What's New at MLT?

An Update on the Tahera Karimi Pro Bono Effort

August 23, 2010 - Earlier this summer we reported on the story of MLT's efforts to secure a place in Canada for a young Afghan girl with cerebral palsy. On August 13 Tahera Karimi was granted a one-year Temporary Residency and Permit and a Study Permit that will permit her to continue her schooling in Regina this fall. The MLT team, led by Len Andrychuk and Stephanie Yang, continues to advocate on Tahera's behalf.

Remembering D.K. MacPherson

July 2, 2010 - Donald K. MacPherson, Q.C. recently passed away at the age of 86 after a life of exceptional service to his profession and his community. DK, to those who knew him, was a respected jurist, lawyer, mentor and community leader. He believed that members of the legal profession must be guided by strong ethical values and contribute to their communities, and this was how he lived his life. A veteran of WWII, he was a humble and able man who was devoted to Betty, his wife of 60 years, and his family. We will remember his leadership, professionalism and friendship, and count ourselves fortunate to have known him. And we will miss him.

MLT Mounts Pro Bono Effort for Young Afghan Girl

June 9, 2010 - A team of lawyers from MLT Regina led by partner Len Andrychuk and associate Stephanie Yang is undertaking a large-scale pro bono effort to secure the right for Tahera Karini, a 12-year-old Afghan girl with cerebral palsy, to stay in Canada on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. Tahera came to Regina in 2008 to undergo an operation that would help her stand upright and walk. An exuberant and tenacious girl, with a positive influence on her schoolmates and all those who know her, Tahera worked hard in rehabilitation to gain the use of her legs and has progressed from knowing no English to being a straight-A student. She is staying with her aunt and grandmother.

The consequences should Tahera be returned to Afghanistan are unimaginable to Canadians. Her life would be at risk in that war torn region, she would not be able to continue school, and would be largely housebound and subject to ridicule by members of the general population. In Canada she has found friends, acceptance and the promise of a bright future. The team is therefore treating this as a "high stakes" file, working through numerous issues and channels to secure permanent residency status for Tahera.

MLT is committed to making the communities in which we practice better places for all to live. Our team of Len Andrychuk, Stephanie Yang, Kate Roy, Jana Linner, Dan Killick and Holli Kuski will continue to devote their efforts on Tahera's behalf to secure a place in Canada for this promising young girl. You can learn more about Tahera and her story on the CBC website.

Don Wilson Reappointed Managing Partner

June 4, 2010 - The partners of MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP are pleased to announce the reappointment of Don Wilson, Q.C., as Managing Partner for an additional four years. Under Don's leadership MLT has grown from its Saskatchewan roots to a firm of 110 lawyers with a significant presence in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In the years ahead, MLT will continue to pursue its vision of growth within Western Canada.

Ashley Smith a "Woman of Distinction"

May 28, 2010 – Each year the YWCA recognizes the achievements of women mentors, volunteers, activists, teachers, leaders and researchers in its Women of Distinction Awards. At the Saskatoon awards dinner held last night, MLT Saskatoon's Ashley Smith was recognized in the Youth Category, an award recognizing the achievements of a woman under 25 for excellence in career, academics and community building.

Ashley is a member of MLT's Litigation Group. She earned her Master of Laws Degree from Osgoode Hall in 2009 and has had a number of papers published in peer-reviewed journals. She coached the University of Saskatchewan Moot Team to a second place finish in the Sopinka Cup in 2010, volunteers as a Director of the Saskatoon Children’s Festival, and is a member of the editorial board of the CBA Barnotes and the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild. Ashley has been actively involved in the arts for many years. She won the Saskatchewan Youth Talent Search in singing and musical Theatre in 2001, performed with the New York Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Saskatoon in 1995, danced with the Alberta Ballet for the Nutcracker Suite, sang with the Saskatoon Fireside Singers for over 15 years, and performs with a number of local theatre companies.

