Gowlings had its strongest showing to date at last week's Benchmark Canada Awards gala in Toronto, taking home four of the evening's top litigation honours - more awards than any other law firm.
Overall, Gowlings was named the Canadian litigation "firm of the year" in two categories: Insurance and Medical Defence/Health. Meanwhile, Gowlings partner David Bishop was named Canadian "litigator of the year" for Insurance, and "litigator of the year" for Alberta.
In addition, Gowlings received nominations for "firm of the year" in Ontario and in the areas of Aboriginal law, insolvency, intellectual property and product liability. The firm's lawyers also earned "litigator of the year" nominations for Aboriginal law, intellectual property - patents, medical defence/health law and product liability.
"We're delighted to see our litigators across the country recognized for their exceptional expertise and performance," said Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings chair and CEO. "These nominations and wins reflect our commitment to obtaining the best possible outcomes for our clients, and providing them with the practical solutions they need to remain focused on their business."
Held annually by Benchmark Litigation, the Benchmark Canada Awards ceremony brings together leading litigators and litigation law firms from across the country to recognize excellence in a range of practice areas.
This is the second year in a row that Gowlings was named Canada's Insurance Firm of the Year by Benchmark Litigation. As the largest group of its kind in the country, Gowlings' Insurance and Professional Liability Group provides unparalleled litigation and risk management services for insurers, brokers, agents and insureds regarding defence, subrogation, coverage, commercial and regulatory matters. Mary Thomson accepted the award on behalf of the group.
Gowlings also took home the award for Canada's Medical Defence/Health Law Firm of the Year. With an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by health care professionals whose reputations are at risk, Gowlings' Medical Defence Group provides trusted counsel on a range of medical and health law issues, including defending professionals in complex litigation arising from medical treatment and representing practitioners before provincial licensing bodies and other regulatory bodies. The award was accepted by Domenic Crolla on behalf of the group, which also counsels national organizations devoted to providing assistance and advice to health care professionals across Canada.
Named both Alberta Litigator of the Year and Insurance Litigator of the Year, David Bishop is a seasoned corporate commercial and insurance litigator with expertise in product liability, shareholder disputes, class actions and environmental litigation. Experienced in all forms of dispute resolution, Bishop also represents insurers across Canada on coverage matters related to directors and officers, professional liability, property, and other significant claims.
In addition to its Benchmark Canada Awards gala, Benchmark Litigation also honours Canada's top litigators and litigation firms in its annual Benchmark Canada guide. Last year, 34 Gowlings professionals were recognized as "litigation stars" in Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canada's Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys.
Gowlings offers strategic litigation advice and representation to clients across Canada and around the world. With in-depth advocacy capabilities spanning a full range of practice areas and industries, Gowlings delivers comprehensive, practical advice in the context of a complete range of litigation matters - both in the courtroom and in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution situations - so that clients can achieve their desired results as quickly as possible.
Mary Thomson and Domenic Crolla of Gowlings with Michael Rafalowich
of Benchmark Litigation (photo courtesy of Benchmark Litigation)