Deborah Salzberger

In the maze of competition and foreign investment law, Debbie Salzberger emerges as a guiding star, offering unparalleled expertise and strategic insight. As a Partner in McCarthy Tétrault's Toronto-based Antitrust/Competition & Foreign Investment Group, Debbie has earned her stripes and then some. Her reputation is cemented in the legal community, with accolades from Chambers Global, Global Competition Review, and Who's Who Legal, to name a few. Clients in complex M&A ventures across borders value her for her astute, practical guidance, especially praising her ability to balance legal risks with business objectives.

Debbie's knack for navigating the intricacies of competition law, from cartel matters to advertising and distribution issues, sets her apart. Whether it's securing successful outcomes in multinational mergers or crafting compliance strategies for joint ventures, her approach is always tailored and pragmatic. Notably, she's played pivotal roles in landmark cases and transactions that have shaped the industry's landscape, including the strategic "PIPE" investment in Canopy Growth by Constellation Brands and AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan.

Beyond her practice, Debbie's influence extends to the academic and policy-making spheres. She's a respected voice at national conferences and a mentor within professional circles, contributing to the dialogue on class action reform and teaching at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. Her insights on foreign investment review matters are not only sought after by peers but have also led to significant legal texts that serve as resources for law students and practitioners alike.

Debbie's commitment to advancing the legal profession is evident in her active involvement with industry groups and her role as a thought leader, especially in championing the Competition/Antitrust and Foreign Investment Bar. From her early days as legal counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission to her impactful lectures and publications, Debbie's journey is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Her significant contributions to landmark legal challenges, like the fight for water infrastructure in First Nations communities, underscore her dedication to social justice and her ability to effect change through the law. Recognition from the Advocates’ Society and the Ontario Bar Association for her advocacy and contributions to legal education is a testament to her impact on the profession and the community at large.

In a field where the stakes are high and the complexities many, Debbie Salzberger stands out as not just a lawyer but a visionary, reshaping the landscape of competition and foreign investment law in Canada and beyond.