MLT Saskatoon in Exile for Children's Wish Foundation

May 20, 2010 - Ten lawyers from MLT's Saskatoon office are participating today in a corporate challenge fundraiser for the Children's Wish Foundation. Teams in exile will "face impossible challenges that will test their mental, creative and physical abilities" to determine Saskatchewan’s Ultimate Survivor.

MLT's Dream Makers are pleased to announce that they surpassed their fundraising goal of $10,000 thanks to the generosity of many contributors. One of the fundraising projects was a 50/50 draw for which the winning ticket is #0382263 (lottery licence #R10-0041). Thanks to everyone who helped our team grant the wish of a seriously ill child.

Walter Pavlic, Q.C. Joins MLT in Edmonton

February 1, 2010 - MLT is pleased to announce that Walter Pavlic, Q.C. has joined MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP in Edmonton, bringing nearly 25 years of experience to the firm's highly successful Employment & Labour Group. Walter has significant experience advising management on discipline, dismissal, human rights, grievances and collective bargaining. He routinely appears before administrative boards, arbitration panels and the Alberta courts.

Walter and the MLT team in Edmonton provide practical legal advice to small and large businesses in central and northern Alberta.

MLT Announces Newest Partners

January 4, 2010 - MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP is pleased to welcome Jason Mohrbutter and Nathan Schissel to the MLT partnership.

MLT is a leading Western Canadian business law firm. Our newest partners reflect the commitment to professional excellence, client service and professional growth that is central to our firm culture. We congratulate them on their achievement and welcome them to our partnership.

Eileen Libby, Kevin Wilson Appointed Queen's Counsel

December 31, 2009 - MLT's Eileen Libby and Kevin Wilson are among 18 members of the Law Society of Saskatchewan honoured with the designation of Queen's Counsel for 2009. This distinction recognizes consistently high standards of practice and distinguished service to the profession.

Eileen Libby is President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan. She practices Labour and Employment Law and Civil Litigation from MLT's Regina office, acting for financial institutions, health care boards, professional and general liability insurers, individuals and corporations in the resource, retail and service sectors. Eileen has appeared before all levels of courts in Saskatchewan, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board, boards of arbitration, human rights tribunals and professional disciplinary bodies. She also serves as a hearing officer under the Saskatchewan Police Act.

Kevin Wilson practices Labour and Employment Law from MLT's Saskatoon office. He works largely with unionized clients on such matters as applications for union certification, unfair labour practices and collective agreement interpretation issues. Kevin has appeared numerous times before courts, labour relations boards, boards of arbitration and other administrative tribunals on behalf of union and non-union employers. He has lectured extensively on labour and employment and human rights issues in Western Canada, on topics as diverse as the human rights in the workplace to workplace discipline to occupational health and safety.

Harold MacKay to Receive Saskatchewan Order of Merit

October 2, 2009 - The Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan today announced that MLT Regina's Harold MacKay, O.C., Q.C. is among a group of twelve distinguished individuals who will be awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for outstanding contributions to the province and its people. Harold MacKay's distinguished career includes appointments as Clifford Clark Visiting Economist with the Federal Department of Finance (2002-2004) and Chair of the Government of Canada’s Task Force on the Future of the Canadian Financial Services Sector in (1997-1998).

Harold's previous recognition for contributions to the community and the legal profession include his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada (2002), an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Regina (2002), the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award of the Canadian Bar Association, Saskatchewan Branch (2006). He is a former Managing Partner who continues to practice as Counsel with MLT in the areas of commercial dispute resolution, corporate governance, corporate and commercial law, and resource law. The awards ceremonies will take place on November 5 in Saskatoon and November 17 in Regina.

MLT Charity Poker Night Raises $4000 for Regina Food Bank

September 4, 2009 - Some eighty-five MLT lawyers and clients converged on Casino Regina last night for a Texas Hold 'em Charity Poker Tournament in support of the Regina Food Bank. The event was organized by MLT as part of our firm's commitment to the Food Bank and other charities that make our communities better places for all to live. MLT thanks the Casino Regina for its support in helping to make the evening a unique and fun event for all who attended, as well as the players who played and contributed to this important cause.

