and he set up our group in Environmental Law.A renowned jurist, Michel Yergeau made his mark in various practice areas, mainly environmental law, Aboriginal law, civil law and administrative law. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.At Lavery, we know that Michel Yergeau will fulfill his new responsibilities with the same level of competence, integrity, impartiality and discipline he has always demonstrated.
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A third term for Frédéric Pagé on the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM)
During its Annual General Meeting, held in Montreal on May 18, the YBAM announced the election results for various positions. Frédéric Pagé, a lawyer at Lavery, was elected for a third term as administrator on the YBAM Board of Directors for year 2012-2013. Founded in 1898, the YBAM represents lawyers with 10 years or less of practice, registered in the Montreal area. The mission of the YBAM is to defend and promote its members’ interests. It also offers various segments of the population consulting and legal information on a volunteer basis, besides organizing charitable activities. Overall, the YBAM seeks to improve access to justice and to contribute to the well-being of the community.
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René Branchaud quoted in an article published in La Presse about the Plan Nord
Mr. René Branchaud, partner at Lavery and an expert in mining law, is quoted in an article published in La Presse newspaper on May 3 and entitled "Les fusions venues du froid". Mr. Branchaud points out that the Plan Nord generates significant interest with mining industry suppliers (ex.: equipment, technology, services, etc.) and Asian corporations, particularly from China. According to him, this interest could lead to an increase in mergers and acquisitions within the scope of the Plan Nord.Click here to read this article (in French only).
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20 Lavery Partners Ranked in the 2012 Edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Lavery is pleased to announce that 20 partners of the firm are ranked among the most recommended lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2012 edition of Thomson Carswell’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country. It is a reference guide for Canadian and U.S. corporate counsel and law firms in need of specialized legal services. The 2012 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the best lawyers in 64 practice areas based on the results of a thorough annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery lawyers are recommended in a vast array of fields, including banking, asset finance, mining law, environmental law, mergers and acquisitions, employment law and labour relations, class actions, construction law, medical negligence, family law, and commercial insurance litigation. "In the 2011 edition of this legal directory, 15 Lavery partners were recognized as opposed to 20 partners in 2012. This significant increase reflects our lawyers’ quality and diversity of expertise. I congratulate our 20 colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the legitimate needs of our clients", said Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2012 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : Marie-Claude Armstrong* – Family Law Pierre L. Baribeau - Employment Law and Labour Relations Michel Blouin - Mining René Branchaud – Mining Louise Cérat - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Gérard Coulombe*, Q.C. – Corporate Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Pierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Nicolas Gagnon - Construction Law Jean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Jean-François Hotte – Labour Relations Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Guy Lemay* – Class Actions Jean-François Lepage* – Medical Negligence Robert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Louis Payette, Ad. E. - Banking & Financial Institutions Jacques Perron* – Transportation (Road & Rail) Ian Rose* – Litigation – Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. - Class Actions; Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation - Product Liability André Vautour - Technology Transactions Michel Yergeau, Ad. E. - Environmental Law *New postingFor more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.