The Toronto outpost of global juggernaut Baker McKenzie has made a considerable impression in a short period of time, a remarkable feat considering that much of its litigation activity revolves around disputes that don’t specifically involve traditional “Bay Street” issues. “Baker McKenzie has remarkable bench strength and can mobilize strong teams for complex cases that require different kinds of legal acumen,” testifies a client. “For example, I have personally encountered them in complex commercial arbitrations and lawsuits where their clients would undoubtedly need lawyers with strength in employment, trial advocacy, tax, and regulatory law. They have the bench strength to mobilize a team and meet all of a client's needs, at a standard of excellence.” On an individual basis, a client notes, “I was very impressed with
Michael Nowina and John Pirie. [They were] smart, results focused and practical.” Pirie is specifically championed for his white-collar work as well as his courtroom prowess. “John provides sophisticated advice in the areas of fraud and white collar that I work in. [He’s a] Very seasoned lawyer, amongst the best I have worked with. He is an excellent communicator and [has] deep knowledge of the law, while also [being] very skilled at simplifying matters. He has a very even temperament and is a great negotiator.” Another offers a glowing and comprehensive accolade: “John is amongst the top trial lawyers in Ontario. He is often lead counsel in complex and high stakes trials and takes charge of the file for the client's best interests. He is able to do exactly what top trial counsel do - formulate the trial strategy and execute it while at the same time being able to be fluid and flexible to make real-time decisions while in trial when new events happen. What's not published is that John is also an extremely accomplished arbitration lawyer – something that feeds into why he presents so well when he takes cases to trial in a courtroom. His arbitration experience includes acting in a dispute over operational rights for a US-based railway and another case where he acted for a global space company in a dispute concerning the supply and functionality of a satellite. He is also widely recognized as a leading expert on fraud litigation and asset recovery.”
George Avraam also earns commendations from clients. One extols, “George is an exceptional lawyer and leader. His command of both labor and employment law and his approach to mentorship and talent development is outstanding. He has invested significantly in his relationships with us and the service he provides reflects that deep investment. When George is working for you, you truly feel like you are the most important client with every interaction. He has built a great team, and he enables their work while still ensuring the expected level of service, advice and representation.
David Gadsden is noted for his class-action practice. “David is a very bright lawyer, with solid judgment and strong advocacy skills,” states a peer, who insists, “I would recommend clients to him in a heartbeat.” Gadsden represents Air Canada loyalty entity Aeroplan against class members alleging claims of fraud, conspiracy, deceptive marketing and breaches of competition and consumer-protection legislation. This proposed class action is brought on behalf of members of Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty rewards and recognition program, who claim that they had bonus points “clawed back” as a result of getting issued a second Aeroplan card.