Doug Ballou Named one of Lexpert/ALM's Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada

August 21, 2009 - MLT Edmonton's Doug Ballou has been named one of Lexpert/American Lawyer Media's Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada for the consistently high standard of his work in Corporate Mid-Market Law. The Leading 500 Lawyers are selected based on their ranking in an annual survey of lawyers across Canada by Lexpert Magazine.

MLT Tops in Saskatchewan with Best Lawyers in Canada 2010

August 17, 2009 - Best Lawyers, recognized as one of the top peer-review rating services for lawyers in North America, has named 21 MLT lawyers to its Canadian list for 2010. With 11 lawyers from Regina and 8 from Saskatoon, MLT ranked as the leading law firm in Saskatchewan. The full list of MLT lawyers is available here.

Robert Pletch, Q.C., Named Vice-Chair of CFL Board of Directors

May 29, 2009 - The Canadian Football League announced today that MLT Chairman Robert Pletch has been elected Vice-Chair of the CFL Board of Directors.

Rob has been a Director of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club since 2004, serving as Chair since April 2007. He is also Chair of SaskEnergy Inc. and a Director of Canada Post Corporation. In March 2009 Rob was named one of Saskatchewan's “Men of Influence” by Saskatchewan Business Magazine.

Thomas Molloy, O.C., Q.C. Awarded Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree

May 26, 2009 - An Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree was today conferred on MLT Saskatoon's Tom Molloy at the Spring Convocation of the University of Saskatchewan. The honour recognizes Mr. Molloy's exceptional and selfless service to country, community and university.

During the ceremony University President Peter MacKinnon highlighted some of Mr. Molloy's extensive accomplishments including his role as Canada's Chief Negotiator for the historic Nisga'a Treaty and his role as University Chancellor fom 2001 - 2007. Mr. Molloy has served on numerous boards, commissions, foundations, and charitable and community organizations, and played a leading role in the formation of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996.

MLT Lawyers Part of Longest Trial in Saskatchewan History

April 21, 2009 - MLT lawyers recently made history as the longest trial in Saskatchewan history concluded. The trial lasted 17 months (130 court days), and included over one million documents and over one thousand trial exhibits. Maurice Laprairie, Q.C., Deron Kuski, and Jodi Wildeman of MLT Regina ran the trial from the Plaintiff side with assistance from other MLT lawyers and students when required. The trial stemmed from a construction lawsuit wherein MLT acted for an owner who sued its engineer for late and incomplete design leading to project delays and cost overruns on the Cory Cogeneration Power Plant near Saskatoon. The matter settled to the complete satisfaction of the MLT clients, but the terms of which are confidential. During the course of the trial, several reported decisions were made relating to the limitation of liability interpretation, appropriate explanatory read in of discovery evidence, and issues surrounding document privilege.

MLT’s Robert Pletch, Q,C. Named one of Saskatchewan’s “Men of Influence”

March 26, 2009 - MLT’s Chairman, Rob Pletch, has been named one of Saskatchewan's “Men of Influence” by Saskatchewan Business Magazine. Known as a “senior player in the province’s legal and business community”, Rob serves as Chair of the Boards for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and SaskEnergy. Rob is one of ten men recognized in 2009 for making a significant impact in the Saskatchewan business community.

MLT Acts on Award Winning $1.6 Billion Acquisition

February 19, 2009 - Yara International's purchase of Saskferco Products Inc. was awarded top honours in the foreign acquisitions category at the 2008 Canadian Deal Maker Awards held at Toronto's famed Royal York Hotel last night. The $1.6 billion deal rated as one Canada's 15 biggest deals of 2008. MLT acted for the shareholders of Saskferco Products Inc. with a team that included Don Wilson, Aaron Runge and Nathan Schissel (corporate), Todd Rosenberg (tax), and Danny Anderson and Penny Yeager (regulatory).

