This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
News
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Lavery recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Best Law Firms 2024
On November 15, 2023, the Globe and Mail released the results of its inaugural edition of Canada's Best Law Firm for 2024 and we are pleased to announce that Lavery is included. The ranking for Canada's Best Law Firms was created based on recommendations from lawyers and clients (corporate legal departments). The final list ranks law firms in 31 specialties. Out of the thousands of law firms analyzed, only 200 are recognized. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery provides support as La Presse navigates transformation
In December 2020, Montreal-based La Presse became one of the first media outlets in Canada to obtain registered journalism organization (RJO) status. The special status, introduced by the federal government and granted by the Canada Revenue Agency, is intended to provide alternative funding options for news organizations hit hard by declining revenues, enabling them to fund themselves through donations. Lavery had the privilege of helping La Presse reorganize its corporate structure, so it could meet all the criteria for the designation and enjoy advantages such as tax-exempt status and the ability to issue donation receipts.We also represented La Presse in talks with the Canada Revenue Agency, emphasizing the distinct nature of a mass media outlet like La Presse and the highly competitive environment in which the organization operates. As a result of our representations, La Presse was able to secure RJO status. La Presse subsequently sought our guidance on establishing new governance rules to meet its obligations as an RJO and on creating a second social utility trust. The Lavery team was led by Luc Pariseau and Audrey Pelletier.
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Mining: Lexpert Recognizes Three Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada
On October 23, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of three of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Mining. Josianne Beaudry, René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of Mining. Josianne Beaudry is a partner and leader of the Business law group at Lavery. Her practice is primarily focused on securities law, investment funds and mining law. She advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. René Branchaud is a partner in the firm’s Business Law group. He practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Sébastien Vézina is a partner in the firm’s Business Law group. Over the years, he has refined his practice and developed a particular interest in negotiating commercial agreements with companies in the mining and renewable energy sources, financial services and sports and entertainment industries. Generally, Sébastien's practice in these different industries includes public and private mergers and acquisitions, public and private financing, private sector investments and company buyouts, in particular cross-border transactions between Canada and the United States and international transactions, and the negotiation of various commercial agreements. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery is developing its own generative AI tool
Lavery, the leading independent law firm in Quebec, is developing its own interface whereby all its members will be able to access different versions of ChatGPTTM, the conversational agent developed by OpenAITM. Becoming familiar and having a good understanding of how this type of tool works is essential for the firm, its members, and its clients. Staying on the cutting edge of AI developments and evolving legal services With the creation of this personalized interface, Lavery is building on its cutting-edge position in the areas of AI and legal services with an emphasis on innovation and security. Integrating the interface, which was developed by the members of Lavery’s Legal Laboratory on Artificial Intelligence (L3AI) in association with IT engineers from the firm’s Intellectual Property team and the members of its IT group, signals Lavery’s desire to be a leader in the adoption of new technologies. In a rapidly evolving industry, Lavery is adopting this technology so its members can learn how to use it and eventually incorporate it into their professional practice. As adapted for Lavery, the tool offers a secure environment and will provide the firm’s members with a practical and powerful hands-on experience. Secure and evolving interface Developing a personalized interface and putting in place a strict framework for the internal use of generative AI means that this technology can be used securely and effectively within the firm while fostering the development of skills that users will need. The conditions of use that Lavery has laid out are not only simple and clear, but