The Lexpert Special Editions profiles selected Lexpert-ranked lawyers whose focus is in Corporate, Infrastructure, Energy and Litigation law and relevant practices. It also includes feature articles on legal aspects of Canadian business issues.
Issue link: https://digital.carswellmedia.com/i/1470135
36 www.lexpert.ca Merrick, Jeffrey Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP > (604) 631-3386 jeff.merrick@blakes.com Mr. Merrick is the chair of the Blakes Infrastructure group and the head of the Vancouver Real Estate group. He has substan- tial expertise in developing, buying, selling, leasing and financing major commercial real estate and infrastructure projects. Jeff has particular expertise in P3s and AFPs, including all aspects of major design, build, finance and operate projects work- ing with private partners and governments to deliver infrastructure assets using private financing. His clients include private equity funds, major Canadian pension funds and their advisers, as well as other private investors and significant developers and users of real estate and infrastructure projects. Miachika, David L., PEng Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) > (604) 640-4220 dmiachika@blg.com Litigation Partner in BLG's Vancouver office. He practises exclusively in the areas of insurance coverage (COC, wrap-up, operating/property, marine, CGL, PLI, pollution, D&O, and crime policies), construction (delay/acceleration, contract disputes, engineering/architectural liability, builders liens, surety), real estate, and complex civil liability disputes, including resolution by litigation, arbitration, and mediation. He has represented clients at all levels of court in multiple jurisdictions (BC, AB, SK, MB, NWT, ON) and has advised on appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada. David advises clients with op- erations in Canada, the US, and abroad on Canadian and international disputes. David is a professional engineer (civil/struc- tural) registered with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia since 1984. Prior to joining BLG, he worked for major construction companies in BC and the Maritimes as a project manager/engineer on significant industrial, commercial, heavy civil, and marine construction projects. David is recognized as a leading Canadian practitioner in numerous Canadian and international ranking publications including e Best Lawyers in Canada, Doyle's Guide — Leading Construction, Engi- neering & Inastructure Lawyers, and Benchmark. McKenzie, Maria K. FARRIS > (604) 661-9319 mmckenzie@farris.com Partner Maria McKenzie practises business law with an emphasis on infrastructure and banking, including advising the pub- lic and private sectors and lenders on public–private partnership and other infrastructure projects, construction and procure- ment, and acting for both lenders and borrowers for secured and unsecured credit facilities and project financings. She also advises on mergers & acquisitions; commercial property purchase, sale, and lease transactions; and corporate reorganizations, and provides general corporate and commercial advice. Maria joined Farris in 1995. Prior to joining the firm, Maria clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada for Madame Justice Beverley McLachlin from 1990 to 1991. Melia, John I.G. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) > (613) 787-3517 jmelia@blg.com Partner in Commercial Litigation Group and Construction Group in BLG's Ottawa office. With over 20 years of dedicat- ed counsel work, John has advised a wide range of construction industry participants including provincial and municipal governments, procurement authorities, bonding and insurance companies, and Canadian and international contractors and subcontractors. John's practice focuses on all aspects of construction law including course of construction management and dispute resolution, construction liens, breach of trust, delay claims, deficiency claims, and construction bonding and insur- ance matters. Associate Professor of Civil Procedure at the University of Ottawa Law School. Education: LLB Magna Cum Laude (University of Ottawa), BA (University of Toronto). Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2001. Ménard, Yves J. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) > (613) 787-3518 ymenard@blg.com Partner and Business Law Leader of BLG's Ottawa office. Yves' practice focuses on real estate, corporate/commercial, construction, and procurement law, with particular emphasis on real estate acquisition and financing, construction contracts, procurement, and business acquisition. Clients include public institutions such as hospitals, municipalities, universities, colleges, and school boards, as well as owner-managed businesses. Obtained LLB and BCL from McGill University in 1985. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1987. Fluently bilingual in French and English and practises in both languages. Lexpert-ranked leading infrastructure lawyers