Globalization and the subsequent expansion of international trade have fundamentally transformed the nature and scope of international business relations. As such, the paradigm for legal services has evolved from traditional practice areas to ones that truly take into account the emerging global commercial landscape. Increasingly, a number of foreign corporate entities are establishing themselves in Canada, while Canadian entities are venturing abroad.

Now, more than ever, these entities are mindful of the challenges that arise in the global forum, and they depend on international legal expertise as a means to secure the success of their multi-jurisdictional commercial endeavours. Heenan Blaikie’s International Practice Group is exceptionally well positioned to provide the finest legal services in the continually evolving international business milieu. Established to better service the international needs of our clients, the International Practice Group is situated at the fore of international developments in the legal services industry.

The International Practice Group truly operates on a global scale. Through the Africa Practice Group, the Asia Practice Group, the India and Southeast Asia Practice Group, the Middle East and North Africa Practice Group and the firm’s satellite offices in Paris and Singapore, Heenan Blaikie’s lawyers are regularly involved in projects throughout the Middle East, Africa (Northern and sub-Saharan), Central Asia, Eastern Europe, India, Latin America, and South-East Asia.

The International Practice Group exports the knowledge and expertise of its lawyers throughout the world – particularly in developing areas, where the firm has invested in understanding local legal, political, and cultural dynamics. Whether at home or away, the International Practice Group is dedicated to excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness. Accordingly, Heenan Blaikie is prepared to deliver first-rate legal services from the world’s metropolitan centers to the most remote of areas.

The International Practice Group has amongst its members, a number of prominent individuals who have made their mark in the international arena. These include, The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, P.C., C.C., O.M., Q.C., former Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, former Premier of the Province of Québec, and Donald J. Johnston, P.C., O.C., Q.C., a co-founder of the firm, who was Secretary-General of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Through their numerous achievements and their esteemed international reputations, these individuals have facilitated the growth of Heenan Blaikie’s unparalleled transnational network of contacts in commercial, political, and diplomatic circles.

Heenan Blaikie’s International Practice Group benefits from the experience and knowledge of a number of accomplished lawyers who specialize in several key sectors, including: Energy, Mining, Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and Telecommunications. In each of these sectors, Heenan Blaikie provides specialized consultancy products in addition to core commercial legal services with respect to Mergers & Acquisitions, Project Finance, and Taxation. Additionally, and in response to the particular needs of its international clients, the International Practice Group offers an expanded range of comprehensive advisory services in the areas of Government Relations, Judicial and Legal Reform, and International Dispute Resolution.

Heenan Blaikie’s International Practice Group collaborates closely with HB Global Advisors which is a consulting firm affiliated with Heenan Blaikie, in providing solutions to client problems. Servicing clients in the corporate, governmental, organizational, and institutional sectors, HB Global Advisors draws from the experience of accomplished business professionals, industry specialists, and government leaders.

HB Global Advisors assists its clients with the completion of mission critical transactions, negotiations, relationship building, and dispute resolution. In particular, HB Global Advisors specializes in the following sectors: Business Advisory, Emerging Markets, Government Relations and Public Policy Advice, First Nations and Aboriginals, and International Projects. It works closely together with Heenan Blaikie whenever a client needs its services.