Introduction

In a significant shift within the Canadian legal landscape, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP (HHR), renowned for its elite criminal defense expertise, has been making waves in the corporate law sector. The firm, which has been expanding its practice areas over the last decade, has recently welcomed Shaun Laubman, a prominent commercial litigator, from Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP. This strategic move comes as HHR transitions its focus, evidenced by the fact that over half of its 32 lawyers are now engaged in non-criminal practices.

Expansion of Practice Areas

Marie Henein, the firm's founding partner and one of Canada's most distinguished criminal defense lawyers, noted that only about 5% of her current case load involves criminal matters. This expansion demonstrates the firm’s evolution, moving beyond traditional boundaries into high-stakes civil litigation, corporate conflict resolution, and regulatory affairs.

Strategic Shift in Reputation

Danielle Robitaille, the managing partner of HHR, highlights that this shift has occurred organically. “Our reputation in criminal law became a stepping stone for clients navigating corporate disputes,” she explained. With a reputation for fearless representation, HHR has enticed companies and individuals alike seeking robust legal support for their complex issues.

High-Profile Cases

The firm has secured its place in numerous high-profile cases, including involvement in the class action lawsuit against CannTrust Holdings Inc., representation of the Stronach family in their notable feud, and providing legal counsel for The One condo developer, Sam Mizrahi. They have also taken on significant responsibilities in the recent Pornhub litigation involving its parent company, Aylo Holdings.

Founding Partner's Journey

Henein's journey in law began in 2002 as she founded Henein & Associates after mentoring under the legendary Edward Greenspan. She gained national recognition after handling high-profile cases, notably defending former Ontario attorney-general Michael Bryant against severe charges, resulting in a dropped case due to crucial evidence unearthed by her team. Her fame soared even higher after her successful defense of former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi in 2016, which captivated the public’s attention and further showcased her legal prowess.

Entry into Civil Litigation

The firm’s foray into civil litigation began in earnest when Scott Hutchison, an esteemed litigator, joined from Stockwoods LLP in 2013, leading to the rebranding of the firm to Henein Hutchison LLP. Further expansion continued as they recruited other eminent litigators, including Alex Smith and Ewa Krajewska, enhancing their Civil Litigation Practice Group. The alignment of legal brilliance has fortified HHR's capacity to handle diverse and complex cases.

Danielle Robitaille's Role

Ms. Robitaille has diversified her own practice within HHR, engaging deeply in corporate compliance and workplace investigations. Notably, she led the investigation into allegations against Hockey Canada concerning the 2018 world junior team, showcasing her firm's commitment to addressing serious societal issues.

Reactions from the Legal Community

However, the firm’s entry into civil litigation has stirred mixed reactions within the legal community. Some civil litigators believe HHR's approach can be unorthodox, however, both Henein and Robitaille defend their reputation for delivering exceptional representation without adhering to outdated practices they view as remnants of an exclusive “old boys’ club.” Henein passionately argues that the notion of informal litigation practices lacks validity, emphasizing that effective representation is about advocacy for client interests, not personal relationships.

Attracting New Talent

The buzz surrounding HHR intensified when Laubman decided to leave a reputable position at Lax O’Sullivan after 17 years. His motivation to join HHR stems from a desire for new challenges and to contribute to the growing firm. With expertise spanning corporate commercial litigation and fraud cases, Laubman's addition only solidifies HHR's standing as a formidable force in the Canadian legal industry.

Conclusion

As Henein Hutchison Robitaille continues its bold transformation, the legal world will be watching closely, wondering what other high-profile cases and illustrious talent may emerge from this dynamic firm. With its unique blend of criminal and corporate prowess, HHR is poised to redefine the boundaries of legal practice in Canada. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving legal powerhouse!