Aird & Berlis LLP

History

Aird & Berlis LLP traces its origins to 1919 when its predecessor first opened for business in Toronto. Over the decades, it has grown from a small partnership into one of Canada's most respected full-service business law firms. The firm was built on a foundation of strategic legal advice and client service, with founding partner John Black Aird playing a key role in its early development. Today, the firm continues to build on this legacy while adapting to modern legal challenges.

Business Model

Aird & Berlis operates as a partnership, with an executive committee overseeing firm management. The firm does not offer standalone commercial products or platforms; instead, its key service lines are its practice groups, each focused on a specific area of law. Revenue is generated through billable hours and fixed fees for legal advisory services. The firm benefits from a diversified client base across industries, which provides stability and opportunities for cross-selling services. Aird & Berlis is also a member of interlaw, an international network of independent law firms, enabling it to serve clients globally.

Practice Areas

The firm's practice groups cover the full spectrum of business law. Capital Markets handles corporate finance, securities, and M&A. Corporate/Commercial advises on business transactions and restructurings. Financial Services focuses on secured lending and equipment finance. Real Estate covers development, financing, and leasing. The Aboriginal Law group counsels on Indigenous rights and consultation. Infrastructure/P3 handles project finance and procurement. Insolvency & Restructuring deals with CCAA proceedings and creditor representation. The Intellectual Property group is notably strong, with many professionals holding advanced scientific degrees. Litigation & Dispute Resolution handles commercial litigation. Municipal & Land Use Planning addresses land development and zoning. Tax handles tax litigation and dispute resolution. Technology provides advice for e-commerce, biotech, and energy sectors. Workplace Law covers labour and employment matters.

Recognition and Market Position

Aird & Berlis is consistently ranked by leading legal directories. In 2026, it was featured in the Chambers Global Guide in Banking & Finance, Intellectual Property, and Projects: PPP, and in the Lexpert Special Edition: Technology. The firm is recognized for its deep expertise and client service. It competes with other top Canadian business law firms such as McCarthy Tétrault, Blake Cassels & Graydon, and Stikeman Elliott, but differentiates itself through its strong focus on specific practice areas like Aboriginal law and infrastructure/P3. The firm's international capabilities are enhanced by its interlaw membership.

Leadership and Culture

In May 2024, Jill Fraser was acclaimed as Managing Partner, succeeding Steven Zakem who served since 2015. Fraser is a senior partner in the Financial Services Group and a long-time member of the Executive Committee. The firm does not use traditional C-suite titles; leadership is centered on the Managing Partner and the partnership. The firm's culture emphasizes mentorship, diversity, and client-centred service, with a strong track record in recruiting and promoting partners. Recent announcements have highlighted new partner additions in tax, capital markets, municipal law, corporate/commercial, intellectual property, and financial services.