Find Lawyers in Canada for Administrative and Public Law
Practice Area Overview
The subject matter within the scope of administrative and public law is broad and diverse. Generally, “public law” refers to the areas of law that govern relationships between individuals and their governments, as well as those relationships between individuals that are of importance to society as a whole. It is an umbrella term encompassing such areas as constitutional law, competition law, professional discipline, aboriginal law, energy law, municipal law, health law, human rights law, immigration law, labour law, environmental law, information and privacy law, securities law, competition law, public inquiries, inquests, and professional regulation.
All of these fields have an administrative law component. “Administrative law” refers to the area of law that regulates the procedures and powers of administrative agencies, boards, and tribunals which exercise delegated authority in the various spheres of public law.
Administrative and public law lawyers help clients navigate the complex web of legal institutions that regulate their personal and business activities. As a starting point, this includes helping clients understand how their activities are regulated, as well as how to navigate the bureaucracy created by statutes and regulations and how to comply with legislation as well as agency, board, and tribunal policies. This may involve compliance advice, obtaining a permit or license, representing clients at regulatory hearings, and providing strategic advice to achieve business objectives.
At the enforcement stage, administrative and public lawyers represent clients being investigated by public authorities, and defend clients in hearings involving allegations of non-compliance before adjudicative tribunals as well as in courts, inquests and inquiries. Lawyers also assist clients challenging decisions or actions taken by governments, agencies, and tribunals. Where a client is dissatisfied with an expert tribunal’s decision, administrative and public lawyers may assist clients in appeals and judicial reviews of the administrative body’s decision.
Some lawyers practicing administrative and public law have general experience navigating the legal institutions by which governments impose rules, provide policy and strategic advice, or represent clients in hearings and in courts. Others have very specialized expertise in specific regulated spheres.
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Province
Philip Abbink, Hons BA, MA, JD, practices in the areas of professional regulation and labour law, primarily providing advocacy for health care professionals in grievance arbitrations and at professional Colleges. He also represents employees in investigations, quasi-criminal regulatory proceedings and at Coroners' Inquests. Philip is also the Co-managing Partner at Cavalluzzo. After earning a JD and a MA in International Relations from the University of Toronto, Phil articled at Cavalluzzo. D...
Addario Law Group has earned a reputation as one of the best criminal law firms in Canada. Frank Addario is the principal of Addario Law Group. He leads a group of smart, hard-working advocates committed to finding innovative ways to help clients solve their criminal, regulatory and constitutional law problems. Frank has been counsel on numerous individual and corporate investigations, criminal trials in the Superior Court of Justice and appeals in criminal matters before the Ontario Court of...
Jeff has extensive experience advising Unions on an ongoing basis. He practises before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the courts, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, at arbitration hearings and inquests. He also practises in the fields of privacy and wrongful dismissal. Jeff is the Past Chair of the Labour and Employment Law Section of the Ontario Bar Assoc...
Antoine Aylwin is Co-leader of the firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity Group. Antoine's practice focuses on administrative, civil, commercial litigation and estate law. Clients seek his expertise and he represents their interests in the areas of estate and trust litigation, access to information in documents held by public bodies, protection of personal information in the public and private sectors, in cybersecurity, public and administrative law, disciplinary law, and extraordinary reme...
For over 30 years, trade unions have relied on Steven Barrett to represent their interests, and the interests of their members, in all types of legal proceedings. Grievance and interest arbitration, labour relations board applications, collective bargaining – Steven does it all and makes it look easy. That’s why a member of parliament once referred to Steven as “the Wayne Gretzky of labour law”. From protecting the scope of bargaining unit work, to challenging discipli...
Known for his extensive expertise in municipal and administrative law, Sylvain Bélair is regularly called upon to represent and defend his clients’ interests before various administrative bodies and courts of law. In the field of municipal taxation, Sylvain Bélair has contested tax assessments for industrial complexes, commercial buildings, retirement homes, hotel complexes, golf courses and vacant land awaiting development. Two of his notable cases include the Olympic Sta...
A partner of the firm, Mtre Cindy Bélanger practices in intellectual property law and in advertising and marketing. A trademark agent, Mtre Cindy Bélanger develops strategies for trademark filings in Canada and abroad and adapts them to her clients’ objectives. She advises them on matters relating to trademark adoption and registration, trademark licences, copyright and domain name. She also works in litigation cases involving trademarks and copyright. She also specializes...
Nathalie-Anne Béliveau is a seasoned and experienced litigator who focuses on civil and commercial litigation as well as competition law. Her practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, injunctions, seizures and other urgent extraordinary remedies, including Anton Piller (civil search warrant), Norwich and Mareva injunctions and intellectual property disputes. Nathalie-Anne has leading-edge litigation expertise in breach of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, unfair or ill...
