Martin Denyes has been named the new firm managing partner of Fasken.
For the past 13 years, Denyes has served as managing partner of the firm’s Ontario Region, with responsibility for the overall operations of the Toronto and Ottawa offices.
A member of the firm’s partnership board, he has worked proactively to enhance and build relationships with its clients and in its communities. Before joining the leadership team, Denyes practised labour and employment law.
He built a practice listening to clients’ needs and delivering results that helped drive their businesses forward. He brings the same approach to supporting the firm’s broader client base and its lawyers across the platform.
Denyes assumes the role from Peter Feldberg, who has held the position since 2015.
The firm announced additional leadership changes and left existing leaders in place for Alberta and South Africa.
“The Partnership Board would like to congratulate all of the leaders and looks forward to collaborating across the Firm as we continue to support our clients’ success across markets and ensure we are well-positioned to meet future needs,” said Katherine M. Pollock, Chair of the Firm’s Partnership Board. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to their predecessors for their invaluable leadership.”
British-Columbia Managing Partner — Jenny Francis: Jenny is a leading litigator who has developed a robust practice. She resolves complex business disputes, consistently delivering sound judgement and expertise to help her clients successfully navigate their most difficult issues.
She also has considerable experience in law firm management, including commercial litigation practice group manager and a member of the Firm’s Partnership Board. Jenny Francis will take over from William Westeringh, who has led the BC region for over 17 years.
During Will’s time as Regional Managing Partner, Fasken became the largest law firm in BC, opened a new office in Surrey and became one of the leading brands and firms in the province’s legal sector. Under his leadership, Fasken supports a wide variety of community endeavours from assisting in times of need to partnerships and events that involve the whole Firm.
Ontario Managing Partner — Karen Sargeant: Karen has spent her fifteen years at Fasken in various leadership positions such as Ontario’s Professional Development Committee, Chair of Fasken’s Ontario Labour, Employment and Human Rights Group and co-leader of the Firm’s Labour, Employment and Human Rights Group. Karen’s focus throughout has been, and will continue to be, delivering excellent client service through a shared sense of purpose, while maintaining the unique culture at Fasken. Karen Sargeant takes over from Martin Denyes.
Quebec Managing Partner — François Brais: Over François’ 13 years with the Firm, he has built a leading investment fund practice. He has been actively involved in the Firm as a member of the Quebec Board of Directors as well as a member of both the Quebec Admissions and Compensation Committees. He is active in the community through his involvement with the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and his positions on the Board of Directors of Finance Montréal and the Board of Governors of the Conseil des fonds d’investissement du Québec. François Brais takes over from Éric Bédard, who held the position for twelve years and was instrumental in driving the region’s reputation, including the recent Chambers top-tier (Band 1) recognition in Corporate and Commercial Law in Quebec, joining Real Estate Law and Labour, Employment, and Human Rights Law. Under his leadership, Fasken achieved unprecedented growth, consolidating its leading position in the legal industry and becoming the largest law firm in Québec.
Alberta Managing Partner — Clarke Barnes: Barnes will continue to drive the Firm’s vision in Alberta, which includes the recent opening of a new office in the professional and retail district in the Taza (/Ta-Zah/) development on Tsuut’ina lands. His practice is focused on tax as well as mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations and commercial transactions. Clients rely on his practical, results-oriented approach to complex legal issues across a wide range of industries.
South Africa Managing Partner — Blaize Vance: Vance will continue to lead as the Regional Managing Partner for South Africa, maintaining Fasken’s reputation as a leader in assisting companies and governments on major mining, energy and infrastructure projects throughout the continent. The office, and its global reach, has contributed to the Firm’s success including the Global Mining Law Firm of the Year recognition by Who’s Who Legal for 8 consecutive years, more times than any other law firm in the world.
