Borden Ladner Gervais builds its class action group

With the addition of two new members, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has expanded its class action team.

Glenn Zakaib joins as the national co-chair of the class actions group. He is in the Toronto office. Jean Saint-Onge is senior counsel in Montreal.

"We are delighted to welcome Glenn and Jean to the firm," said Sean Weir, national managing partner and CEO.

"BLG is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in order to provide our clients with excellence in service; both Glenn and John are outstanding lawyers and are recognized for their experience managing and litigating all aspects of class actions."

Zakaib brings experience defending public and private sector clients to BLG. He will continue his class actions defence practive. Additionally, he will work with fellow co-chair Brad Dixon of BLG's Vancouver office to provide strategic direction and co-ordination of the class actions group.

Saint-Onge's responsibilities will include further enhancing the strategic direction and management of class actions defended in Quebec.

"The addition of Glenn and Jean to our class actions group enhances our ability to deliver top-notch class actions expertise combined with extensive subject matter expertise ensuring our clients will receive practical, effective and timely advice," said Cindy Clarke, national group head, specialized litigation.

"Having the right expertise — a national team of individuals who bring their collective strengths together for the benefit of our clients — is critical to our approach in helping manage the reputational, business and financial risks of class action litigation."