Saskatchewan

Review

Dispute resolution
MLT Aikins

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 Boucheris 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.”

 

Robertson Stromberg

Saskatoon boutique Robertson Stromberg is noted for having one of the province’s highest concentrations of Queen’s Counsel designations, especially impressive for such a small firm. One of these QCs, Jennifer Pereira, is noted for a high-level family law practice as well as insurance and insurance defense. “Jennifer is a quickly rising star,” confirms a peer. “She does the cases that actually get you into court - family law and insurance defense. These are areas where true trial lawyers can develop skills.” Kim Anderson is counsel for a municipality that passed a resolution limiting discretionary development in a defined area pending further develeopment. This was challenged by the developer. Appeals are pending before the Saskatchewan Muncipal Board, and a judicial review decision is pending before the court of Queen’s Bench .

Robertson Stromberg

Saskatoon boutique Robertson Stromberg is noted for having one of the province’s highest concentrations of Queen’s Counsel designations, especially impressive for such a small firm. One of these QCs, Jennifer Pereira, is noted for a high-level family law practice as well as insurance and insurance defense. “Jennifer is a quickly rising star,” confirms a peer. “She does the cases that actually get you into court - family law and insurance defense. These are areas where true trial lawyers can develop skills.” Kim Anderson is counsel for a municipality that passed a resolution limiting discretionary development in a defined area pending further develeopment. This was challenged by the developer. Appeals are pending before the Saskatchewan Muncipal Board, and a judicial review decision is pending before the court of Queen’s Bench .