In addition to the rankings our lawyers receive from several international publications, there are a number of special accolades bestowed upon them by these reputable directories.
(Aird & Berlis LLP's) Toronto-based team is highly rated for its energy regulatory and local distribution practice in Ontario. It acts for a large market share of the province's utilities.
"They are considered one of the top shops in the province."
Ron Clark is well known for his work on behalf of the Ontario Power Authority. "He is immersed in this business," sources say.
(The Aird & Berlis LLP National Infrastructure) Toronto team has strong credentials, and is highly recommended for its practical approach to projects work. It advises a range of industry participants, and is attracting increasing attention for its advisory work outside of Canada.
"They provide top-quality legal work."
“The team is comprised of knowledgeable people who always deliver.”
Heidi Visser and Douglas Younger work closely together, and clients report they are “in tune with the requirements of financially closing PPPs and are very strong technically.”
"The way (Heidi Visser) manages the legal language is very good – she's on top of things."
"They have an excellent reputation in the Toronto marketplace."
“The broadest coverage of the banks – one of the best firms in town for the upper mid-market.”
Robb English "has a very good understanding of risks, brings a very practical approach to files, and helps solve problems."
Robb English is “extremely professional and practical” and has “excellent business judgement, which makes him very good value for money.”
Robb English is largely known for his work representing banks and financial institutions. “He reacts quickly and without delay to get a solution in a reasonable and practical way.”
Robb English is “able to quickly come up with innovative ideas,” commented impressed clients.
The well-liked Harry Fogul can draw on three decades of experience in insolvency to offer his clients a “great deal of common sense.”
Harry Fogul is “an awesome negotiator,” advising small and medium-sized businesses and high net worth individuals on cross-border CCAA matters.
Steven Graff is "an impressive lawyer and he's very effective, personable and bright."
Steven Graff has developed strong ties to numerous financial institutions, and sources note that his practice and good name continue to expand.
Steven Graff has developed a strong reputation as an insolvency practitioner with an impressive knowledge of asset-based lending.
(Aird & Berlis LLP) is considered a strong player in the mid-market, and is active in the planning, leasing, financing, development and construction of a range of properties. The group is also recognised for its representation of foreign investors entering the Canadian real estate market.
"They're exceptionally skilled. For anything that we need there's a specialist at the firm who can service our requirements. They are an extension of our business."
Hayden Solomons is recognised for his increasing presence in the market, with sources noting that "his name comes up time and time again as someone in the next wave of elite commercial real estate practitioners." He is highly respected for his REIT work, advising a number of significant clients including Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust.
Sources say (the Aird & Berlis LLP Tax Group has) “Excellent oral and written skills, as well as excellent judgement and strategic insights.”
“We’re very happy with Aird & Berlis” declared one client, reflecting the views of many. With a burgeoning reputation outside the USA where it is based, the firm has been expanding and is now a significant player in Canada.
Working with Aird & Berlis’ Tax Experts is “a seamless experience, as the lawyers are up to speed on all aspects of transactions and are always available to offer advice,” praise clients. The group is a well-recognized name in the USA and offers a sophisticated tax practice to mid-market entrepreneurial businesses.
Jack Bernstein is the chair of Aird & Berlis LLP's international tax practice. "He is an effective advocate, knows the law very well and is the best in terms of service."
Jack Bernstein is a renowned practitioner and chair of the firm’s international tax practice. He has advised hedge funds, venture capital funds and real estate funds, and clients say: “We are absolutely thrilled with his advice.”
Described as a “bright and creative lawyer with plenty of energy and skill,” Jack Bernstein is a major figure in the team. He is heavily involved in International tax planning, with M&A and corporate restructuring projects also forming part of his workload.
Jack Bernstein is chair of the firm’s international tax practice and is “extremely commercial and very visible” in the market. He also enjoys a “tremendous reputation south of the border” and is also known for his “prolific writing.”
A key driver of its (Aird & Berlis LLP’s) profile is chair of international tax in Toronto Jack Bernstein, who is “reputed to be among the best tax attorneys in the country.”
Practice group leader Barbara Worndl chiefly works on the tax elements of corporate transactions, but also has notable experience in dispute resolution and transfer pricing.
Barbara Worndl specializes in income tax, particularly corporate and partnership taxation. “She’s just great — a very capable lawyer” comment sources.
Barbara Worndl receives real praise from her clients for her “technical proficiency, good judgement and responsiveness” and they value her “creative, clear and concise answers.”
Competitors rate Barbara Worndl as “smart, pleasant and proactive.”
Jack Bernstein and Barbara Worndl at Aird & Berlis are highly recommended by competitors.
Martin Kovnats is co-chair of the international team and chair of the M&A team at Aird & Berlis LLP. He specializes in cross-border and multinational matters and "excels" in takeover bids.
The internationally lauded Jack Bernstein is one of two lawyers featured from Aird & Berlis LLP. One client reported, "I cannot even put into words how truly superb Jack is," and peers suggested that he "could not be rated highly enough." At the same firm, Barbara Worndl is practice group leader of the tax group and an absolute whizz at anything related to income tax."
The “remarkable” Jack Bernstein at Aird & Berlis LLP is described by peers as “one of the country’s best tax experts” and is also one of the most highly nominated names in our research overall. He is joined by Barbara Worndl who has impressed for her work in structuring cross-border acquisitions, reorganisations and franchising structures.”
“At the very top of our research, the “phenomenal, indefatigable” Jack Bernstein is a praised “rainmaker” at Aird & Berlis LLP, the recipient of mountains of international acclaim from the industry’s foremost practitioners and a lawyer “without whom the list would be simply incomplete.”
Chair of the franchise and distribution team at Aird & Berlis LLP, Edward Levitt has over 35 years' experience in this field, and has represented foremost franchises.
From Aird & Berlis LLP, Donald B. Johnston is renowned for his "unsurpassable appreciation" of legal and commercial nuance and his ability of "quickly reach solutions to complex problems."
Jack Bernstein is listed in the section on Corporate Tax as “a phenomenal practitioner” and is featured in the publications’ breakdown of the top ten most nominated individuals in the world in its research.
Jack Bernstein is selected by the publication as one of the most highly regarded individuals in the area of Corporate Tax.
“Featuring in our top 10 most highly regarded individuals, Jack Bernstein at Aird & Berlis LLP is a “world-class” lawyer. Chair of the firm’s international tax practice, he is renowned for the depth of his expertise.”
Barbara Worndl is noted for being “superb” and “an absolute pleasure to work with.”