The Globe and Mail reports: "Saskatchewan law firms don't often break into the turf of the big city partnerships that own the market for merger work, but the provincial government's sale of a fertilizer plant thrust Regina-based MacPherson Leslie Tyerman LLP into the limelight. It was a 'cradle to grave' assignment for the firm, which helped incorporate the company two decades ago, said Don Wilson, MLT's managing partner and corporate secretary to the Saskferco board."

MLT’s Crystal McLeod Named a “Woman of Influence”

February 11, 2009 - Saskatchewan Business Magazine has named Crystal McLeod one of the province’s most influential women. Crystal, who joined MLT as an associate in October 2008, practices corporate and commercial law with a focus on First Nations business and resource development. She sits on the boards of Enterprise Saskatchewan, The First Nations Bank of Canada, the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation and SIEF Investments. Crystal is one of ten women recognized for making a significant impact in the Saskatchewan business community.

MLT Welcomes Hendrickson Gower Massing Olivieri LLP in Edmonton

January 1, 2009 – MLT is pleased to welcome the lawyers and staff of Hendrickson Gower Massing Olivieri LLP to our firm in Edmonton. The similar culture and priorities of our two firms makes this a natural fit for both. Until we can find a space large enough to accommodate the full Edmonton group at one location, operations will continue from the two current offices.

• Len Hendrickson (Partner) – Len Hendrickson is an experienced litigator with a practice focus on disputes arising in corporate, shareholder and partnership arrangements. Len is a founding member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta.

• Neil Gower Q.C. (Partner) – L. Neil Gower, Q.C. has over 35 years experience as a Business and Property lawyer. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1998 and is one of the course designers and senior lecturers for the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) Bar Admission Course.

• Barry Massing (Counsel) – Barry Massing’s practice focus is Professional Regulatory Law. He has advised professional regulatory bodies for over 30 years and has conducted over 300 hearings.

• Sam Amelio (Partner) – Sam Amelio’s practice focuses on Banking & Corporate Finance and Business Law. Sam has been a Bar Admission Course Instructor for the Legal Education Society of Alberta since 1993 and is fluent in Italian.

• Adam Merrick (Partner) – Adam Merrick practices Business Law with a focus on Real Estate Development and Banking. He has represented numerous corporate clients, private corporations, individuals and partnerships on a range of commercial legal matters including corporate transactions and other commercial issues such as purchasing, financing, leasing and real estate.

• Amanda Read (Associate) – Amanda Read has trial, arbitration and courtroom advocacy experience in Personal Injury, Estates and Commercial matters, including contract dispute and contractual interpretation.

• Eric Vaillant (Associate) – Eric Vaillant practices Business Law with an emphasis on Wills and Estates. While studying business and law at the University of Alberta, Eric was a teaching assistant for the Accounting Department and a volunteer with Pro Bono Legal Services.

MLT Announces Newest Partners

January 1, 2009 - MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP is pleased to welcome Vanessa Monar Enweani, Cory Furman, Rangi Jeerakathil and Jonathan Troyer to the MLT partnership.

MLT is a leading Western Canadian business law firm. Our newest partners reflect the commitment to professional excellence, client service and professional growth that is central to our firm culture. We congratulate them on their achievement and welcome them to our partnership.

Shaunt Parthev Appointed Queen's Counsel

December 31, 2008 - MLT Saskatoon's Shaunt Parthev is among 15 members of the Law Society of Saskatchewan to be honoured with the designation of Queen's Counsel for 2008. This distinction recognizes consistently high standards of service to the profession.

Shaunt's primary area of practice is Insurance Law and complex commercial litigation including mining and construction disputes. He has acted on numerous property and liability claims over the course of the years representing insurers and insureds in a variety of proceedings. Shaunt has also represented a number of companies on environmental issues, and specializes in the defence of multi-party claims and class actions.

