This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
For all media inquiries, please contact Jean-François Lemieux:
- [email protected]
- 514 877-3002
News
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Three members from Lavery’s Intellectual Property Group were recognized in the 2026 edition of the IAM Patent 1000 rankings
Three members from Lavery’s Intellectual Property group have been recognized in the 2026 edition of the IAM Patent 1000 ranking, as leading practitioners in the patents field. The firm’s Intellectual Property group supports organizations in developing strategies to maximize the value of their intellectual property assets, in line with their business priorities and objectives. Its professionals advise clients in Canada and internationally on all matters relating to the protection, management, and commercialization of intellectual property rights, including enforcement and defence. Béatrice T Ngatcha is a lawyer and patent agent with Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. She is registered as a patent agent in Canada and the United States and is also a lawyer called to the Ontario Bar and a member of the Barreau du Québec (c.j.c.). Béatrice holds a PhD in Chemistry from Université Laval and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Research Council in Ottawa. In addition to a significant practice in patent drafting and prosecution for Canadian and international clients, Béatrice’s expertise is sought in intellectual property litigation, trade secrets, transactional due diligence, the development of patent-related business strategies, patent portfolio value creation, licensing, and arbitration. Serge Shahinian is a partner and patent agent with Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. Registered as a patent agent in Canada and the United States, he has practised in intellectual property since 2000, drawing on doctoral and postdoctoral training in biochemistry, biology, and genetics. He advises clients in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry on patent strategy and patent procurement in Canada and internationally, as well as on patentability, validity, and infringement matters, and he participates in transactional due diligence. He has been recognized by IAM Patent 1000 since 2019. Gaspard Petit is a lawyer and technical advisor with Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. His practice focuses on copyright and patents, with a particular interest in emerging high-technology fields, including artificial intelligence and automation. He advises on patentability, infringement, and trade secret protection, as well as related areas such as personal data, personality rights, and cybersecurity. Before entering legal practice, he worked as a software engineer and has more than 15 years of experience in programming and in the development and management of technology products and services, including in 3D animation, broadcasting, video games, and cloud computing. About IAMIAM is a leading media platform specializing in intellectual property. Each year, it publishes the IAM Patent 1000, a reference tool for anyone seeking patent law experts. The guide is based on an extensive qualitative research process designed to identify, in key jurisdictions, the firms and lawyers that stand out for excellence in the provision of patent legal services. About LaveryLavery is Quebec’s leading independent law firm. It has more than 200 professionals based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke, and Trois-Rivières, who work every day to provide the full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery’s professionals are at the heart of developments in the business community and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought by many national and international partners to support them on matters involving Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery advises Thermos Rive Nord
Lavery has had the privilege of assisting Thermos Rive Nord, a fast-growing Quebec-based business, during a pivotal phase in its development—it has optimized its management structure, marking a new chapter in its history. Thermos Rive-Nord Inc. specializes in manufacturing glass products tailored to the needs of its clientele, which includes door and window manufacturers, local glazing companies and replacement specialists. Lavery acted as legal counsel to the buyer, Jean-Sébastien Basilico, in this strategic transaction, guiding him through every step of the process. In particular, the Lavery team structured the transaction in the most optimal manner possible, negotiated key agreements and coordinated all legal aspects. The transaction was unique in that it had particularly tight deadlines, a complex transaction structure and financial and legal issues requiring swift execution and close coordination between the various stakeholders. In this context, the Lavery team showed how agile and precise it can be by anticipating risks, proposing pragmatic solutions and maintaining a high level of control throughout the process. The transaction was closed successfully, ensuring the business’s continued operation and favourably positioning it for future growth. It will benefit both employees and customers, and it has laid the groundwork for the company’s long-term operability.
