This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
For all media inquiries, please contact Jean-François Lemieux:
- jflemieux@lavery.ca
- 514 877-3002
News
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Navigating a Fractured World: Lavery Hosts the 2026 World Services Group Annual Meeting
In September, Montréal hosted the 2026 World Services Group (WSG) Annual Meeting, organized this year by Lavery. More than 100 professionals from leading independent firms around the world gathered around a shared observation: businesses now operate in an environment where geopolitical, technological, climate and economic risks can no longer be considered in isolation. Under the theme “Navigating a Fractured World – Geopolitics, Resilience, and the Future of Legal Advisory,” the program brought together business leaders, diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs and legal professionals to exchange perspectives on some of the transformations currently reshaping the business environment. From the geopolitics of the North and artificial intelligence to the energy transition, mergers and acquisitions and supply chain security, a common thread emerged. As uncertainty becomes structural, the ability to anticipate change, adapt and make decisions despite unpredictability is becoming a strategic advantage. Arctic Sovereignty and Critical Minerals: The North at the Centre of New Global Power Dynamics Long perceived as a peripheral region, the North is emerging as an area where national security, strategic resources, new trade routes and the energy transition increasingly converge. Moderated by André Vautour, Partner at Lavery, the discussion brought together Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Canada; Timothy Naftali, Director of the Arctic Task Force at Columbia University’s Institute of Global Politics; and Killian Charles, President and CEO of Brunswick Exploration, to explore the implications of this transformation. The development of critical minerals illustrates this new reality particularly well. Western economies’ efforts to reduce certain strategic dependencies are creating significant opportunities, but having resources in the ground is not enough. Access to infrastructure, capital and processing capacity, as well as the global competitiveness of individual projects, will ultimately determine their viability. New navigation opportunities in the North could also reshape certain trade routes and, with them, considerations of sovereignty and security. The future of the North will therefore be determined well beyond its borders. What happens there could reshape supply chains, strategic dependencies and international alliances. Energy Transition and Infrastructure: Moving from Ambition to Execution The tension between ambition and the ability to execute was also at the heart of the discussion on infrastructure and the energy transition. Moderated by David Tournier, Partner at Lavery, Dominique Anglade, Executive Director and Adjunct Professor, Executive Education, HEC Montréal; Éric Lachance, President and CEO of Énergir; and Alex Petre, CEO of Deep Sky, approached the transition from a pragmatic perspective. For organizations, the challenge is no longer simply determining whether they should participate in the transition, but rather how to deploy the technologies, infrastructure and business models needed to support it at scale. This transformation also requires a different relationship with risk, including a shift toward a portfolio approach that allows organizations to experiment with different solutions while accepting that some initiatives may fail. Panelists also emphasized that reducing future emissions addresses only part of the challenge: emissions already accumulated in the atmosphere will require solutions of their own. For major projects, success will depend as much on economic and regulatory feasibility as on the ability to engage the various stakeholders from the earliest stages of development. Montréal and Québec: Turning Economic Disruption into Investment Opportunities The Annual Meeting also provided an opportunity to examine Montréal and Québec through the lens of their economic potential and their ability to attract investment in a changing international environment. In a discussion moderated by Selena Lu, Partner at Lavery, Alexandre Lagarde, Vice-President, Impact Investment and Major Projects at Montréal International, and Véronique Proulx, President and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, shared their perspectives on Montréal and Québec’s strengths, the sectors driving their economic vitality and the conditions required to remain competitive. Geopolitical and economic shifts are creating a new dynamic. Major public investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy and defence, can serve as powerful catalysts for private investment and the development of new industries. Public procurement can therefore help create the conditions for businesses to establish and expand their operations, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The discussion also highlighted opportunities that extend beyond traditional investment. Aging infrastructure across North America creates opportunities to bring in capital and expertise from other markets. At the same time, the wave of business transfers associated with Québec’s aging entrepreneurial population could create acquisition opportunities for companies seeking to establish a presence in Canada. Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Technology Providers: Strategic Issues for Organizations The discussion on artificial intelligence moved beyond the question of technology adoption to address a much more strategic issue: to what extent should an organization control the technologies, data and provider ecosystem on which its use of AI depends? Moderated by Benoit Yelle, Partner at Lavery, the panel brought together Sophie Fallaha, Executive Director of CEIMIA; Alejandro Padin, Partner at Garrigues; and Loïc Berdnikoff, Chief Legal and Innovation Officer at Lavery. The choice between developing proprietary capabilities and purchasing existing solutions, the “build vs. buy” decision, served as the starting point for the discussion, but its implications extend much further. An organization entrusting its data to a technology provider must understand not only where that data is hosted, but also who can access it, which subcontractors are involved in the technology chain and which jurisdictions may apply. As the discussion highlighted, even when a provider claims that data remains within a particular jurisdiction, its infrastructure, redundancy mechanisms or own service providers may create much more complex data flows. AI governance is therefore becoming inseparable from data governance. Data is a strategic asset that organizations cannot expose without understanding the associated risks, particularly in sectors where confidentiality is fundamental. For law firms, this issue takes on an additional dimension because of the very nature of the information entrusted to them. This discussion ultimately raised the broader question of what will an organization that has truly integrated AI look like ten or twenty years from now. The challenge will not simply be to have the best tools, but to establish the governance, skills, culture and control mechanisms required to use them responsibly and create value. In M&A, Value Is Shifting Toward Intangibles: Intellectual Property, Data, Software and Human Capital Technological transformation is also changing what companies buy and sell. Moderated by Selena Lu, Partner at Lavery, the panel brought together Steven Wang, Heather Buchta and Raimondo Premonte, providing perspectives from Australia, the United States and Europe, respectively. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of intellectual property, data, algorithms, software, brands, know-how and human capital in determining enterprise value. In some transactions, these assets no longer simply support the value of the business: they are the business itself. This shift is necessarily transforming how buyers assess targets and conduct due diligence. Questions no longer focus solely on historical liabilities, but increasingly on a company’s ability to protect its data and intellectual property, the robustness of its AI governance, its technology dependencies, its cybersecurity posture and its ability to retain the people who hold its critical know-how. This new reality is also reshaping negotiations and the allocation of risk. When a significant portion of a target’s value depends on data, algorithms or digital infrastructure, representations and warranties, indemnities and post-closing obligations must evolve accordingly. Supply Chains, Geopolitics and Resilience: Turning Uncertainty into a Business Capability The closing discussion on supply chain security brought together several of the themes that had emerged throughout the Annual Meeting. Moderated by Anik Trudel, CEO of Lavery, the panel brought together former Canadian Ambassador to China Guy Saint-Jacques; Pierre Gabriel Côté, former Québec Delegate General in London and former President and CEO of Investissement Québec; and Guillaum W. Dubreuil, Director, Government and External Affairs at CSL Group. Together, they examined a business environment in which supply chains themselves are becoming instruments of economic and geopolitical power. Trade wars, industrial policies, rapid regulatory changes, aging infrastructure, climate events and emerging economic alliances are making investment decisions increasingly difficult. Yet standing still is not an option. As the discussion highlighted, organizations will need to develop contingency plans, diversify certain dependencies and improve their ability to rapidly interpret political and regulatory developments. This reality is also transforming the role of legal advisors. Understanding the applicable law remains fundamental, but it is no longer enough. Organizations increasingly expect advisors to understand their business models, anticipate risks and help them make decisions in situations where there may not always be a clear or certain answer. An International Conversation That Will Continue: Global Perspectives and Business Resilience Beyond the diversity of the topics discussed, the WSG Annual Meeting highlighted a common reality: the traditional boundaries between legal, business, technological and geopolitical risk are becoming increasingly difficult to draw. By welcoming legal professionals from around the world and distinguished guest panelists to Montréal, Lavery sought to create a forum where these different perspectives could come together. In a more fragmented world, the quality of legal advice will increasingly depend on the ability to look beyond one’s own jurisdiction, understand the forces reshaping markets and bring together the right perspectives to help organizations move forward despite uncertainty.
