Category: Communication

Sophie-Anne Décarie, a partner in our Ottawa and Gatineau offices, has achieved a significant milestone in her professional development. She has successfully completed her training in civil and commercial arbitration at the University of Sherbrooke, offered in partnership with the Institut de médiation et d’arbitrage du Québec (UdeS/IMAQ).

We are therefore delighted to announce the extension of our services to include arbitration, both for our business clients and for any individuals or companies involved in disputes.

We congratulate her on this remarkable achievement and are convinced that her vast expertise and training will prove invaluable to all parties in navigating and resolving complex legal issues.

In February 2024, the Québec government tabled Bill 51, with the aim of modernizing practices in the construction industry. More specifically, it aims to improve the construction industry’s productivity in terms of projects. This objective is all the more relevant in the wake of announced investments and new ways of carrying out large-scale projects.

In particular, the bill aims to promote workforce mobility and versatility, as well as the inclusion of a greater diversity of people in the industry, especially women, First Nations people and immigrant workers.

While everyone seems to agree on the need to modernize the industry, several players deplore the timidity of the proposed measures. In their view, a bolder approach would have been needed to make this industry truly less complex. 

If you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact our construction law team. 

Calgary, February 8, 2024 — DS Lawyers congratulates two lawyers from its Calgary office who have agreed to become partners, Lindsay Amantea and Adil Hirji.

Ms. Amantea’s practice focuses primarily on corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, banking and financing, and complex estate planning and administration for business owners. Mr. Hirji practises in the areas of securities, public offerings and listings on all Canadian exchanges, corporate financings, and mergers and acquisitions. Both are gifted problem solvers who consistently perform for their clients.

“We are fortunate to have these two talented lawyers among our partners. Our colleagues continue to stand out, demonstrating deep commitment to the firm and the community in which they operate, and providing high-level service to our business clients in Western Canada. Join us in congratulating them,” shared Robert Verbuck, Managing Partner of the Calgary and Vancouver offices.

The DS Lawyers Canada partnership is now comprised of 29 partners from coast to coast, serving Canadian and international clients in all aspects of business law.

DS Lawyers is pleased to announce that new talent will be joining its teams in Montréal and Québec City: Christina Muccari, Ameikha Ramsagur, Magalie Roux and Mohammadhossein (Mo) Bahramdaryabeigi.

Montréal

Christina Muccari

Christina practises in civil and commercial litigation in Montréal and will be joining the litigation group in the Montreal office. As part of her practice, she serves a variety of clients, including SMEs and large corporations. She intervenes at all stages of litigation, from developing strategic advice to representing clients before Quebec’s trial and appellate courts.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a friendly, passionate team that manages major projects with attention to detail and passion. I’m delighted to be pursuing my career at the firm.”

Ameikha Ramsagur

Ameikha is also joining the Litigation team at the Montréal office. Talented and recently sworn in, she will support the senior litigation team and intervene at all levels of Quebec’s legal system.

“I’m truly pleased to be joining the Litigation team at DS Lawyers. It’s a high-energy team with a solid reputation both in Canada and abroad. I’m looking forward to playing an active role in the firm’s success.”

Mohammadhossein (Mo) Bahramdaryabeigi

Mohammad is joining the Business Law team at the Montréal office. In his practice, he specializes in public and private cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities law.

“I’m pleased to be pursuing my budding career at DS Lawyers. The depth of expertise and international platform really made a difference in my decision.”

Québec City

Magalie Roux

Magalie Roux is joining the Tax Law team at the Québec City office as a tax specialist and student in law. Her work ethic has earned her a scholarship from the Quebec CPA order and a scholarship for excellence. She expects to be sworn in in 2024.

“I’m happy to have joined such a friendly and pleasant team. Not only am I already working on major projects, but I’m also being supported by mentors who are truly involved in my professional development.”

We are pleased to announce that business lawyer Farhan Ahmed became a member of the Calgary Bar on October 27, and business lawyer John Alevras became a member of the Quebec Bar on November 24, 2023.

As a fast-growing firm in the Canadian market, DS Lawyers is delighted to welcome these new talents who will be supporting our senior teams across the country. This addition will help us offer the best possible service to our business customers across Canada.

Our heartfelt congratulations to them!

About Farhan Ahmed

Farhan practises business law and advises clients on capital markets, business financing, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities compliance and regulation. Farhan also has experience in assisting public and private companies at different stages of the corporate life cycle on a wide range of transactions and other matters. Interestingly, he earned his Bachelor of Kinesiology in Sport Performance with distinction from the University of Alberta in 2018 and his JD from the University of Calgary in 2022 before being called to the bar.

About John Alevras

John was sworn in on November 24 in Montréal. He is a lawyer in the business law team. He studied law at Université de Montréal. An active member of his community, John served as president of the student law review of Université de Montréal and as treasurer of the constitutional law committee and the tax law committee. He had the opportunity to intern at the Consulate General of Greece in Montréal during the summer of 2022. Before starting university, John completed a DEC in business administration with distinction at Marianopolis College, where he served as President of the Investment Club and the Young Executives Business Club.

Alexandre Normandin-Lussier gave an interview to the Droit-inc webzine following his involvement as a trainer, mentor and jury member in the Le Transatlantique program, which supports Canadian companies wishing to incorporate and operate in France, as well as French companies wishing to incorporate in Canada.