Keith advises private sector, public sector and government clients on Aboriginal law and regulatory matters. He has appeared as counsel before numerous regulatory tribunals and all levels of Superior and Appellate Courts (both Federal and Provincial), including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted for clients in a number of natural resource industries including hydro-electric generation and transmission, oil and gas, mining, aquaculture, forestry, transportation and independent power pro...
Laura is a litigator practicing in all areas of civil and commercial litigation. Laura has appeared as both trial and appellate counsel, including before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as before various arbitration and administrative tribunals. Laura advises and represents clients in a broad range of industries. She acts for clients in the gaming industry, the banking and securities industries and in ...
Pierre Bienvenu, Ad. E. is a disputes lawyer with more than 35 years' experience in international commercial arbitration, corporate and commercial litigation, and constitutional law. He has acted as counsel or served as arbitrator in international arbitrations involving disputes in energy, transportation, telecommunications, mergers and acquisitions, construction, pharmaceuticals, international distribution and joint ventures, and foreign investment. A former co-chair of the IBA’s Arbit...
Audrey acts in complex trials and appeals, in all areas of public, civil and commercial law. In 2020, she was listed as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer and was named Woman of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards . She has appeared numerous times before the Supreme Court of Canada including as amicus curiae in Vavilov , Bell and NFL , a landmark set of three administrative law appeals that reshaped the standard of review in Canadian administrative law. In...
Anne-Frédérique Bourret is recognized for her expertise in environmental, administrative and regulatory law, particularly in connection with energy, climate change, mining, natural resources, land-use planning, agriculture, cannabis and access to information. She uses her advanced knowledge of these sectors to answer her clients’ needs efficiently and pragmatically. Anne-Frédérique advises clients about their day-to-day business but also on environmental issu...
Richard is a natural storyteller and his many stories have elicited much laughter from both clients and colleagues. He is a mighty and strategic litigator who leaves nothing to chance. Richard joined Monette Barakett in 1980. He is a long-standing partner and was a member of the executive committee for over 25 years. He served as managing partner from 2012 to 2017.Richard specializes in labour and employment law in the public, parapublic and private sectors. For more than thirty years, he has...
Maria Braker is a research lawyer in our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. She has extensive experience in appellate advocacy, in litigation involving governmental bodies, in administrative law, as well as in private international law. Maria began her career as a research lawyer at the Court of Appel of Quebec, for the honorable Jacques Chamberland, J.C.A. Before joining Fasken, she practiced civil, commercial and administrative litigation in a boutique litigation firm. She was also c...
Jules Brière has been in private practice in Quebec City since 1976. He has acquired a strong reputation in constitutional law, administrative law, health law and the law governing public lands (production, transmission and distribution of hydro-electricity; forestry and land management). Mr. Brière has on many occasions advised governments, various ministries and public and parapublic agencies on the legal aspects of resource management and development in the public domain, the...
During his practice of over 40 years, Alan Bromstein has come to be recognized by his clients as an expert in matters relating to Regulated Health Professions (Colleges). His work has included the preparation of regulations, bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and submissions to government. Alan has had the privilege of advising Councils (Boards of Directors), Statutory and Standing Committees and College staff to assist them in meeting their public protection mandate. Although his current pr...
John is the former head of the firm's litigation practice. With degrees in both engineering and law, he practises in the areas of environmental law, litigation, and administrative law, and has appeared as counsel on matters in all levels of the courts in Ontario, and before several administrative tribunals, including the Environmental Review Tribunal, the Board of Directors of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, the Commercial Registration Appeal Tribunal, the Law Society of Upper Canada...
George is a seasoned litigator with 40 years’ experience before all levels of the Canadian courts and various administrative tribunals. He provides clients with strategic advice designed to resolve corporate/commercial, securities and real estate disputes. George also provides governance and risk management leadership in his capacity as general counsel to several family owned enterprises and community associations. George’s practice incorporates mediation and arbitration as key el...
Blair began his legal career with MacKimmie Matthews in 1986 and was a founding partner of Carbert Waite LLP in 1999. Blair’s diverse practice of law has taken him to Canada’s three coasts, advising and acting for individuals, corporations, estates, public institutions and governments. As a senior partner with Carbert Waite LLP, Blair engages on a wide range of difficult cases that demand an advanced understanding of the law, relentless inquiry into the facts, appropriate strategi...
