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Find Lawyers in Montréal, Quebec 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.
For more than 35 years, Bernard Amyot has developed a practice that is primarily focused on civil and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience before the Quebec courts, having represented Canada’s leading financial institutions. He has lectured and written frequently on legal issues of interest to his clients. His professional liability defence work extends to lawyers as well as stockbrokers, insurance brokers, engineers and accountants. He has acted as lead counsel in numerou...
A partner at Woods LLP, Eric serves a wide range of industries, including financial services and natural resources. He also handles employment-related matters for employers as well as senior management. Eric is a frequent author and speaker on topics such as evidence, civil procedure and international arbitration. An accomplished trial and appellate lawyer, Eric has developed a particular expertise in domestic and international arbitration. His experience includes acting for Canada in the NAF...
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...
Louis P. Bernier practises labour and employment law. He also specializes in administrative and constitutional law, with a focus on extraordinary remedies and Charter issues. Louis appears before various bodies and tribunals and actively defends the rights of clients at every step in the proceedings. Louis has many years of experience in major files and has a unique perspective on every aspect involved in the organization of work and operations management, including restructurings, subcontrac...
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...
Marc-André practises in the areas of administrative and constitutional law. He has developed specific expertise in judicial review, state immunity, municipal law, federal and provincial regulatory law, the division of constitutional powers and Charter rights (provincial and federal). He also advises public bodies and certain private companies on access to information, state liability and issues related to investigations and the exercise of public powers in the areas of transportation, ...
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...
Emilie Bundock's practice focuses primarily on energy and natural resources development projects. She advises clients on matters relating to Indigenous law, such as consultation and drafting and negotiating agreements with Indigenous communities, and environmental law. Over the years, she has developed an expertise in ethics and lobbying law and on various issues relating to corporate social responsibility including ESG.
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...
Jean-François Cloutier is a partner at Fasken and specializes in labour and employment law as well as administration law. He advises businesses from both the public and private sectors and represents them before civil courts and administrative tribunals. In recent years, he has taken an interest in all aspects of both collective and individual employment relations. He has also developed an expertise in matters of legal-medical import, specifically in absenteeism management, the duty to...
Marie-Pier Cloutier has vast experience in civil, commercial and administrative litigation obtained over the course of ten years in high-profile and large-scale cases before trial and appeal courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. https://woods.qc.ca/en/team/marie-pier-cloutier
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...
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...
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...
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...
Jonathan M. Fecteau is your ally for all your municipal law needs. Jonathan Fecteau is the head of the Municipal Law team. His practice focuses on expropriation, property assessment and municipal regulations (zoning, subdivision, construction, nuisance, and urban planning). In expropriation and property assessment matters, he exclusively represents individuals and businesses claiming fair compensation for expropriation damages or seeking a fair assessment for the property they own or occupy. ...
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...
Author of “Drug and Health Products Law in Canada” with a Doctor of Law degree, Mathieu Gagné is specialized in drug and other health products (medical devices, cosmetics, natural health products, etc.) related laws. He advises and represents various stakeholders in the health and life sciences sector. Mathieu has a unique knowledge of the legal framework governing drugs and other health products, from their inception in the lab to their consumption. Well within his area of...
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...
Patrick Girard is a partner and Head of the Montréal office's Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. Patrick practices mainly in civil litigation with an emphasis on private international law, international arbitration and in all areas of public litigation (administrative and constitutional law). Patrick is frequently consulted on regulatory or commercial energy matters and has given legal opinions on agreements involving the trading or generation of gas, hydro-electricity and wind...
David takes a holistic approach to his cases in order to find efficient and practical real-world solutions for his clients. He represents clients in a diverse group of practice areas, with a focus on contractual claims and civil liability. He has particular expertise managing complex and multi-party disputes, and has pleaded before all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court. David is also a director of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, where he works, among other p...
Guillaume Laberge exerce au sein du groupe Droit administratif. Sa pratique est principalement axée sur le droit administratif et constitutionnel. Au cours des dernières années, Me Laberge a acquis une expérience significative dans plusieurs domaines spécialisés comme l’accès à l’information, la protection de la vie privée ainsi que le droit professionnel et disciplinaire. Il représente et conseille sur une base...
Vincent is a member of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Law Group. Vincent is a passionate and versatile litigator who takes great pride in defending the interests of his clients in several fields and contexts. He is particularly active in commercial and business litigation. He acts regularly in shareholder disputes, transactional litigation and corporate governance litigation. He acts for corporations and their boards of directors, as well as for minority shareholders in the context of ...
Raphaël represents a variety of clients, including several large companies and municipalities before courts and administrative tribunals at all levels. He has conducted several long-term trials and is thus very familiar with managing voluminous files. He is a recognized author and lecturer, particularly on issues related to abuse of process. His texts are frequently cited by the courts. Also, in recent years, Raphaël has developed an expertise in disputes in the field of the travel ...
