Brian D. Portas
About Brian D. Portas
Brian D. Portas is a lawyer based in Calgary, AB and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ since 2014. Brian D. Portas is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Calgary, Alberta
- Immigration Law
- Labour and Employment Law
Current Firm: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Location: Calgary, AB
Nearby Lawyers
Lincoln Mitchell practises corporate and commercial law related to energy and infrastructure projects, assisting domestic and international clients on a broad range of energy sector and business matters. He has experience advising clients on share and asset acquisitions and divestitures, public-private partnerships, infrastructure and energy projects, project development and joint venture and partnership arrangements. He is experienced in negotiating, drafting and interpreting engineering, pr...
For over 30 years, Zul Verjee has stood at the forefront of commercial litigation and insurance litigation in Alberta and across Canada. Zul is recognized as a leading litigation trial lawyer across Canada and North America. He has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta, the Federal Court of Canada and conducted over 100 mediations and Judicial Dispute Resolution conferences. Zul’s practice spans the most complex disputes including commercial litigation, major personal injury and fa...
Jennifer Kennedy's practice focuses on corporate and securities law matters, with a focus on public and private financings, including cross-border financings, mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructurings and related-party transactions. Ms. Kennedy has acted for issuers, selling shareholders, independent committees of boards of directors, investment dealers and private equity investors in a variety of debt and equity capital market transactions, including project financings. Ms. Kenned...
James’ practice involves all aspects of corporate restructuring and insolvency law. He regularly advises clients in reorganizations pursuant to Canadian insolvency statutes, corporate arrangements, receiverships, bankruptcies, security reviews and enforcement proceedings. He frequently represents debtor companies, secured and unsecured creditors, plan or proposal sponsors, purchasers and court officers in domestic and cross-border cases. James strives to work collaboratively with client...
Don Davies practises energy law, with a focus on the regulatory and litigation fields. Mr. Davies has represented oil and gas producers, pipeline companies and industry organizations in proceedings before the National Energy Board for more than 30 years. He has acted for both proponents and intervenors in many applications for the approval of pipeline facilities and for the determination of pipeline tolls and tariffs. His cases typically involve complex environmental, aboriginal, constitution...
Sandy Vander Ziel joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2013 and practices exclusively in family law. She is a registered collaborative lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, as well as a dispute resolution officer with the Court of King’s Bench. She has practiced in the area of family law at local and national law firms since 2002. Sandy has significant experience with a variety of methods of Alternate Dispute Resolution including Collaborative law, lawyer assisted mediation, arbitration and in...
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...
Mike Grassie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation. Mike, who practices law in Calgary, Alberta, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mike is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Doak Horne is a partner in Gowlings’ Calgary office, practising in the area of intellectual property litigation and patent prosecution for over 25 years. Doak is a Registered Patent and Trademark Agent in Canada and the United States, as well as a registered professional engineer. He has been involved in preparation, filing, and prosecution of patents, trade-marks, and industrial designs before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, and been extensively involved in licensing matters...
Craig Story is a partner in the Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups. He has served on the firm’s Partnership Board, as well as on the management group for the Calgary office. Craig’s practice focuses on corporate and securities law, including public and private capital markets offerings, private equity and venture capital funds, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. His corporate finance practice includes advising issuers, major investors and underwr...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.