Lara Friedlander

Lara's extensive background in tax law spans over two decades, during which she has offered her expertise to leading Canadian and global financial entities. Her specialization includes guiding clients through the complexities of capital markets products, corporate finance intricacies, investments by pension plans, and the tax considerations of mergers and acquisitions.

Before her tenure at Blakes, Lara honed her skills at a prominent law firm and contributed her knowledge at the Canada Revenue Agency. There, she played a key role in shaping income tax rulings and offered her insights on tax legislation with the federal finance department. Her expertise also extends to addressing potential issues under the general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) as part of the GAAR Committee.

Lara's industry experience is further enriched by her role at one of the nation's leading banks as vice-president of tax planning and advisory. In this capacity, she navigated legal and reputational tax risks associated with capital markets transactions and spearheaded tax litigation efforts, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of both Canadian and international tax law.

In the academic sphere, Lara imparted her knowledge as an assistant professor at McGill University's Faculty of Law, where she not only taught but also contributed to scholarly work, including writing on the taxation of corporate finance.

Her contributions to the field of tax law have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition in ITR World Tax 2024 as a Notable Practitioner in General Corporate Tax. Lara is also an active speaker, sharing her insights on tax developments and mandatory disclosure at industry conferences.

Lara's educational credentials include an LLM from York University and Columbia University, showcasing her profound legal foundation. She is admitted to practice in both Ontario and New York, reflecting her versatile legal expertise.

With a career marked by significant achievements and contributions to tax law, Lara remains a distinguished figure, offering unparalleled guidance to clients navigating the intricate landscape of taxation.