TORONTO January 18, 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s leading full-service business law firms, today announced that Robert Power will be joining the Firm as Co-chair of the national energy practice. The emphasis of his practice will be on electricity and infrastructure, including regulatory and government policy.
“Rob Power is one of the top energy and infrastructure lawyers in Canada and he will
bring additional strength to two very strong practice areas for Blakes,” said Jim
Christie, the Firm’s Chairman. “We are delighted he has decided to join Blakes. He
is another example of our continued success in attracting the best legal talent to
serve our clients’ needs,” he added.
Mr. Power has been particularly active in the restructuring of the Ontario
electricity market, where he has advised clients on virtually every major issue that
has arisen. He had the confidence of the Ontario Legislature to investigate and
report on Ontario’s troubled nuclear fleet, and has, for two years, led a major
coalition of energy investors and developers in advocating private sector
electricity investment. He recently acted as international convenor with the
International Organization for Standardization, successfully negotiating ISO 14000
environmental standards amongst ISO nations.
Prior to joining Blakes, Mr. Power was chief executive of Power LLP. He is a Board
Member of the Toronto Blue Jays Foundation, a Governor of the Canadian Unity
Council, immediate past-chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (Canada’s largest
foundation) and is a member of various other public and private boards. Mr. Power is
recognized by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading environment and
energy lawyer and as one of the top 500 lawyers in Canada. Recently, the National
Post described him as “a globally respected environment lawyer.”
Founded in 1856, Blakes has over 500 lawyers and offices in Canada, the United
States, Europe and China. In October, and for the second consecutive year, Blakes
was the only law firm to earn a place on the 2004 list of “Canada’s Top 100
Employers,” released by the national newsmagazine, Maclean’s. In May 2004, Chambers and Partners Legal Publishers named Blakes “Canadian Law Firm of the Year.” The Firm’s signature “Blakes means business” is not just a catch phrase but a discipline that defines how Blakes helps clients achieve their business objectives. More
information on Blakes is available by visiting the Firm’s Web site at www.blakes.com