As the senior partner in his firm, Paul is a leading constitutional, labour and administrative law lawyer, arguing significant cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Courts of Ontario, and labour and administrative tribunals. Paul was appointed by Associate Chief Justice Dennis O'Connor to act as lead commission counsel to the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar. Previously, Paul acted as lead commission counsel in the Walkerton Inquir...
William Clark is a senior partner at Harper Grey. He is the Chair of our Professional Regulation group and is the Assistant Chair of our Health Law group. William represents clients in both civil and regulatory matters. He has acted as counsel for most types of professionals, including doctors, dentists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, engineers and nurses. Professionals rely on William to provide practical advice on regulatory and disciplinary matters. His experienc...
Jean-Sébastien Clément is a partner in the firm's Montréal office. His practice has been focusing on aboriginal law for more than fifteen years with a particular interest for matters pertaining to self-governance, natural resources, forestry, education, socio-economic development, administration of justice, environment, land regime and health and social services. During his career, he has acted and played a major role in many litigation cases including constitutional case...
Jeff Cowan is recognized as one of Canada's leading public law litigators. He acts as counsel before administrative tribunals and the trial and appellate courts in many aspects of public law, including professional self-regulation and discipline, judicial review of government decision-making, freedom of information and privacy matters, municipal and provincial planning and environmental approvals, municipal assessment and taxation, health, education, alcohol and gaming, legislative drafting a...
Geoff Cowper, KC is a leading general litigator and a leader of the Firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution group. Geoff has served as counsel in leading private and public cases in Canada and internationally. These have included leading decisions with national and international dimensions respecting commercial law, public law and human rights.
Brian Crane is a partner in Gowlings' Ottawa office. As senior member of Gowlings' Advocacy Law Group, he practises in constitutional, administrative and Aboriginal law. Brian appears as counsel before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and the Ontario Courts. He has worked extensively in the negotiation of native land claims and self-government agreements and related litigation, and in arbitration and mediation. An active member of the Canadian Bar Association, Brian has chaired ...
François Dandonneau is a partner in the firm’s Montréal office. His practice has been centred on Aboriginal law for over fifteen years with a specific focus on matters dealing with mining and natural resources, procurement, taxation and self-governance. Throughout his career, François has acted and played a major role in important litigation matters, notably constitutional cases, before all levels of the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. François...
Christine Davies is a labour lawyer and civil litigator in Goldblatt Partners' Toronto office. She is known for her tenacious commitment to getting clients the best possible result. A skilled litigator who started her career as a research lawyer, Christine now has one of the broadest practices at the firm. She is equally comfortable before labour arbitrators and administrative tribunals as she is before the civil courts. Christine’s labour practice includes representing unions and their...
Michel Décary has pleaded before the courts of all levels, including up to the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as provincial and federal administrative tribunals, domestic arbitration tribunals and commissions of inquiry, in matters involving civil, corporate, and securities law as well as administrative, constitutional and labour law. Michel is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, of which he was Regent from 2006 to 2010 and was named Montréal Corporate Governanc...
Karl Delwaide has a reputation as a seasoned lawyer in the areas of public law and privacy and information protection law. He is one of the founders of the firm’s national Privacy and Information Protection group. Karl advises private companies and public bodies in these areas and represents them before the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec and other courts or tribunals, including the Federal Court. A large part of Karl’s practice is dev...
For 30 years, Craig Dennis, Q.C. has represented clients in significant litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels. Craig is a partner at Dennis James Aitken LLP. His practice has a business focus with an emphasis on the effective resolution of complex commercial disputes. His litigation expertise includes the defense of class actions, professional liability, shareholder and related corporate disputes, product liability, land-related disputes, as well as administrative and constitut...
Tim is a partner in Farris’ litigation group in Vancouver. He practices as general counsel and acts in many areas of law, including complex commercial disputes, Aboriginal and regulatory law, and constitutional test cases. Tim is an experienced advocate who regularly appears in lengthy trials and public inquiries and before appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Tim’s focus is on achieving results for his clients, whether through litigation or through negotiation...
Danilo Di Vincenzo is a partner-owner in the firm. He started his career in the Legal Services department of the Commission des normes du travail (now CNESST), where he acquired valuable hands-on experience. He counsels and represents employers, particularly, in matters of grievance arbitration and collective bargaining. Mr. Di Vincenzo was trained in the Harvard Negotiation Program focusing on interest-based bargaining and conflict resolution. He is also a legal instructor, lecturer and regu...
As a member of the administrative law team, Raymond Doray heads the information law practice and, more particularly, is involved in issues pertaining to access to information, privacy and defamation, as well as the application of the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights and freedoms. He is also specialized in constitutional law. Over the past few years, Mr. Doray has represented many public, private and media organizations before the courts in cases involving the confidentiality of document...