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Eight partners recognized as leaders in Canada for their expertise in infrastructure, according to Lexpert
On May 6, 2026, Lexpert recognized the expertise of five of our partners in its 2026 Lexpert Special Edition:Infrastructure. Laurence Bich-Carrière, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Christian Dumoulin, Nicolas Gagnon, Édith Jacques, Marc-André Landry, Ouassim Tadlaoui and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in supporting economic players in the infrastructure industry. Laurence Bich-Carrière, is a member of the Quebec and Ontario Bar Associations, Laurence Bich-Carrière practices within the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, in a versatile civil and commercial litigation practice specializing in complex litigation (class actions, appeals, extraordinary remedies, private international law). Jean-Sébastien Desroches practises business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. He has had the opportunity to steer several major transactions—complex legal operations, cross-border transactions, reorganizations, and investments—in Canada and at an international level on behalf of Canadian, American, and European clients and international corporations and institutional clients in the manufacturing, transportation, pharmaceutical, financial, and renewable energy sectors. Christian Dumoulin is a partner in the firm’s Business Law Group. He served as Managing Partner of the Sherbrooke office from 2015 to 2023 and sat on the firm’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2017, and again in 2024. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and real estate law, and acts as a business and strategic advisor to clients of all sizes. Recognized for his rigour and practical approach, he supports clients in complex transactions (reorganizations, financings, sales and acquisitions, shareholder disputes). He has also been advising on infrastructure projects for more than fifteen years, including public-private partnerships, as well as on all aspects of commercial real estate law. Nicolas Gagnon focuses his practice on construction law and suretyship. He counsels contractors, public and private sector clients, professional services firms as well as surety companies at every stage of construction projects. He advises clients on the public bidding and procurement processes and participates in the negotiation and drafting of contractual documents involving various project delivery methods, such as public-private partnership projects and design, construction, financing and maintenance contracts. In addition to advising various construction industry stakeholders on construction management and any claims that may arise, he also assists them with dispute resolution processes. Édith Jacques is a partner in the Business Law Group in Montréal. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions and commercial and international law. Édith acts as strategic business advisor for medium to large private companies. Marc-André Landry is a member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and focuses his practice on commercial litigation. He frequently assists his clients in resolving their disputes through negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or before the various courts of law. Over the years, he has represented businesses in many sectors, including construction, real estate, renewable energy, conventional energy, new technologies, financial services and pharmaceuticals. Ouassim Tadlaoui is a partner in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group and focuses his practice on banking litigation, restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency, as well as construction surety. He represents chartered banks and other financial institutions and alternative lenders as creditors, as well as certain debtors, in bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings. He also represents and advises surety companies, as well as national and international businesses, in insolvency, bankruptcy and restructuring matters in the construction industry. André Vautour practises corporate law and commercial law, and is specifically interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds, and mergers and acquisitions of private companies. He also practises technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements). About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Lavery welcomes Catherine as lawyer
Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Catherine LaRose, a lawyer in the Litigation group whose practice focuses on health law. With five years of experience in the health care system, including three years as a clinical nurse, she now brings her expertise to institutions and organizations in the sector, advising and representing them on all matters related to their activities, including hospital liability and class actions. Her nursing studies at Université Laval enabled her to develop a strong interest in issues relating to access to care and in improving Québec’s health care system. Recognized on several occasions during her legal studies, Catherine is known for her rigour, professionalism, and deeply human approach. “I am very proud to be joining Lavery, whose extensive experience and depth of expertise in health law are widely recognized. I look forward to putting my skills to work for the institutions, organizations, and businesses that form essential links in the health and social services network.” We warmly welcome Catherine to our teams!
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Lavery welcomes Myriam as lawyer
Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Myriam Chapdelaine, a lawyer in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group whose practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation. A graduate of the Université de Sherbrooke, she distinguished herself early in her academic career, notably through an internship at the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement. Since being called to the Barreau du Québec in 2023, she has gained extensive experience in civil and commercial litigation, labour and employment law, and family law. Her rigour and commitment to access to justice make her a valuable addition to our firm. “I was looking for a firm where I could take on real challenges while being supported day to day. Lavery won me over with the quality of the discussions, its commitment to work well done, and the way the team approaches files: with judgment, efficiency, and humanity. It’s a motivating setting for the next stage of my litigation practice.” We warmly welcome Myriam to our teams!
