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Lexpert Mining Special Edition 2020
Seveno, Louis Woods LLP > (514) 982-4545 lseveno@woods.qc.ca
A partner at Woods LLP in Montreal, Louis Seveno specializes in high-stakes civil and commercial litigation and arbitra-
tion. A member of the bars of Québec, Ontario and New York, he acts in a variety of cases involving various Canadian and
foreign corporations dealing with local, cross-border or multi-jurisdictional issues. He practises mainly in contractual disputes,
corporate and shareholder litigation, insolvency, employment law, professional liability, class actions, private international law
and injunctive proceedings. In the past year, he has acted as lead or co-lead counsel in disputes stemming from four distinct
P3 projects in Québec and Newfoundland: (1) for the constructor of a health facility in various disputes (valued at $50M+)
against the facility manager, owner, consultants and suppliers; (2) for the facility manager of a research centre in a dispute with
the builder and its suppliers concerning a defective air evacuation system and related contractual penalties; (3) for an interna-
tional engineering firm in disputes with a supplier and insurer regarding defects and delays affecting components of a converter
station; and (4) for an engineering soware provider against a claim by the constructor of a transportation project for alleged
defects and delivery delays.
Shafir, QC, Max WeirFoulds LLP > (647) 715-3567 mshafir@weirfoulds.com
Max Shafir is a highly experienced lawyer at WeirFoulds LLP who practises exclusively in construction law. Not only is he a
highly respected member of the Construction Law Bar in Ontario, he is also certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Spe-
cialist in Construction Law. His deep understanding of construction law means he is always in tune with the needs of his clients
and partners with them to ensure their rights are protected in any construction dispute. Max's clients include major construc-
tion suppliers, lending institutions, owners, developers, contractors and subcontractors. He specializes and has had success in
breach of trust claims, the Construction Lien Act and bankruptcy. Max was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1981. He is a fellow
and founding member of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. He has been ranked as a leading construction lawyer
by Best Lawyers in Canada for more than 10 years and is also ranked as Consistently Recommended in e Canadian Legal
Lexpert® Directory. Max is committed to both the excellence and the continuous enhancement and improvement of the practice
of construction law.
Simco, Charles Shibley Righton LLP > (416) 214-5265 charles.simco@shibleyrighton.com
Charles Simco is a senior partner and head of the Construction Law Group at Shibley Righton LLP. Charles represents clients
involved in construction defaults, delay claims, construction liens, trust claims, insolvency, surety bond and professional
liability actions. He appears before all levels of courts in Ontario and has also appeared before several tribunals and inquests.
Construction cases are regularly mediated as an efficient alternative to litigating and Charles has developed an expertise in
resolving complex cases in that forum. He also advises clients on preparation of contracts, procurement and on tender bid
issues. Charles is frequently retained to represent design consultants, institutional and private sector owners, general contrac-
tors, bonding companies and condominium corporations. He undertakes cases involving delays, design errors and construction
deficiencies associated with large infrastructure projects. He regularly assists clients in negotiating consulting agreements on
public sector or institutional projects. Charles is recognized by Lexpert® and Best Lawyers in Canada. He is invited to speak as
an expert in construction law at events for educational institutions and professional associations and regularly lectures at the
Ontario Association of Architects.
Singleton, QC, John R. Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP > (604) 682-7474 jsingleton@singleton.com
John Singleton is a principal legal figure in the country's construction industry, having played key roles in major developments
across Western Canada. He founded the firm in Vancouver, in 1982, with a vision of creating a practice that would stand out
for its expertise in construction and infrastructure law. Today, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP serves clients across
the country and is recognized internationally for its knowledge and insight. As managing partner of the firm, John has acted as
counsel in precedent-setting cases involving insurance, construction, liability and environmental matters. He offers extensive
experience in major infrastructure projects and public private partnerships, as well as complex commercial disputes. John is
an accomplished mediator and arbitrator. He earned the chartered arbitrator designation (CArb) from the ADR Institute
of Canada, and over the past decade has served as fairness advisor on more than 85 infrastructure projects, ranging from the
construction of hospitals and hydro energy enterprises, to the building of the RCMP headquarters in Surrey, British Columbia.
Smith, Marianne Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP > (416) 863-3156 marianne.smith@blakes.com
Marianne Smith has extensive experience in the areas of public procurement, public infrastructure, construction and public-
private partnerships. She regularly advises owner-side clients across Canada on the development, preparation and ongoing
administration of public tenders and procurement processes and the development, negotiation and subsequent interpretation
or enforcement of commercial agreements for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of infrastruc-
ture. She has led a wide range of construction transactions to engage the private sector across numerous asset classes including
energy, building construction, water/wastewater, transportation and transit. She has served as the lead partner on numerous
projects in the last five years including more than 10 municipal infrastructure procurement projects.
Lexpert-ranked leading infrastructure lawyers
