Pallett Valo is a Top 10 Ontario Regional Law Firm for 2021-2022
Every two years, Canadian Lawyer magazine asks lawyers, in-house counsel and clients from across the country to select their Top 10 Ontario regional law firms, based on the firms’ regional service coverage, client base, service excellence and legal expertise. Pallett Valo has ranked as a Top 10 Regional Law Firm in Ontario for the past six consecutive surveys.
According to Canadian Lawyer, if there was ever a time to test a law firm how to prepare for the unknowns of tomorrow while coping with the problems of today, it was 2020.
John Russo, managing partner at Pallett Valo LLP, says, “The most significant trend to have emerged is the move to embrace and enhance technology in all areas of practice. Virtual hearings and examinations, and virtual meetings with clients have caused a dramatic change in how we do business. We are thrilled that despite all the obstacles of the past year, we’ve retained our ranking as one of Ontario’s Top 10 Regional Law Firms.”
New Partner
Scott Price was promoted to Partner on January 1, 2021. He joined the firm’s litigation group in 2009 and has become an important part of its Estate Litigation, Construction, and Commercial Litigation Practice Groups. He has appeared at all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court, Ontario Divisional Court as well as before numerous Tribunals.
Scott is also a member of the Executive, Board of Directors of the Peel Law Association.
New Lawyers
As the largest law firm in Peel Region, our focus will always be on improving our service to our clients by recruiting the best legal minds. We welcomed the following new lawyers in the past 18 months:
New Commercial Real Estate Lawyers
Alan Kay focuses on commercial real estate, commercial leasing, and corporate and commercial law matters. He brings over 25 years of experience acting for buyers, sellers, and institutional and private lenders in all matters relating to commercial real estate. In addition, he assists landlords and tenants with the preparation and negotiation of retail, office, and industrial leases, and other tenancy matters.
Ann Twigg acts for large and small developers, individuals and businesses in real estate matters. While representing buyers and sellers in commercial purchases, sales and financing, she has developed considerable expertise in complex title matters. Ann facilitates applications for absolute title, severances, minor variances, and easement registrations.
New Commercial Litigation Lawyer
Eric Blay provides legal advice and representation on a wide variety of commercial matters including shareholder disputes, contractual disputes, real estate and construction-related litigation, asset and debt recovery, occupiers’ liability act claims, coverage, and professional negligence. He also has experience in insurance defence, such as property damage, coverage disputes, priority disputes, and bodily injury.
New Wills, Estates and Trusts Lawyer
Jesse Porter focuses on estate planning and administration, trusts, charities and not-for-profit law. His clients range from high-net-worth individuals, business owners, estate trustees, executors, trustees, beneficiaries of estates and trusts, and attorneys for property and personal care.
New Business Law Lawyers
Hero Salih is a business lawyer with extensive experience in structuring transactions, investments, expansions, partnerships, and contractual matters, working with clients locally and abroad. Drawing on her wide-ranging expertise, she assists clients in navigating complex corporate mergers and acquisitions, re-organizations, and joint ventures. She represents both public and private companies, boards, and financial advisors, with clients ranging from owner-operated companies to large international corporations.
Katherine Trigiani’s developing practice extends to advising clients on a broad range of corporate and real estate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, real property acquisitions and dispositions, banking and finance, and general corporate and commercial matters.
COVID-19
With COVID-19 causing global concern, we understand many clients, business owners and executives will have questions related to legal issues. Our lawyers are up to date and can provide knowledge and expertise that will help you deal with the rapidly evolving legislative changes in Ontario.
In addition, Pallett Valo has created a dedicated blog section on our website that deals with COVID-19 issues as they develop. We encourage you to check the COVID-19 Legal Resources page in our What’s Trending section on our website for updates.
Awards
Three Pallett Valo Lawyers Recognized in the 2021 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Published annually, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory recognizes leaders in their respective fields and lawyers prominent in their practice areas. To be listed in the directory is an acknowledgement of excellence by their peers.
