8 Baker McKenzie Practice Areas and 8 Lawyers Recognized by The Legal 500 in 2023 Canada Guide
We are honoured to announce that The Legal 500 Canada 2023 Guide has recognized 8 Baker McKenzie Toronto lawyers and 8 practice areas.
The guide is compiled based on input from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of legal-market researchers. Interviews are conducted with in-house counsel, in addition to corporate executives and finance directors. The Legal 500 also seeks opinions from investment bankers, commercial bankers, and accountants who work with lawyers.
Four lawyers were listed as Leading Individuals:
 | George Avraam – Labour and Employment |
 | Jacques Bernier – Tax |
 | Paul Burns – International Trade |
 | Stephanie Vaccari – Intellectual Property |
Two lawyers were named Next Generation Partners:
 | Michael Nowina – Dispute Resolution (Ontario) |
 | Brian Cacic – International Trade |
Two lawyers were named Rising Stars:
 | Haran Viswanathan – Corporate & Securities |
 | Jennifer Bernardo – Labour and Employment |
The following practice areas received recognition:
‘The Baker McKenzie competition and antitrust practice advises on a broad range on regulatory matters.’
‘Sarah Mavula and Nancy Hamzo are both appreciated for their guidance in the complex foreign investment landscape.’
‘I have worked with the Baker McKenzie M&A team on a number of M&A transactions in Canada over the past couple of years, as well as transactions with Canadian elements. We have a great relationship with Nancy Hamzo and she has become our go to person for everything Canadian. There is also a strong transactional tax practice to complement (Peter Clarke stood out).’
‘Nancy Hamzo is just great, really strong and hands on transactional lead who makes things happen. Good at managing client as well as sellers…’
‘BM Canada has a fantastic corporate practice, ranging from organization and governance to M&A to tax and IP matters. They provide wholesale services across a broad range of areas and are not met with a challenge or problem they cannot solve for.’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable, accurate and dependable in all aspects of intellectual property that we deal with. Stephanie Vaccari and her team are always on top of matters.’
‘Stephanie Vaccari and her team go above and beyond to make sure we are aware of potential claims, infractions or general concerns regarding our business.’
‘Efficient and responsive service delivery – Ethical billing practices – Renowned experts – The firm has a solid focus on diversity, equity and inclusion issues and the team is diverse both by gender and racial lines which brings a unique and creative perspective.’
‘Global capabilities are strong, especially in North America. Responsive. Andrew Shaw is a trusted advisor.’
‘George Avraam is the go-to for labour and employment matters. He provides a practical approach and takes into account the company’s operational needs and risk tolerance. He is also a strong advocate when he has had to appear on our behalf in court.’
‘Baker McKenzie’s labour and employment practice has provided exceptional service to me and my organization for many years. Its expertise and service orientation were particularly evident in the last few years.’
‘Deep experience advising large enterprises undergoing an Information Governance transition.’
‘Expertise and friendly, supportive manner building trust in clients.’