Jean-François joined Monette Barakett in 1992, just as he was beginning his career as a lawyer. He became a partner in 2000 and currently serves as the firm’s managing partner. Jean-François advises public and private sector managers on a daily basis about any and all aspects of labour relations. He regularly pleads cases before all labour law authorities and all civil law tribunals, and also serves as collective bargaining negotiator. He also helps lead clients through al...
Work, rigor and analysis. These are the three ingredients that comprise the recipe for Simon Pelletier’s success. Simon is co-leader of the Litigation Group and member of BCF’s Board of Directors. An engineer and a lawyer, he brings a significant contribution to the firm having developed an impressive portfolio of clients, including major work providers, promoters, general contractors, companies in the field of high technologies and specialized professionals. With a bachelor&rsquo...
Passionate about law and current events, François is a matchless speaker and negotiator. He is known for his sense of loyalty and for his availability and always demonstrates great respect for those with whom he works. Always up to date on current events, François skillfully heads big cases with a keen eye for strategy and law. His problem-solving skills and ability to find solutions help him find ways around any obstacle. François joined the firm in 1990 while he was sti...
Vincent Rochette is a meticulous and versatile litigator who manages major civil, commercial, administrative and constitutional disputes. His practice focuses primarily on class actions, complex commercial litigation as well as appeal proceedings, including before the Supreme Court of Canada. Practising out of our Montréal and Québec offices, Mr. Rochette represents a diversified clientele before all levels of courts and several administrative tribunals. Mr. Rochette is currentl...
Chris Semerjian is a partner working in Fasken’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. A seasoned and versatile litigator, Chris is particularly active in complex litigation requiring the issuance of injunction orders to enforce non-compete clauses or to prohibit unfair competition practices. His expertise has led him to work in many Anton Piller cases involving the misappropriation of confidential information. He has also worked in cases before the Superior Court in intelle...
Marc James is a pleader working in the litigation and conflict resolution group. His practice focuses mainly on commercial, real estate and contract litigation, including a particular attention to consumer protection law. He regularly pleads before all civil courts and administrative tribunals, notably in the context of extraordinary remedies such as provisional and interlocutory injunctions, as well as safeguard measures. Known for his efficiency, as well as his practical and innovative solu...
Richard Vachon practices mainly in the fields of commercial litigation, class actions, litigation in securities, defamation, and employment law. He pleads regularly before the courts of first instance and the Court of Appeal of Quebec as well as arbitration tribunals. He also acts as strategic advisor to many of his clients. Notable representative clients, among others, include: Chrysler Canada Inc.; Quebecor Inc.; Groupe TVA Inc.; Desjardins Securities Inc.; Former Member of the Liaison Comm...
Charles Wagner practices with the Labour, Employment and Human Rights group. As part of his practice, he advises and represents clients in every area of labour and employment law - collective agreements or individual employment contracts - including human rights and labour standards. He strategically advises and represents employers on issues related to employee hiring and dismissal, disciplinary measures, labour standards, psychological harassment, non-competition and non-solicitation, and h...
Mouna is a versatile litigator whose practice is focused on commercial litigation, class actions, and issues related to public law. She leads high-stake litigation matters in the areas of contractual disputes, shareholders disputes, and matters related to misappropriation of public funds. Mouna advises and represents public and private clients in sensitive business contexts, including litigation in the aeronautic and telecommunication industry as well as in injunction matters. She regularly a...
Michel Bélanger-Roy is a litigation lawyer based in our Montreal office. His practice covers all aspects of civil and commercial litigation, including contracts, administrative and constitutional law, insurance law, construction law and class actions. He has represented major corporations before the Quebec courts and has a significant interest in the law of evidence and procedure. During his university studies, Mr. Bélanger-Roy, and his team from McGill University, won the natio...
Jérémy Boulanger-Bonnelly's practice covers all aspects of civil and commercial litigation, with a particular interest in appeals and commercial arbitration. Prior to joining us, he clerked for the Honourable Clément Gascon of the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted on behalf of many clients in various areas of law, including construction law and class actions. In that regard, he has acted for the City of Gatineau in connection with two class actions arising from studen...
François is involved in a variety of files, with a special interest in all matters related to administrative law, constitutional law, and private law. He represents individuals as well as institutional clients. François also teaches private common law to law students at University of Montréal. François joined IMK in 2015. He was a law clerk to the Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell of the Supreme Court of Canada. Subsequently, he obtained a master degree (B.C.L.) from O...
Gaëlle Obadia is a lawyer in our Environmental group at Fasken at the Montréal office. Her practice focuses primarily on environmental, municipal and administrative law. Prior to joining Fasken, Gaëlle practiced environmental law in the Civil and Commercial Litigation Group for a provincial firm. She also worked two years in a Montreal boutique firm in environmental law and practiced for several years as a lobbyist in transportation and environmental law in Brussels, where sh...
Olga has a general civil litigation practice, with significant experience in public law. She has acted for clients in a variety of administrative, regulatory, and constitutional law matters, and in cases involving the civil liability of public bodies. She also acts for international clients in recognition and enforcement proceedings before Canadian courts, including proceedings to homologate judgments and arbitral awards and to enforce letters rogatory. She has argued before all levels of cou...
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