also rigorous. The firm’s members will be taking part in various training activities. Dedicated to the firm’s users, the application programming interface (API) logs requests submitted as well as the conversational agent’s responses. Over time, this data will be used to adjust the tool’s behaviour with a view to boosting security, accuracy and performance. “By developing our own platform, we will have access to a personalized product that is specifically designed to meet our needs and offers improved risk management and opportunities to perfect the interface,” said Benoit Yelle, Lavery partner and patent agent. Harnessing Lavery’s client service expertise “We would like to gain familiarity with conversational agents so we can better advise clients who wish to implement this type of business technology on the relevant issues, risks and benefits,” said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. “The firm’s decision to build its own interface while managing the risks associated with the use of generative AI is a prime example of one of our core values—entrepreneurship—and attests to the fact that our members put this value into practice in their day-to-day lives.” About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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André Vautour appointed Chair Elect of World Services Group (WSG) Board of Directors
Lavery is pleased to announce that André Vautour, Partner of the firm, has been elected Chair Elect of the World Services Group (WSG) 2023–2024 Board of Directors. Mr. Vautour will serve as Chair Elect for a one-year term where he will work with WSG leadership and other members of the Board in assessing the strategic future and progress of WSG and meeting its objectives. In addition to Mr. Vautour, WSG officers for the current year include Anastasia Campbell from Graham Thompson in the Bahamas, Chair; Rafael Calvo Salinero from Spanish firm Garrigues, Secretary; David Gutiérrez from BLP in Costa Rica, Treasurer; and Herman H. Raspé from Patterson Belknap in New York, Chair Emeritus. The network’s board, on which Mr. Vautour also sits, is made up of 16 members representing all the regions in the world. World Services Group is the most prominent global network of independent law firms and a group of a select few investment banking and accounting firms. The network is comprised of over 120 prominent law firms with over 23,000 professionals globally. The members of these firms act in over 150 countries and territories. This network can connect its members’ clients to other elite legal firms and their multinational clients worldwide. “I’m very pleased to serve as Chair Elect at WSG. This prestigious organization provides a solid and collaborative global platform and its members are committed to providing the best service quality and value to their clients. The Chair, Alexandra Campbell of Graham Thompson in the Bahamas, the Chair Emeritus, Herman H. Raspé of Patterson Belknap in New York, members of the Board, members of the regional councils and all WSG member firms make an outstanding contribution through their hard work,” stated André Vautour. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec and a member of the WSG network. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery welcomes Geneviève Bergeron to its Intellectual Property Group
Lavery is delighted to welcome Geneviève Bergeron as a Partner and Trademark Agent in our Intellectual Property Group. She has extensive experience in trademarks, intellectual property transactions, copyright and domain names. She also advises on the application of the Charter of the French Language to labelling, advertising and commercial signage. She has been recognized for her expertise in intellectual property and trademark law by numerous rankings, including The Best Lawyers in Canada, World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000, Managing Intellectual Property and Who’s Who Legal: IP. Geneviève provides strategic advice and helps many companies protect their trademarks, both in Canada and abroad. Her trademark expertise covers a wide range of industries and includes litigation, such as opposition and cancellation proceedings, the negotiation of coexistence and settlement agreements, and commercial contracts involving intellectual property. Geneviève is also very involved in professional associations related to her practice, including the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and the International Trademark Association. “I am very pleased to be joining Lavery’s intellectual property team. It’s a high-powered team with a solid reputation both in Canada and abroad, offering high-level expertise on the protection, management, enhancement and defence of intellectual property rights. I’m delighted to become a member of such a talented and passionate team, and look forward to actively contributing to the firm’s success,” says Geneviève.
