The practice group at Fasken is well-placed to advise on large systems implementations and outsourcing arrangements, Internet business models, e-commerce, consumer protection and data protection matters, as well as M&A transactions involving the tech sector. Additional areas of expertise include developing cloud and outsourcing strategies and creating governance, IT security and privacy policies. Leadership is shared between Toronto-based Andrew Alleyne (tech-related contracting), Andrew Nunes (TMT practice co-lead) and Will Shaw; Shahrooz Nabavi from Vancouver (tech transactions); and Constantinos Ragas from Montreal (M&A and private equity transactions). Also noted is Vancouver-based Karam Bayrakal, who assists clients with strategy development, contract negotiations and relationship governance for tech projects.

The practice group at McCarthy Tétrault is regularly instructed by mining, financial services, insurance, healthcare and tech-sector clients seeking assistance with tech procurements and outsourcings, as well as tech-related M&A transactions. Toronto-based Christine Ing directs the national department and specializes in commercial transactions, as well as advisory mandates involving emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI. Also noted are Toronto-based Michael Scherman (privacy, technology outsourcing, cloud services, licensing, joint development arrangements, data sharing and competitive/public technology procurements); Montreal-based Charles Morgan (outsourcing transactions, cybersecurity, data privacy); and Vancouver-based David Crane (tech procurement, tech-based outsourcings and cloud and telecoms services agreements).

The practice group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is frequently instructed by tech, financial services, telecoms, real estate and pharma sector clients seeking assistance with tech-related corporate transactions, as well as regulatory issues. Montreal-based Sunny Handa steers the national practice and specializes in tech sector transactions, cloud computing, SaaS, licensing, open source software, e-commerce, privacy and data protection. Additional key contacts at the Montreal office include Marie-Hélène Constantin (technology regulatory matters) and Joanna Myszka (M&A, share and asset sale transactions, general corporate matters). Toronto-based Robert Percival and David Feldman have focused their practices on commercial and IT transactions.

The practice group at Torys handles a range of technology transactions, including outsourcing, fintech matters, M&A, financing and data licensing. Clients include major banks and credit unions, as well as companies in the retail, oil-and-gas, insurance and tech segments. The department is co-directed by Toronto-based duo Adam Armstrong and Joel Ramsey. Armstrong majors on tech and commercial contracting mandates, including service arrangements and technology procurement; Ramsey also specializes in technology contracting, as well as pensions and real estate work. Additional key contacts for transactional work at the Toronto office include Ebad Rahman, Konata Lake and Steven Slavens. Halifax-based senior associate Jessica Lumière is also of note.

The group at Bennett Jones LLP is well-placed to advise on a range of advisory and transactional technology matters. Calgary-based Stephen Burns heads up the firm’s IP and technology practices and specializes in technology-related M&A transactions, IT procurement and contract negotiation matters. Also in Calgary, Sébastien Gittens majors on assisting automotive, energy, pharmaceutical and tech sector clients with M&A transactions, divestitures and joint ventures. Toronto-based Matthew Flynn is noted for his handling of transactions involving fintech, AI and outsourcing.

The technology group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is equipped to advise on a range of matters that include commercial agreements, M&A and fundraising, cybersecurity, IP and technology-related disputes. Vancouver-based Andrew Hennigar heads up the practice and focuses on assisting private companies with technology-related M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions. Also noted are Montreal-based Patrice Martin (M&A, private equity and corporate law); and Toronto-based Mark Fecenko (innovation procurement, outsourcing and technology) and Eric Boehm (technology and business process outsourcings and acquisitions).

The practice group at Goodmans LLP is routinely called upon by public and private companies, venture capital companies, institutional investors, lenders and government agencies seeking assistance with a range of advisory, transactional and contentious technology mandates. Acquisitions, investments, financings, regulatory matters and litigation are core areas of focus for the team. Leadership is shared between Jessica Bishop, Allan Goodman and Peter Ruby, all of whom are based in Toronto. Bishop handles commercial technology transactions, and Goodman majors on corporate finance transactions; Ruby specializes in litigation and arbitration. Counsel Richard Corley left the firm in January 2024.

The group at Gowling WLG takes care of a range of technology mandates, from M&A transactions, technology agreements (including cloud services, systems integration, and collaboration agreements) to privacy and cybersecurity matters. Aimee Halfyard heads up the department. Additional key contacts include Ottawa-based national cybersecurity & data protection co-lead Wendy Wagner, who specializes in data processing agreements and privacy impact assessments; and Toronto-based Parna Sabet-Stephenson, who focuses on outsourcing, technology law and e-commerce.

Lauded for its ‘quick responses, enthusiasm and professionalism’, the team at Baker McKenzie advises on IT licensing agreements, AI solutions, broadcasting and media requirements and the establishment of data governance standards. Practice head Theo Ling is based in Toronto and specializes in digital transformation and data governance projects that involve data privacy, data security, electronic payments, AI and machine learning considerations. Associate Conrad Flaczyk handles cybersecurity and data privacy, IP and M&A matters.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP's technology group is equipped to advise on M&A transactions, strategic alliances and financings involving tech companies, as well as a range of regulatory matters. Leadership of the practice is shared between Toronto-based Zain Rizvi (venture capital, advisory tech mandates and privacy matters); and Montreal-based partners Alexander Max Jarvie (privacy, data protection and AI) and Corey Omer (litigation, cybersecurity, regulatory matters).

Stikeman Elliott LLP's technology practice group is well-versed in assisting tech companies with corporate transactions, as well as insurance companies, telecoms companies and pension funds. Toronto-based Wesley Ng directs the department and specializes in tech and e-commerce transactions, as well as privacy-related matters. Also noted is Shawn Smith, who majors on privacy matters, including Canadian anti-spam legislation, e-commerce, emerging technologies and corporate transactions involving tech companies. Counsel Jennifer Byun has focused her practice on commercial, technology, privacy and governance matters.