Blakes Sound Business Podcast Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

With the return of private equity activity to pre-pandemic levels in Canada, there has been a distinct shift in the way parties approach deal terms. Blakes Partners Rory ffrench and Rianna Ritchie walk us through some of the most significant trends, drawing on insights from the fourth edition of our Canadian Private Equity Deal Study.

Mass torts are on the rise in Ontario, thanks to certification challenges, carriage fights and the influence of plaintiffs’ counsel. But not all provinces are experiencing the same trend. In this episode of our podcast, Blakes lawyers Robin Linley, Ariane Bisaillon and Robin Reinertson explain the differences between a mass tort and a class action and why one may be preferred over the other.

It’s been an eventful year in business disputes, with important decisions coming from courts across Canada. In this episode of our podcast, Blakes litigators Francis Rouleau, Karine Russell and Sophie Mansfield discuss some of the most influential decisions of 2023, and Max Shapiro highlights a trend to watch in 2024.

Doing business with government can be extremely complex. From lobbying and codes of conduct to commissions of inquiry and much more, companies face many rules, regulations and decisions that are constantly changing. Falling afoul of them can have serious reputational and legal impacts. In this episode of our podcast, Blakes lawyers Alexis Levine and Iris Fischer take us through their day-to-day practices helping clients manage crisis situations and share a few time-tested tips for dealing with government.

Anti-bribery compliance has become a fundamental part of an effective environmental, social and governance program. It’s considered one of the most significant areas of risk for many companies and a key concern for investors and shareholders. In this episode of our podcast, Blakes lawyers Iris Fischer, Mark Morrison and Michael Dixon discuss how to develop a compliance program and measure its effectiveness.

The 2022 Blakes Board Report reveals the significant strides women general counsel have made over a six-year period in their trajectory on boards. Year over year, women GCs have continued to exceed their male counterparts on boards by a ratio of 2:1. In this episode of Blakes Sound Business, Blakes lawyers Kate McGilvray and Stacy McLean tell us more about the findings and director insights contained in this year’s study, Unlocking the Value: Women GCs in the Board Pipeline.