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Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2024
We are pleased to announce that Lavery has once again been recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers Canada in the following sectors: Corporate/Commercial (Québec, Band 1, Highly Regarded) Employment and Labour (Québec, Band 2) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 3) Intellectual Property (Nationwide, Band 4) These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals. Five lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2024 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud : Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) Nicolas Gagnon : Construction (Nationwide, Band 3) Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Employment and Labour (Québec, Up and Coming) Guy Lavoie : Employment and Labour (Québec, Band 2) Sébastien Vézina : Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) Since 1990, Chambers and Partners' ranks the best law firms and lawyers across 200 jurisdictions throughout the world. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Energy: Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada
On September 25, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Energy. René Branchaud and Edith Jacques now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of energy. René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Edith Jacques is a partner in Montréal's Business law group. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law, as well as international law and acts as business and strategic consultant to mid- and large-size companies. She plays an active role in companies in the manufacturing and energy sectors. These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services René and Edith. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery hires nine new legal professionals
Lavery is pleased to announce that nine recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm. Quebec City office William Bolduc William will be joining the administrative law team at Lavery’s Quebec City office in September 2023. Although he is an administrative law generalist, most of his mandates involve municipal law. William also has a keen interest in constitutional law. “Municipal law is exciting, but highly complex due to its legislative corpus. During my internship, Lavery’s administrative law team gave me consistent support and guidance as a junior professional. I am proud to have an opportunity to join this dynamic team and to bring the benefits of my own experience.” Marianne Duboy Marianne Duboy specializes in civil and commercial litigation and construction law. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. She completed her bachelor of law degree at Laval University. During her studies, Marianne was involved as a volunteer researcher at Laval University’s Legal Information Office. She also served as a research assistant for Prof. Daniel Gardner. “I decided to begin my career at Lavery because of the team with which I developed and grew over the past two years. That gave me an opportunity to exceed in personal as well as professional terms.” Émilie Grignon Émilie is a member of our Business Law group. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. “I decided to join Lavery after the team welcomed me with such open arms. This allowed me to develop both personally and professionally by giving me greater autonomy, as well as the chance to pursue excellence as a jurist.” Montreal office : Sophie Crevier Sophie Crevier is member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and practices primarily in the areas of civil and commercial litigation. During her studies, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Montreal’s Cyberjustice Laboratory, where she contributed to the development of projects designed to promote access to justice using high-tech tools. “For me, Lavery offers a welcoming environment, where the focus is on collaboration and where our colleagues and mentors care deeply about our professional success. It’s no surprise that I would want to begin my legal career there.” Renaud G. Murphy Renaud is a member of our Business Law group and mainly practices in the area of financing, particularly venture capital and equity financing. Prior to his legal training, Renaud completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has more than 10 years of sales experience, primarily in the telecommunications sector. “As soon as I was hired at Lavery, I was granted trust. I am pleased to be starting out as a lawyer in an environment that fosters autonomy, rigour and the pursuit of excellence.” Jennifer Younes Jennifer joins our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. " Choosing Lavery was for me a way of choosing a team that would support me, while ensuring that I had access to the resources I needed to develop professionally. So I continue my journey at Lavery, now as a lawyer, with the certainty of being surrounded by dedicated mentors fostering a stimulating, collaborative and collegial work environment." Sherbrooke office: Arianne Arguin Arianne is member of our Business Law group. She primarily practices in the areas of transactional law and commercial law, where she supports our partners and experienced members working primarily on cases involving commercial transactions, such as corporate restructurings and business sales/acquisitions. She also works on cases involving the incorporation of the legal practice involving various professionals. Prior to joining the firm, she honed her legal knowledge and skills in the legal department of the public health and social services network. “As soon as I started at Lavery, I realized that collaboration is a core value of the firm. As a member of the Lavery team, I have the opportunity to develop my skills each day by working closely with a range of professionals who pool their strengths and expertise to offer an unparalleled level of service to each client.” Marianne Fortier Marianne is member of our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. “At Lavery, I am spoiled insofar as I can rub shoulders with experienced legal professionals who are so generous with their time and experience. The team members’ approach is very humane and collaborative. When I began working for the firm, I was involved in a variety of mandates before I knew it. That gave me a chance to develop my professional skills.” Marie-Pier Landry Marie-Pier Landry is member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. “I am delighted to be joining a team characterized by its excellence, sense of daring and entrepreneurship. I am convinced that Lavery will enable me to thrive professionally. I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s success!”
