Carmen Francis

Carmen Francis has carved out a distinguished career as a key partner in Toronto's International Trade & Investment Law Group, simultaneously leading the National Retail and Consumer Markets Group. Her expertise spans a comprehensive array of trade, regulatory, and compliance issues, offering business-centric, strategic counsel.

Carmen's approach to regulatory practice is holistic, guiding clients from the initial phases of product creation and development through to packaging, labeling, compliance with standards, securing necessary permits and licenses, and ensuring import and export regulations are met. She excels in handling regulatory enforcement challenges, always with an eye toward helping clients meet their business goals amidst complex regulatory landscapes. Her proficiency shines in navigating the regulations surrounding consumer retail products and those under specific regulatory frameworks like alcoholic beverages, cannabis, cosmetics, natural health products, and medical devices, offering proactive and practical advice.

Her prowess extends into international trade, where she has robust experience in anti-dumping cases, international investment disputes, and customs and sanctions compliance. Carmen has represented clients before prestigious bodies such as the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, the World Trade Organization Appellate Body, and the Federal Court of Appeal. Through this, she has gained a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in maximizing cross-border business ventures.

Carmen's exceptional service and strategic insight into international trade have not gone unnoticed, earning her recognition as a leading lawyer in Chambers Canada for her contributions to International Trade/WTO. Her ability to blend strategic legal counsel with a deep understanding of the business impacts of regulatory and trade issues makes her an invaluable asset to clients in industries ranging from food and beverage to healthcare, cannabis, and beyond.