Shaunt is a long-time member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), an organization based out of Chicago, Illinois that promotes the interests of the defence bar. He has spoken at numerous loss prevention seminars for members of professional disciplines including financial planners, risk managers, architects, engineers and surveyors. He is the present CPLED (Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education) lecturer on the topic of Discovery Practice.

MLT Raises over $110,000 for United Way

December 31, 2008 - MLT is pleased to announce that lawyers and staff across our four offices have raised over $110,000 for the United Way. In addition to generous contributions from lawyers and staff, funds were raised through special activities like Jeans Weeks, a Mustache Growing Competition and a Christmas Bake Sale.

MLT is committed to helping make our communities better places for all to live, and so offer up a special thank-you to all who helped organize the various fundraising events and to those who donated so generously.

MLT Saskatoon’s Tom Molloy, O.C, Q.C. Appointed Chief Negotiator

November 26, 2008 – Tom Molloy has been appointed Chief Negotiator in settlement negotiations between BC Hydro (with representation from the Province of B.C.) and the Stl'at'imx Nation (population approx. 5,800). These negotiations surround the 11 Bands of the Stl’at’imx Nations and the existence of hydro dams, infrastructure and transmission and distribution lines built on their asserted territory over many years and dating back to the 1920’s. Provision for a new transmission line within the Stl’at’imx territory is also being negotiated.

Tom brings extensive experience to the table as he has played a leading role in many landmark Aboriginal claims settlements, including the lengthy negotiations leading to the creation of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999, and the Nisga'a Final Agreement in British Columbia.

MLT Welcomes IP Lawyers Cory Furman, Robert Kallio and Josh MacFadden

MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP is pleased to welcome Cory Furman, Bob Kallio, Josh MacFadden and the staff formerly practising as the intellectual property firm of Furman & Kallio.

• Cory Furman is a registered Patent and Trade-Mark Agent who focuses on domestic and foreign patent, trademark and copyright protection and enforcement, as well as international intellectual property portfolio strategy planning and the IP-related aspects of commercial transactions.
  
• Bob Kallio is a registered Patent Agent who concentrates his intellectual property law practice in the mechanical, electrical and agricultural sectors, and also works with companies involved in oil & gas and manufacturing.
  
• Josh MacFadden is a registered Trade-Mark Agent who has a general intellectual property practice that includes copyright and trade-mark prosecutions, domain name disputes, and privacy, confidentiality and unfair competition matters.

Cory, Bob and Josh enhance MLT's ability to provide patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, industrial design and other intellectual property services, from licensing and transfer to enforcement proceedings. MLT is a full-service law firm able to fully address all the intellectual property and legal needs of ideas-based and other enterprises.

Tom Molloy, O.C., Q.C. Appointed as Principal Representative to Six Nations Haldimand Tract Negotiations

July 18, 2008 – The Government of Ontario today announced that MLT’s Tom Molloy has been appointed as the principal representative to the negotiations between the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and Canada. In September, Molloy will take over from Murray Coolican who has represented the province for the past 14 months and is now retiring. Tom Molloy has played a leading role in many landmark Aboriginal claims settlements in Canada, including the lengthy negotiations leading to the creation of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999, and the Nisga'a Final Agreement in British Columbia.

Click on the following link for more on these negotiations:

• 14 Aug 2008 - Negotiator to tackle Caledonia stalemate

MLT Acts as Counsel to Issuer in Second Largest Public Equity Offering in Canada in Second Quarter of 2008

July 16, 2008 - The National Post reported today that the $460.46 million common share offering by Viterra Inc. on which MLT acted as counsel to the issuer (Viterra Inc.) was the second largest public equity offering in Canada in the second quarter of 2008. Doug Ballou of the MLT Edmonton office acted as lead counsel to Viterra Inc. in the May, 2008 common share offering, and was assisted by Stathy Markatos of MLT Regina and Allison McDonald of MLT Edmonton.