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Lavery further accelerates its AI adoption with the appointment of Philip Louis as Senior Director, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Montréal, April,29 2026 — Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Louis as Senior Director, Innovation and Digital Transformation, further strengthening the firm’s ability to develop and deploy AI-powered and emerging technology solutions. Prior to joining Lavery, Philip Louis served as Advisor, Predictive Technologies and Artificial Intelligence at the Barreau du Québec. In that role, he monitored technological developments, analyzed their impact on the profession, helped develop organizational guidelines, and advised decision-makers on issues related to professional ethics and access to justice. He also designed tools, guides, and training programs on the responsible use of AI. His distinctive background, combining in-depth knowledge of the legal sector with a strong understanding of emerging technologies' challenges, will support the firm’s ambition to accelerate innovation in a structured and responsible manner. At the crossroads of law, ethics and innovation In his role, Philip Louis will play a central part in shaping and implementing the firm’s innovation and digital transformation strategy. He will work closely with legal, technology and compliance teams to structure and lead a portfolio of technology initiatives. He will draw on his experience at the Barreau du Québec and his strategic thinking on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the legal sector. He will also maintain active monitoring of technological developments and assess their impact on the profession, contributing to the firm’s strategic direction. “Innovation in the legal field truly comes into its own when it tangibly enhances professionals’ ability to better serve their clients. When properly managed, artificial intelligence becomes a powerful tool for improving the quality of analysis, accelerating information processing, and refocusing lawyers’ work on higher value-added issues. Lavery offers a unique environment for transforming these possibilities into concrete solutions that benefit clients,” said Philip Louis. A rigorous, responsible and value-driven approach Lavery has adopted a thoughtful and disciplined approach to AI, choosing to develop internal tools in a controlled environment rather than relying on generic commercial solutions. In this context, the arrival of Philip Louis enhances the firm’s capacity to innovate responsibly, embedding considerations of compliance, professional ethics, confidentiality and user acceptability into solutions from the outset. With his specialized training in responsible AI, combined with technical expertise in programming and emerging technology, he will be able to act as a true bridge between the legal, technological and operational dimensions of innovation. “Integrating AI into a law firm like ours requires a structured, well-governed approach aligned with our professional obligations.Philip’s expertise allows us to go further, more efficiently, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and protection for our clients,” said Loïc Berdnikoff. Part of a broader strategy This appointment follows a series of recent initiatives aimed at accelerating the integration of AI within the firm, including the rollout of its closed-loop generative AI interface, “Billy,” and the strengthening of its innovation leadership. Together, these initiatives mark the beginning of a sustained transformation, positioning Lavery as a leading player in the responsible adoption of AI in the legal sector.
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Twelve Lavery lawyers recognized in the 2026 edition of Benchmark Litigation
Lavery is pleased to announce that seven of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders by Benchmark Litigation Canada 2026. This directory ranks the leading litigators involved in Canada's landmark litigation cases who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession by providing outstanding service to clients. The following lawyers received the Litigation Star distinction in the 2026 edition of the directory: Laurence Bich-Carrière Myriam Brixi Raymond Doray Nicolas Gagnon Marc-André Landry Martin Pichette Mathias Rancourt Ouassim Tadlaoui Jonathan Warin The following lawyer received the Future Star distinction in the 2026 edition of the directory: Céleste Brouillard-Ross Karl Chabot Despina Mandilaras These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery's professionals. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.
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Seven partners named as Canadian leaders in finance and mergers and acquisitions by Lexpert
On April 15, 2026, Lexpert recognized the expertise of seven of our partners in its 2026 Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A. René Branchaud now ranks among Canada’s leaders in the area of finance and Étienne Brassard, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Alexandre Hébert, Édith Jacques, Paul Martel and André Vautour are among Canada’s leading lawyers in mergers and acquisitions. Finance René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. M&A Étienne Brassard practises business law, more specifically corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. He advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practises business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. Alexandre Hébert is a partner in the Business Law group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and venture capital. He advises SMEs and investment funds, particularly in the innovation and technology sectors, including on cross-border transactions. Known for his business-minded approach, he supports clients with pragmatic legal and strategic guidance aligned with their growth objectives. Édith Jacques is a partner in our Business Law Group in Montréal. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and international law. Édith acts as strategic business advisor for medium to large private companies. Paul Martel is a partner in the Business Law Group. He practises primarily in the area of corporate law, focusing on corporations, not-for-profit corporations and general partnerships. He is also an expert in commercial contracts. Paul is recognized for his ability to find effective, innovative solutions to the most complex legal issues in corporate law. André Vautour practises corporate law and commercial law, and is specifically interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds, and mergers and acquisitions of private companies. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.