By Julius Melnitzer | January 16, 2026
BENNETT JONES ADDS THREE CORE PARTNERS
Seeking to align both with the priorities of the firm and the Canadian economy, Bennett Jones has scooped three high-profile lawyers from other national firms to join its energy, mining, and M&A groups. They are:
- Ben Rogers, who was co-leader of Blake, Cassels & Graydon’s energy (oil & gas) group, and represents energy companies on commercial matters domestically and internationally;
- Leanne Krawchuck from Dentons Canada, where she was national leader of the corporate group and a member of the national management committee, whose practice embraces complex corporate transactions mining and resources, construction and infrastructure, and capital markets and securities; and
- Dean Koumanakos, who managed Stikeman Elliott’s London, UK, office for more than seven years, and whose practice includes complex domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity, corporate mid-market and leveraged buyouts.
DELAY STILL THE NORM AT LSO
Just short of two years ago, the Law Society of Ontario sought and obtained an interlocutory suspension of Toronto lawyer Nicholas Canizares’ license. The LSO based its action on Toronto Police allegations that the lawyer was involved in fraudulent property transfers. Canizares, called in 1982, was disbarred in 1989, and re-admitted in 2009 on his undertaking that he would not practice real estate law or criminal law. It’s only on January 9, 2026 that the LSO filed a notice of application for a conduct and penalty hearing. Given the interlocutory suspension, the delay has likely done no harm – although Canizares, who allegedly was practising real estate despite his undertaking not to do so, appears to have a history of ignoring rules, like the suspension. However that may be, you can bet your boots that the right case will come along and delay will likely cause harm, either to the respondent lawyer or to the public. What is it with the LSO? Hail the new CEO. Maybe.
MATHEWS DINSDALE GROWING COUNTRYWIDE
Mathews Dinsdale & Clark appears to have the golden touch, and right across the country. No less than 10 lawyers have joined the national labour and employment boutique, which has eight offices in five provinces and a team of 80 professionals qualified to practice in every Canadian province and territory. Here’s a list of the new faces:
- Calgary: Gloria Moore, counsel, business immigration law; Aiden Raff, associate, workplace law
- Toronto: Amanda Hunter, partner, management-side labour relations lawyer; Nisha Dhanoa, counsel, labour relations, employment, human rights, and professional regulation law; Sydney Kruth, director, knowledge management; Julia Gauze, associate, workplace law
- Vancouver: Nazeer Mitha, partner, labour and employment law; Erin White, employment, human rights, and investigations law; Emily Raymond, associate, workplace law; Jamie LePard, associate, workplace law.
RUSSEL DREW TO LEAD DLA PIPER
Effective January 1, 2026, Russel Drew has become DLA Piper’s Canada Managing Partner. Drew, who has been at the firm for a decade, succeeds Rob Seidel, who had led the firm since 2015. Drew’s practice focuses on M&A, private equity and venture capital matters for public and private companies.
BORDERPASS: A NEW MODEL FOR IMMIGRATION LAW
BorderPass is a Canadian digital law firm that seeks to transform the way immigration legal services are provided. The firm has built an AI platform that automates repetitive immigration work, using licensed lawyers to maintain oversight at critical decision points. BorderPass says their approach provides predictable costs and compliance support for individuals and companies seeking professional immigration support.
Julius Melnitzer is a Toronto-based legal affairs writer, ghostwriter, writing coach and media trainer. Readers can reach him at julius@legalwriter.net or on his website.