Pallett Valo is pleased to announce that three of our lawyers have been listed in the 2021 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as leaders in their fields. All three have been consistently listed for several years.
Anna Esposito – Most Frequently Recommended in the area of Construction Law.
Craig Ross – Consistently Recommended in the area of Estate and Tax Planning.
Maria Ruberto – Consistently Recommended in the area of Construction Law.
Four Pallett Valo Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers®
Pallett Valo is proud to announce that four of our lawyers have been included in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Best Lawyers® is a prestigious international publication featuring the top legal talent from firms around the world.
Anna Esposito was recognized in the area of Construction Law.
Ray Mikkola was recognized in the area of Real Estate Law.
Craig Ross was recognized in the area of Trusts and Estates.
Maria Ruberto was recognized in the area of Construction Law.
Maria Ruberto Inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers
Maria Ruberto, Partner and Head of Pallett Valo’s Construction Practice, has been inducted as a fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. This thoroughly deserved honour was bestowed by the Board of Governors of the College at their virtual annual conference in 2020.
Pallett Valo Is Diamond Winner for Best Law Firm in Mississauga News 2019 and 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards
Pallett Valo is delighted to be the Diamond Winner for Best Law Firm in the Mississauga News Readers’ Choice Awards for two consecutive years. Mississauga News readers have spoken loud and clear and they say that we are the top firm in Mississauga. This honour and distinction reflect how engaged we are with our clients.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Pallett Valo
Pallett Valo has always strived to create a fair and inclusive workplace and business, recognizing and valuing the contribution that each person makes because of their unique background, experience and perspective. The firm established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2018 and that committee recently expanded its membership to include 8 members from across the firm.
The committee has been instrumental in promoting the firm’s diversity and inclusion goals: through social media to mark the special occasions and dates that are important to those celebrating in our diverse community; through outreach to broaden the firm’s recruiting efforts; and through internal education on topics as varied as local history and culture and how it shapes our community and the current regulatory requirements such as those imposed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
As a firm we recognize that much remains to be done and we are committed to continuing to educate ourselves and to taking steps to ensure that our firm and our business reflect the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
PV Women’s Network
Pallett Valo has been a longstanding and committed supporter of equity and equality rights for women. In 2018, we launched our PV Women’s Network, with a vision to provide business and professional women in our community with a platform for connection and support, delivering programs that contribute to their personal and professional development and success while also contributing to our community.
Speaker Series
In 2020, we held two seminars on estate planning essentials for women in business. We also hosted a speaker series. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a multi-award- winning psychology instructor, provided practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within ourselves and others. Dr. Shimi Kang, an award-winning medical doctor, provided science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace.
Corporate Citizenship for Gender Equity
This year, we celebrated International Women’s Day by supporting the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s virtual event: Corporate Citizenship for Gender Equity. Funds raised through this event help women and girls across Canada move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership.
Yellow Brick House – Break the Silence Virtual Gala
In May this year, the PV Women’s Network was an Ambassador Sponsor for the Yellow Brick House Virtual Gala. The virtual gala comprised an hour of inspiring stories, a live entertainment performance by Chantal Kreviazuk, donations, draws, and a live silent auction. Since the start of COVID-19, there has been a 30% increase in domestic violence. The fundraiser will help Yellow Brick House secure funding for shelter beds so that women and children have a safe place to sleep, to begin healing from the trauma, and rebuilding their lives free from violence.
Doing Business in Ontario
Ontario is one of the top jurisdictions in the world to headquarter a business. It is the preferred Canadian location for foreign businesses outside their home jurisdiction.
Understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with establishing and conducting business in Ontario, we compiled an online guide covering the most relevant topics: The Basics on Economics, Workforce, Culture and Lifestyle; Ontario’s Legal Landscape; Business Entities and Methods; Obtaining Finance in Canada; Product Liability; Real Estate and Planning Law; and Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Restructuring.
In addition, we can provide tailored and practical business solutions to our clients to assist them to access the full potential of the Ontario marketplace.