“Transatlantique is a unique program. It’s a first in Canada,” he explains. Indeed, this 6-week program was the perfect opportunity for the companies in the first cohort selected to benefit from the experience and expertise of the professionals involved, including Deloitte, BPI France, Desjardins, Business France and Massat Saurat, HEC, and Investissement Québec, to guide them in their international set-up and development.

In this article, Me Normandin-Lussier explains that DS Avocats is well positioned to help French and Canadian companies do business in Canada and France, as the firm is the only international French firm with such a presence in Canada.

On the Canada-France axis, DS Avocats leads a working group chaired by Alexandre Normandin-Lussier, with the support of Angèle Di Giovanni and Juliane Fonseca and the collaboration of several DS Avocats members. Our working group aims to support French companies incorporate and operate in Quebec and support French companies with business objectives in North America. Our working group also strives to support Quebec based companies seeking to operate in France.

To read the full Droit-inc article (in French only), click here.

We’re pleased to welcome recently sworn-in lawyer, Kevin Zhou to its Ottawa litigation team.

After completing the Integrated Practice Curriculum Professional Placement with the firm, Kevin commences his practice which will focus mainly in the civil and commercial litigation field.

“I am proud to be joining the team at DS Lawyers. The firm’s corporate culture of excellence makes it the ideal environment to initiate a career in law. My articling allowed me to optimize my learning curve with the support and guidance of attentive and qualified mentors. It really helped me to develop my legal skills to their full potential,” explained Kevin.

We are proud to have such promising young talent among our Ottawa team who distinguish himself by the quality of his work, his commitment to excellence, and his team spirit.

We welcome you to the firm Kevin and wish you a successful career! 

DS Lawyers Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Angie Tinor as National Vice-President Operating Officer. As the firm continues to grow in Canada, it will be able draw on its expertise in operations and human resources management to enhance its operational capabilities and effectively develop and implement its strategic plans. 

Angie will play a leading role in implementing innovative strategies and optimizing overall operating processes. Her leadership will exert a unifying influence, making her an undeniable asset to the firm. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the dynamic and committed team at DS Lawyers. The firm is evolving as its presence expands in Canada, and I look forward to contributing to its positive development and supporting its efforts to remain effective, innovative and at the forefront of best practices in the market,” she noted. 

DS Lawyers Canada is privileged to be able to count on Angie Tinor’s extensive professional experience in the financial, manufacturing and industrial sectors. She has led transformation programs at private and public enterprises, promoting a culture that fosters diversity, inclusion, mental health and well-being. 

Prior to joining DS Lawyers, Angie worked at the University of Ottawa as Vice-President, Human Resources. She had previously served in the same capacity for the Canadian Commercial Corporation, supporting the President and CEO.   

“Angie is unquestionably the best professional to help guide DS Lawyers Canada in its strategic growth. Her understanding, positive leadership and ability to find solutions to the most complex business and human challenges will make her an invaluable ally,” observed Richard Laramée, Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board of DS Lawyers Canada. 

About DS Lawyers 

DS Lawyers is a leading international law firm with over 400 lawyers and 24 offices on four continents. Clients rely on us to deliver innovative and effective legal services. We offer results-driven strategies to help our business clients overcome their commercial business challenges and resolve their most complex litigation issues.   

DS Lawyers Canada is delighted to announce that Frédéric Vachon has joined the Business Law team at the Montréal office.  

His expertise is mainly focused on transactions, involving complex mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations and business financing. His practice also covers negotiating and drafting of commercial agreements.  

Frédéric was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Ottawa, from which he graduated with distinction. He also participated in an exchange program at the London School of Economics and Political Science’s Faculty of Law in England (specializing in commercial law), and completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in international business at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. 

“The firm continues its strong growth across Canada. And so it is our pleasure to welcome Frédéric into our growing team, so we can keep improving our services to our business clients,” says Richard Laramée, Managing Partner of the Montréal office and Chairman of the firm’s Canadian Board. 

About DS Lawyers 

DS Lawyers is a leading international law firm with over 400 lawyers and 24 offices on four continents. Clients rely on us to deliver innovative and effective legal services. We offer results-driven strategies to help our business clients commercial business challenges and resolve their most complex litigation issues.   

We are pleased to announce that Divya Patel, a lawyer in the Business and Corporate Law practice group, became a member of the New York State Bar on June 28, 2023 and that Laurent Crépeau, a lawyer in the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration practice group, became a member on September 14, 2023.

With its strong international focus, DS Lawyers is committed to providing its business clients with top-tier services to support their local and international growth. These new bar memberships enhance and entrench our ability to assist our clients in relation to their business in the United States.

Our heartfelt congratulations to Divya and Laurent!

About Divya Patel

Divya Patel is a lawyer in the Business and Corporate Law practice group based in Montréal. Her practice is focused on financing, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate reorganizations. Thanks to her multi-jurisdictional practice, she is involved in all aspects of cross-border transactions. 

She also advises clients on regulatory developments in the technology sector, as she has direct contact with the fast-moving world of transformative technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and smart contracts.

Divya is admitted to practice in Québec, Ontario and the State of New York.

About Laurent Crépeau

Laurent Crépeau is a lawyer in the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration practice groups based in Montréal. His practice is focused on commercial and corporate litigation, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency.

With a master’s degree in international litigation and arbitration from New York University, he is often called upon to represent clients in cross-border disputes.

Laurent is admitted to practice in Québec and the State of New York.