John Laffin

J.R. Laffin occupies the distinguished position of partner and serves as the Co-Head of the Capital Markets and Public Mergers & Acquisitions Group. His legal practice is richly devoted to securities and corporate law, with a spotlight on public mergers and acquisitions. Laffin's expertise doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply involved in corporate governance, navigating shareholder activism, engaging in private equity, and executing corporate finance transactions. His role has seen him represent a wide array of stakeholders in M&A activities, spanning both amicable and contentious transactions. Laffin's counsel extends beyond transactional advice, as he frequently assists with corporate governance, ensures compliance with securities regulations, and secures exemptive relief for a diverse client base that includes entities both within Canada and internationally.

Recognized as a vanguard in M&A law, Laffin's proficiency has garnered accolades from premier legal directories. His skills have been highlighted as "Highly Regarded" in the realm of Mergers & Acquisitions by the International Financial Law Review's IFLR1000. Additionally, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has cited him as a leading figure in Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance & Securities, and Private Equity. MergerLinks has consecutively named him among the Top 10 M&A Lawyers in Canada, reinforcing his status in the legal community.

His professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Law Society of Ontario, the New York State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, reflecting his commitment to the legal profession across both national and international spheres.

Laffin’s background includes a pivotal secondment to the Ontario Securities Commission in 2014, where his contributions to the Mergers & Acquisitions and Shareholder Rights Team in the Corporate Finance Group were instrumental in drafting significant proposed changes to Canada's take-over bid regulations.

Educationally, Laffin's foundation in law was laid at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2009, preceded by studies at the University of Calgary from 2003 to 2006. His formal admission to the Ontario bar in 2010 marked the beginning of a career that would see him ascend to the forefront of corporate law, characterized by his influential role in shaping the legal landscape of mergers and acquisitions.