Dana Vanthof

Dana's legal expertise spans an impressive array of corporate and commercial law arenas, including the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, and strategic investments across several sectors like the burgeoning food and beverage industry, the dynamic life sciences field, the robust financial services sector, and the critical infrastructure domain. Her proficiency isn't just in theory; Dana has adeptly navigated the complexities of regulatory and policy matters for entities entwined with government ownership or oversight, bringing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between public assets and private commercial ventures.

Her tenure at Blakes started with a summer stint in 2017, transitioning into a comprehensive articling period through 2018-2019, where she honed her legal acumen. Dana's unique perspective is also shaped by invaluable in-house counsel experiences, including a pivotal secondment at a prominent retail service conglomerate, where she offered day-to-day legal counsel across various operational facets, and another at a leading North American energy company, delving into regulatory and commercial challenges firsthand.

Among Dana's notable engagements are her contributions to a top-tier beverage entity's strategic forays into the craft and ready-to-drink markets, and her instrumental role in aiding a private equity giant to spearhead the consolidation of specialist dental practices across Canada. Her involvement in Pacific Equity Partners' significant C$165-million transaction with TMX Group Limited, and her advisory to a global banking titan on multifaceted corporate reorganizations, underscore her capability to navigate high-stakes deals.

Her collaboration on projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge underscores her capacity to contribute to monumental infrastructure projects, further illustrating her versatility and depth of knowledge. Dana's commitment extends beyond the corporate sphere, as evidenced by her active participation in pro bono initiatives, offering her expertise to those in need and contributing positively to the broader community.

Dana is recognized by her peers and within the legal community, holding memberships with the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Ontario Bar Association, reflecting her commitment to her profession. Her educational background, with degrees from McGill University, Carleton University, and the University of Waterloo, provides a solid foundation for her legal practice, combining a robust understanding of international affairs with her legal expertise. Dana's multifaceted career showcases her as a dynamic and forward-thinking legal professional, adept at navigating complex legal landscapes and delivering strategic solutions to her clients.