Western Canada powerhouse MLT Aikins has been on a steady expansion streak for several years, building out offices in every major post from Manitoba westward. The efforts have paid off with strategic hires and increased profile. “MLT offers a broad range of services that meets the needs of our businesses,” states a client, who testifies, “While we deal with multiple lawyers at MLT depending upon the area of law, they are able to look after us.”
The firm’s Calgary office got a recent boost with the addition of Michael O’Brien, a commercial litigator who joined the firm in 2025 from Blake Cassels & Graydon. “MLT has been trying to grow their Calgary litigation department in fits and starts, but this is an impactful move – for the firm and for Mike,” observes a peer. “I think this will be good for him – he’ll get more oxygen at MLT and more ownership of a practice.”
A client insists, “Michael is an expert litigator for all and any disputes. He is cost effective and extremely effective.”
Another star in the Calgary office Jonathan Boucher
is cheered by a client for having “successfully resolved a litigation on attempting to get paid for owed earnings.”
In Saskatchewan, MLT has historically “ruled the roost,” a position that it continues to enjoy today. “They have some top players in the province,” states a peer. In the Saskatoon office,
Shaunt Parthev is singled out by several peers a standout. “Shaunt is
just a lovely guy, and that translates into his litigation practice,” observes a peer.
The firm’s Vancouver outpost recently got a boost of litigation horsepower when it acquired boutique Hakemi & Ridgedale, and its two name partners,
Tom Hakemi and Lisa Ridgedale, both venerated commercial litigators. “Tom Hakemi provided a detailed analysis on each scenario [I was dealing with], with its probabilities and outcomes,” testifies a client. “He strategized the best course of actions.” A peer insists, “Lisa enjoys a great reputation in Vancouver, and she has always been very good to me as a mentor as someone who is junior to her.”