Jill Dougherty has over 20 years of experience acting on behalf of both private and public sector clients. She appears regularly as counsel before the trial and appellate courts and administrative tribunals in many aspects of public law. Jill specializes in public law and civil litigation focusing on professional self-regulation and discipline, judicial review of government decision-making, alcohol and gaming, access to information and privacy, municipal and provincial planning approvals and ...
Brian Duong maintains a generalist practice in civil and administrative litigation. His experience involves a broad range of matters including complex contract and shareholder disputes, property issues, franchise litigation, gaming law, constitutional claims, and freedom of information requests. Brian regularly appears as litigation counsel before all levels of court in British Columbia, and has represented clients in chambers applications, trials, appeals, judicial reviews, mediations, arbit...
Jackie practices in the areas of Labour, Constitutional, Public Law and Indigenous Rights. She has litigated at all levels of court in Ontario, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. She has also appeared before many administrative tribunals. With an extensive background in writing policy, Jackie has written many policy submissions aimed at government, inquiries and public advocacy. She was also a researcher and writer for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final rep...
Marc-André G. Fabien, Ad. E. is a seasoned litigator and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers recognized for his mastery of high-profile complex litigation. He specializes in commercial and shareholders’ disputes, securities litigation and penal proceedings, and litigation involving federal, provincial and municipal bodies. In addition, he is the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Marc-André appears before all levels of courts, including the Supreme...
Like a game of chess, the pieces in commercial litigation are constantly moving; to effectively defend one position and advance another, it’s important to have a litigator capable of anticipating every move. That litigator is Ted Feehan. For over thirty years, Ted has helped clients settle difficult conflicts between shareholders, business partners, joint-ventures, suppliers, contractors, employers, employees, and customers. Ted navigates each case with attention and skill; he criticall...
Bryan Finlay KC is recognized as one of the top litigation lawyers in Canada. Bryan's counsel practice is broad and has engaged the most complex commercial, constitutional, tort and public law issues. These have included issues of corporate espionage, spoliation, fraud, shareholder rights, directors' and officers' responsibilities, financial reporting obligations, responsibilities and obligations of government and its various agencies, securities regulation, fiduciary obligations, defamation,...
Shauna practices administrative law in the areas of professional and regulatory compliance, municipal taxation and assessment, environment, and municipal law. She also practices in the area of bankruptcy and insolvency law. Shauna regularly acts for regulatory bodies, private entities, non-profit entities and public bodies. Her clients benefit from her 20 years of diverse experience. This depth of experience is complemented by a thorough and practical approach. Shauna works to understand the ...
François-Nicolas is a litigator, negotiator, author and renowned speaker. He is recognized for his people skills as well as his communication skills, notably when speaking on topics relating to labour relations. He is the firm’s resident artist and his marked interest in contemporary art has allowed the firm to considerably develop its art collection. He joined Monette Barakett as a student in 1998. He has been a partner since 2008 and oversees talent recruitment and leads the fi...
Philippe Frère is a partner and chairman of the Board of Directors of the firm. He practices primarily in the areas of administrative and regulatory disputes. Over the years, he has acquired considerable experience in every aspect of administrative and regulatory law, with a focus on regulatory bodies. He regularly provides legal advice to a number of private and public sector clients, including professional orders, on administrative law, legislative drafting, constitutional law, judic...
Paul Fruitman’s commercial litigation practice focuses on contract disputes, health law, real estate, departing employee cases, shareholder disputes and product liability. He has extensive experience acting for healthcare institutions and professionals in civil and regulatory proceedings. He also regularly acts as counsel to corporate directors and officers and in shareholder disputes and oppression claims. Paul has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, the Federal Court and the F...
The Honourable Paul-Arthur Gendreau is a member of the litigation group. He obtained a BA degree from Laval University, Quebec City, and graduated (LL.L.) in 1963 from the Faculty of Law of this University. He was called to the Québec Bar in 1964. As a Commonwealth scholar, he studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science from 1964 to 1965. He practiced law in Rimouski from 1965 to 1980, first with his father (appointed to the Superior Court in 1967) and then as senio...
Adina Georgescu practises in administrative, municipal, environmental and energy law in Miller Thomson’s Montreal office. Her practice includes public and constitutional law and litigation. In municipal law, she advises and represents landowners, promoters and public bodies, on planning and execution of large-scale real estate ventures, on the operation of companies and the management of properties (including compliance with applicable laws and regulations; municipal litigation; issuanc...
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