Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), Canada’s top business law firm, has announced that Geoff Belsher has been elected the Firm’s next Chair by the Blakes partnership. Geoff’s term as Chair begins January 1, 2023.

Geoff has built a pre-eminent cross-border M&A practice and held several leadership roles at Blakes, including 12 years on the Executive Committee. He has worked in four Blakes offices, currently leads the team in New York as Office Managing Partner, and has helped cultivate the Firm’s values throughout his career. With his new role, Geoff will relocate to Toronto.

“Geoff has fostered a team-based approach, anticipating the needs of our clients and ensuring that they benefit from the full range of expertise our lawyers offer,” said current Chair Brock Gibson. “With his focus on relationships and his deep understanding of our clients, the legal industry and the markets in which we operate, he is ideally positioned to drive us forward.”

As Chair, Geoff will advance the Firm’s strategic vision and have overall responsibility for client relationships and the Firm’s market strategies, while continuing his work with clients. Geoff will also chair the Executive Committee and work closely with Bryson Stokes, Firm Managing Partner, to continue to foster excellence and collaboration across Blakes teams and deliver unparalleled client service.

In this role, Geoff will be building on a strong foundation. “Brock is much more than our longest-serving Chair, having held this role since 2009,” said Bryson Stokes. “Under his leadership, the Firm has achieved tremendous growth and success in developing a world-class team, market position and client base. Blakes has also been named Canada’s top legal brand and a Best Diversity Employer year after year during Brock’s tenure.”

Brock and Geoff have worked closely together for many years and will continue to do so to ensure a smooth leadership transition. We are proud of our history and excited about our future.