Karen Vadasz

Karen, a pivotal figure within the business law group at Goodmans, commands a deep-seated expertise in corporate law alongside banking and finance law. Her role sees her adeptly navigating a plethora of domestic and international financing and corporate dealings, representing a balanced portfolio of creditors and debtors alike. Karen's profound experience is particularly distinguished in transactions involving healthcare assets, making her an integral member of the firm's Aging & Healthcare practice.

The legal community has taken note of Karen's outstanding contributions and potential, recognizing her as a Next Generation Partner in the 2024 iteration of The Legal 500 Canada. Her talents have also been spotlighted in both the 2022 and 2023 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, marking her as a beacon of excellence in the banking and finance spheres. Additionally, her prowess has earned her accolades as a Rising Star in the 2022 edition of Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides and the 2022 and 2023 editions of IFLR1000. The IFLR Rising Stars Awards Americas further celebrated Karen in 2021, lauding her exceptional banking and finance practice along with granting her the prestigious jurisdiction award for Canada.

Karen's mastery extends over a broad spectrum of financial and corporate disciplines. Her acumen in Acquisition Finance, Aging and Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, and several other areas underlines her versatile capabilities. Notably, her role in high-profile transactions has cemented her reputation as a go-to expert in the field.

Among her illustrious engagements, Karen has served as lead counsel in significant financings, such as the $US 750 million financing for Canopy Growth Corporation by King Street Capital Management, marking a milestone in Canada's cannabis industry. Her adept negotiation skills were also pivotal in the $1.2 billion credit bid acquisition of Cirque du Soleil and the strategic financing of Berkshire Partners' investment in VetStrategy, spotlighting Canada’s veterinary clinic market.

Karen's work with Onex Corporation, orchestrating the financing for its acquisition of WestJet Airlines Ltd. for CDN $5 billion, showcases her expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes. Moreover, her involvement in the joint venture partnership between Revera Inc. and Axium Infrastructure, as well as Sienna Senior Living Inc.'s acquisition of retirement residences, underscores her proficiency in the healthcare sector.

Her recognition as a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500 Canada, alongside multiple commendations from Best Lawyers in Canada and IFLR1000, attest to Karen's burgeoning influence and expertise in the legal domain. Karen's co-chair role at SenbridGe NEXT by SenbridGe, Goodmans' platform for the seniors living and healthcare industries, further exemplifies her commitment to education, networking, and publication in this vital sector.

Karen's educational background, boasting a J.D./M.B.A. from Osgoode Hall Law School and Schulich School of Business and a B.A. from McGill University, complements her professional journey. Affiliated with the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association since her call to the bar in 2012, Karen continues to redefine excellence in corporate and banking law, making her an indispensable asset to Goodmans and the broader legal landscape.