Mark Morrison

Mark, celebrated for his expertise in handling complex white-collar crimes and conducting meticulous investigations, leads the Blakes Business Crimes, Investigations & Compliance group. Renowned across Canada for his exceptional skills in anti-corruption practices, Mark's legal acumen extends to defending against a multitude of criminal and regulatory charges, advising on compliance with laws governing criminal and regulatory actions, and orchestrating internal investigations.

His proficiency in navigating the legal intricacies of white-collar crime defense, coupled with his strategic approach to anti-corruption compliance, positions him as a sought-after advisor for large corporations. Mark's practice is distinguished by his hands-on experience in conducting independent investigations related to sophisticated white-collar and anti-corruption matters, providing counsel during regulatory and criminal search warrants and investigations, and guiding multinational corporations through the maze of domestic and international anti-corruption laws.

Notably, Mark has been at the forefront of Canada's landmark CFPOA enforcement cases, demonstrating his leadership in anti-corruption law. His roles have included serving as independent counsel for the board of directors in Canada's most significant CFPOA case and acting as the independent compliance monitor for SNC-Lavalin, reflecting his deep trustworthiness and integrity in the legal community.

Mark's contributions extend beyond his professional practice, as he has generously offered his expertise on a pro bono basis, including training prosecutors and enforcement officials in Zimbabwe and providing expert testimony to the Canadian Senate. His involvement with the Independent Investigations Advisory Board for a major mining company further showcases his commitment to ethical business practices.

Acknowledged as a leading figure in his field by prestigious legal directories and awards, Mark's recognition includes being named White Collar Crime Lawyer of the Year and consistently ranked in Chambers Canada and Who's Who Legal. His appointment as King's Counsel in 2022 is a testament to his esteemed career and significant contributions to the legal profession.

Mark's dedication to fostering transparency and ethical conduct in business extends to his active participation in the International Association of Independent Corporate Monitors and his past leadership roles in Transparency International Canada and the Calgary Bar Association. His scholarly contributions and appearances as a speaker on topics related to business ethics and compliance further solidify his status as an expert in his field.

Educated at Queen's University, where he obtained both his LLB and BA, Mark's legal foundation has enabled him to embark on a career marked by achievement, integrity, and a profound impact on the legal landscape in Canada and beyond.