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Lavery advises Thermos Rive Nord
Lavery has had the privilege of assisting Thermos Rive Nord, a fast-growing Quebec-based business, during a pivotal phase in its development—it has optimized its management structure, marking a new chapter in its history. Thermos Rive-Nord Inc. specializes in manufacturing glass products tailored to the needs of its clientele, which includes door and window manufacturers, local glazing companies and replacement specialists. Lavery acted as legal counsel to the buyer, Jean-Sébastien Basilico, in this strategic transaction, guiding him through every step of the process. In particular, the Lavery team structured the transaction in the most optimal manner possible, negotiated key agreements and coordinated all legal aspects. The transaction was unique in that it had particularly tight deadlines, a complex transaction structure and financial and legal issues requiring swift execution and close coordination between the various stakeholders. In this context, the Lavery team showed how agile and precise it can be by anticipating risks, proposing pragmatic solutions and maintaining a high level of control throughout the process. The transaction was closed successfully, ensuring the business’s continued operation and favourably positioning it for future growth. It will benefit both employees and customers, and it has laid the groundwork for the company’s long-term operability.
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Seven partners named as Canadian leaders in finance and mergers and acquisitions by Lexpert
On April 15, 2026, Lexpert recognized the expertise of seven of our partners in its 2026 Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A. René Branchaud now ranks among Canada’s leaders in the area of finance and Étienne Brassard, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Alexandre Hébert, Édith Jacques, Paul Martel and André Vautour are among Canada’s leading lawyers in mergers and acquisitions. Finance 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. M&A Étienne Brassard practises business law, more specifically corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. He advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practises business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. Alexandre Hébert is a partner in the Business Law group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and venture capital. He advises SMEs and investment funds, particularly in the innovation and technology sectors, including on cross-border transactions. Known for his business-minded approach, he supports clients with pragmatic legal and strategic guidance aligned with their growth objectives. Édith Jacques is a partner in our Business Law Group in Montréal. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and international law. Édith acts as strategic business advisor for medium to large private companies. Paul Martel is a partner in the Business Law Group. He practises primarily in the area of corporate law, focusing on corporations, not-for-profit corporations and general partnerships. He is also an expert in commercial contracts. Paul is recognized for his ability to find effective, innovative solutions to the most complex legal issues in corporate law. André Vautour practises corporate law and commercial law, and is specifically interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds, and mergers and acquisitions of private companies. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec 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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Repreneurship business transfers: not just transactions, but strategic, people-centric adventures
At Lavery, we help businesses through pivotal moments in their life cycles every day. During the recently held Sommet du repreneuriat 2026, our partner Alexandre Hébert shared the stage with Daniel Valois for a talk on how to close the key stages of a business transfer, covering everything from letters of intent to indemnification clauses. Their talk brought a fundamental reality to light: A business transfer is not just another commercial transaction. It’s a complex process where transactional law and its technical language comes face-to-face with the emotional realities of those involved. Here is a summary of what we see as necessary for a successful transfer, inspired by the talks given at the aforementioned summit. Each business transfer is unique Unlike traditional institutional transactions, business transfers often involve sellers who will only ever go through one such transaction in their lifetime. They are entrepreneurs who know every employee involved in their business, from their own administrative assistant to the photocopier repairperson, and have for decades. Success begins by knowing that business transfer transactions require the use of a special language. Often, the seller’s advisors their lawyer or general accountant, for example do not know this “transactional language,” which adds a layer of complexity. Our role is to translate technical challenges such as these into solutions that truly help those involved. The foundations of a successful transaction To make the transaction successful, we recommend doing the following: Put people first: It’s important to understand how the seller, who is about to part with their “baby” feels, and how they see things. Show your competence but leave your ego behind: Technical expertise is quite necessary, but connecting with the people on the other side of the table by communicating in simple terms and putting one’s ego aside is just as important. Be as open as possible: Proactivity is key. The earlier things are said, the greater the chances of success. Manage fatigue: A transaction is a marathon. Fatigue, if not anticipated, can derail a project a few feet from the finish line. The Letter of Intent (LOI): more than a tacit agreement Although a letter of intent is technically non-binding where business terms are involved (price, structure), it will inevitably create expectations for both the buyer and the seller. Any attempt at making changes later on creates tension. A common mistake is neglecting the transition period. We have seen transactions fall through because a seller suddenly realized they had no plan for their life after the sale, just days before closing. To allay such emotional fears, it is crucial to disclose all information we have and determine what the parties want after the business purchase or sale, right from the LOI stage. Due diligence: the analogy of the three drawers Daniel Valois has a powerful analogy for due diligence: that of the three drawers. The top drawer: What you know for sure. Middle drawer: What you think you know but has yet to be confirmed. Bottom drawer: What you don’t know you don’t know. This is where major risks hide. The goal of the due diligence process is to move the contents of the lower drawers to the upper ones. Today, we have artificial intelligence as an increasingly valuable ally in identifying sectoral blind spots that experience alone cannot always detect. Although eliminating all risk is impossible, the buyer must make every effort during due diligence to confirm whether they are comfortable with identified risks. The art of compensation and the role of experts The final phase consists of allocating identified risks. This is where representations, guarantees, limits and indemnification deductibles come into play. This is also the stage where fatigue peaks. This climate is tense, requiring lawyers and experts to act as “shields.” Rather than letting the buyer and seller argue over technical indemnification clauses and risk damaging their future relationship, it is often preferable to let the professionals negotiate among themselves to come up with a balanced solution. Towards collaborative negotiation The negotiation process has changed. Today’s “discussions” often take place through intermediary versions of documents rather than with the parties at the same table. Negotiating this way can be impersonal and cause misunderstandings, or even frustration, for a seller who sees dozens of versions without understanding the nuances of each one. The speakers recommend a collaborative approach. It is important to know when to step out of the formal setting to make a direct call and defuse an emotional crisis or the overreaction of an advisor. The ultimate goal is to keep the business in operation and ensure the transition goes smoothly. In conclusion, a successful business transfer requires not only legal acumen, but also great emotional intelligence. By keeping people at the heart of every step and surrounding ourselves with experts who can speak the entrepreneurs’ language, we can transform complex transactions into a lasting success.
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Lavery welcomes Maya as lawyer
Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Maya Elie as a lawyer in the Business Law Group. Her practice is principally focused on mergers and acquisitions, as well as on a variety of corporate law matters. Admitted to the Bar of Quebec in 2026, Ms. Elie completed her professional training and articling at a leading national business law firm, where she acquired experience in transactional law and securities. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Université Laval and has prior experience with a major insurance company. Her background includes participation in the Financial Services Law Lab, involvement with the Law and Business Club Joining Lavery at the outset of my career at Lavery represents a privileged opportunity to develop within a firm firmly rooted in Quebec’s business community. The firm’s strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration provides an ideal environment in which to grow and advance my practice. I am pleased to join the Business Law team and to contribute to matters alongside esteemed professionals. We would like to extend a warm welcome to Maya as she joins our teams!