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Lavery welcomes a new partner to the Business Law group
Lavery is very pleased to welcome Marc-André Godin as a partner in the Business Law group at our Montreal office, more specifically as a member of our Real Estate Law team. Mr. Godin’s main areas of practice include real estate, investments, commercial leasing, procurement and general commercial law. Over the course of his career, Mr. Godin has worked for various private companies and law firms. He has also been involved in a number of major transactions, including due diligence mandates with environmental, commercial and real estate components. Mr. Godin previously served as an in-house legal advisor to institutional clients, as well as to a real estate venture capital fund. He also worked as a legal advisor to a federal Crown corporation and a national commercial brokerage firm, supporting their needs in the areas of commercial and real estate law. Mr. Godin is deeply committed to the well-being of Quebec’s youth. Since 2014, he has served as director of donations and sponsorships for Let’s Bond, a group of young professionals organizing benefit events for the Jeunes en Tête Foundation and the Douglas Institute Foundation. “I am eagerly looking forward to joining the Lavery team, whose reputation for excellence extends across Quebec as well as internationally. Thanks to its multi-disciplinary nature and in-house collaboration, the firm helps companies doing business in Quebec to realize their ambitions, whether that means achieving growth, managing risks, optimizing assets or protecting and defending their interests. The core values upheld by the firm’s members convinced me to pursue my career here,” said Mr. Godin.
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The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 recognize 68 lawyers of Lavery
Lavery is pleased to announce that 68 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024. The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada: Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law Bernard Larocque : Professional Malpractice Law Carl Lessard : Workers' Compensation Law Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise: Josianne Beaudry : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Mining Law Laurence Bich-Carrière : Class Action Litigation / Contruction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Product Liability Law Dominic Boivert : Insurance Law Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Elizabeth Bourgeois : Labour and Employment Law (Ones To Watch) René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Étienne Brassard : Equipment Finance Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Real Estate Law Jules Brière : Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice / Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Myriam Brixi : Class Action Litigation Benoit Brouillette : Labour and Employment Law Richard Burgos : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Corporate Law / Commercial Leasing Law / Real Estate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Insurance Law / Construction Law Brittany Carson : Labour and Employment Law Karl Chabot : Construction Law (Ones To Watch) Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Raymond Doray : Privacy and Data Security Law / Administrative and Public Law / Defamation and Media Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Isabelle Duval : Family Law Philippe Frère : Administrative and Public Law Simon Gagné : Labour and Employment Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Richard Gaudreault : Labour and Employment Law Julie Gauvreau : Intellectual Property Law / Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice Audrey Gibeault : Trusts and Estates Caroline Harnois : Family Law / Family Law Mediation / Trusts and Estates Marie-Josée Hétu : Labour and Employment Law Édith Jacques : Energy Law / Corporate Law / Natural Resources Law Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Advertising and Marketing Law / Intellectual Property Law Guillaume Laberge : Administrative and Public Law Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin : Insurance Law Awatif Lakhdar : Family Law Bernard Larocque : Professional Malpractice Law / Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law / Legal Malpractice Law Éric Lavallée : Technology Law Myriam Lavallée : Labour and Employment Law Guy Lavoie : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Carl Lessard : Workers' Compensation Law / Labour and Employment Law Josiane L'Heureux : Labour and Employment Law Despina Mandilaras : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Hugh Mansfield : Intellectual Property Law Zeïneb Mellouli : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Isabelle P. Mercure : Trusts and Estates Patrick A. Molinari : Health Care Law Jessica Parent : Labour and Employment Law (Ones To Watch) Luc Pariseau : Tax Law / Trusts and Estates Ariane Pasquier : Labour and Employment Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Audrey Pelletier : Tax Law (Ones To Watch) Hubert Pepin : Labour and Employment Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law / Structured Finance Law Judith Rochette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Ian Rose FCIArb : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law / Class Action Litigation Sophie Roy : Insurance Law (Ones To Watch) Chantal Saint-Onge : Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Ouassim Tadlaoui : Construction Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Bernard Trang : Banking and Finance Law / Project Finance Law (Ones To Watch) Mylène Vallières : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Securities Law (Ones To Watch) André Vautour : Corporate Governance Practice / Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Technology Law / Energy Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Sébastien Vézina : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Mining Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Jonathan Warin : Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.