Administrative & Public Law
Set the limits. Shape the outcome.
Government decisions carry weight. Lead the conversation with legal clarity and foresight.
Whether you're exercising authority or affected by it, administrative law defines how government power is applied and challenged. It aims to regulate the relationship between the government and the governed (i.e., people and businesses), setting the ground rules for accountability, procedural fairness, and transparency. When those rules are questioned or overlooked, the implications can be far-reaching, ranging from reputational fallout to legal uncertainty and stalled decision-making.
That’s where we come in. Harnessing over 100 years of experience, we bring rare institutional insight, broad sector expertise, and sharp legal judgment to every engagement, giving you a competitive advantage, delivering technically sound, strategic guidance. Our role in some of Canada’s most consequential matters, including precedent-setting Supreme Court decisions—has contributed to a legacy you can rely on to make informed moves and meet hurdles head-on.
Depth. Credibility. Connection.
Our counsel is sought by an array of public and private sector clients, including businesses across every sector, governments at every level, Indigenous communities, non-governmental agencies, educational institutions, and professional associations, all of whom count on us to cut through complexity, vigorously defend their interests, and strengthen their position.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Whole picture perspective, smarter moves: Our experience acting both for and against government gives us a unique and complete understanding of the legal, commercial, and political landscape you operate in. We know how decisions are made from the inside, and how they're influenced from the outside, including who holds power, what drives outcomes, and where pressure points lie. This full-spectrum insight allows us to position your matter not just for procedural success, but for meaningful progress.
Sector-fluency that moves the needle: Navigating government-related matters demands more than legal expertise—it calls for a deep understanding of the sectors where policy, regulation, and real-world outcomes intersect. With sophisticated backgrounds in environment, energy, Indigenous affairs, education, health, technology, and many more, we bring pragmatic insight and intelligence to even the most intricate constitutional, administrative, regulatory, and public policy issues.
With you every step of the way: We build deep relationships that last by taking the time to understand you: your work, your values, and the people, communities, and organizations you represent. Working as true extensions of your team, our trusted legal advisors respond quickly, stay aligned as your needs evolve, and provide advice that supports your goals at every stage. It’s an approach built on respect, informed by experience, and sustained through action.
“We’ve worked alongside some clients for decades through shifting policies, high-stakes hearings, and everything in between. You won’t just hear from us when the pressure is on. We’re there early, planning ahead, solving challenges, and moving forward together.”
— Jennifer King, Co-leader, Administrative Law Group
Full-spectrum services
From shaping policy to advancing human rights claims, we support you through every phase of the administrative law lifecycle, no matter what your journey looks like. Our services are underpinned by vast experience appearing before government decision makers, task forces, public sector committees, commissions of inquiry, administrative tribunals, and at every level of provincial, territorial, federal, and appellate court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Explore how we can help:
Judicial reviews & constitutional challenges
We frequently act for businesses and public bodies in administrative law litigation and constitutional challenges concerning division of powers under ss. 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including in the context of judicial reviews, and statutory appeals.