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Seven partners named as Canadian leaders in finance and mergers and acquisitions by Lexpert
On April 16, 2025, Lexpert recognized the expertise of seven of our partners in its 2025 Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A. Josianne Beaudry now ranks among Canada’s leaders in the area of finance and Étienne Brassard, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Édith Jacques, Paul Martel and André Vautour are among Canada’s leading lawyers in mergers and acquisitions. Finance Josianne Beaudry is a partner and a member of the firm’s Business Law group. Josianne is primarily focused on securities law, investment funds and mining law. She also advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. Mergers and Acquisitions Étienne Brassard practises business law, more specifically corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. He advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practises business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. Édith Jacques is a partner in our Business Law Group in Montréal. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and international law. Édith acts as strategic business advisor for medium to large private companies. Paul Martel is a partner in the Business Law Group. He practises primarily in the area of corporate law, focusing on corporations, not-for-profit corporations and general partnerships. He is also an expert in commercial contracts. Paul is recognized for his ability to find effective, innovative solutions to the most complex legal issues in corporate law. André Vautour practises corporate law and commercial law, and is specifically interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds, and mergers and acquisitions of private companies. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec 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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Five new members join Lavery’s ranks
Lavery is delighted to welcome Julien Ducharme, Jessyca Duval, Anyssa Lacoste, Chloé Béland and Anne-Sophie Paquet. Julien Ducharme – Senior Associate Julien Ducharme joins our Business Law team on September 3. His practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, commercial law and corporate financing. In this role, Julien represents and assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational corporations and institutional investors in connection with diversified commercial operations and large-scale business projects. “With a team comprised of individuals as experienced in their respective fields as they are driven by human and professional values essential to creating a stimulating work environment conductive of surpassing oneself, my return to Lavery after several years abroad was a natural decision. I look forward to contributing concretely to the success of businesses operating in Quebec as their trusted business partner.” Jessyca Duval – Senior Associate Jessyca joins our Labour and Employment Law group and the Litigation group. As part of her practice, she advises employers on all legal aspects relating to human resources management and matters relating to occupational injury, in addition to representing employers before various administrative tribunals and ordinary courts of law. “I decided to join Lavery's team for their passionate and dedicated professionals, whose recognized skills and commitment make every collaboration not only rewarding, but genuinely enjoyable.” Chloé Béland - Associate Chloé is a member of the Labour and Employment Law group. She advises employers on hiring and terminating employees, developing and implementing employment-related policies, psychological harassment, human rights, occupational health and safety, and labour standards. “In my opinion, Lavery not only embodies innovation, expertise and excellence in the legal field, but is also a Quebec success story. Lavery deeply values team spirit and collaboration, which are essential values for delivering quality legal services and meeting high client expectations. The diversity of labour and employment law cases was also a key factor in attracting me to Lavery. I’ll be able to continue growing my skills and developing creative solutions to complex challenges at Lavery, while taking a human-centred approach. But what really convinced me to join Lavery were the passionate and inspiring lawyers I had the pleasure of meeting. Their warm, human approach resonates perfectly with my values. The friendly conversations I had reinforced my conviction that I’ll feel at home in this team.” Anyssa Lacoste – Associate Anyssa is a member of the Labour and Employment Law group. She supports and represents her clients in a wide range of expertise, from drafting employment contracts to administrative recourses, implementing work policies and regulations and amending working conditions. “I decided to join Lavery because of the firm’s reputation and expertise. Right from the start, I felt the firm had the values I was looking for in an employer. I am convinced that Lavery will contribute to my professional and personal development.” Anne-Sophie Paquet - Associate Anne-Sophie Paquet is a lawyer practising in the Business Law group and a member of the firm’s tax law team. She advises and supports her clients in the planning, analysis and implementation of tax structures and strategies, in particular for business transactions. “I chose to join Lavery because of the excellence of its team and because I was looking for a dynamic work environment that fostered collaboration. Joining the firm gives me the opportunity to support a diverse clientele in achieving their goals.”
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Finance and M&A: Lexpert Recognizes Four Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada
On April 17, 2024, Lexpert recognized the expertise of four of our partners in its 2024 Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A. Josianne Beaudry, Étienne Brassard, Jean-Sébastien Desroches and Édith Jacques now rank among Canada's leaders in the financial sector and in M&A. Josianne Beaudry’s practice is primarily focused on securities law, investment funds and mining law. She also advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. Josianne assists clients carrying out public and private financings, corporate reorganizations, as well as mergers and acquisitions. She also helps publicly traded companies maintain their reporting issuer status. Étienne Brassard practices business law, more specifically corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. In his practice, he advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. He has thus developed extensive expertise in setting up complex financing structures, in both operational and transactional contexts. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practices business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. He has had the opportunity to steer several major transactions, complex legal operations, cross-border transactions, reorganizations, and investments. Édith 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.
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