Toronto (October 20, 2020) — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is pleased to announce the following senior leadership appointments to strengthen the firm’s leadership ranks.
BLG’s National Group Heads have overall responsibility for the business plans, financial performance and client service performance for their respective National Practice Groups, sit on the firm’s National Management Committee, and play a key role in the overall management of the firm.
The Partnership Board has appointed Prema Thiele as the National Group Head, Corporate & Capital Markets. Although best known for her leading Investment Management practice, she also regularly practices in the M&A and general commercial spaces, particularly in the building-products manufacturing, funeral services and automotive industries. Prema has also served on the Partnership Board, the firm’s governing body, since 2018. She will officially begin her term on November 1, 2020.
Prema will be succeeding Frank Callaghan, who will continue his practice within the Corporate Commercial Group in the Toronto office.
Cindy Clarke has been appointed by the Partnership Board for the newly created role of National Group Head, Clients, Sectors & New Services. She will officially begin her role on January 1, 2021.
Cindy works closely with two of the firm’s significant clients—one, a primary health care client, the other a leading financial institution — as the relationship partner. In her practice, Cindy represents hospitals and health organizations in complex, multi-million dollar medical malpractice actions. She also represents product manufacturers in product liability actions involving products with health effects, including pharmaceutical class actions.
BLG's National Managing Partner and CEO, John Murphy, said “On behalf of all members of the firm, I wish to congratulate Prema on her appointment and Cindy on accepting this appointment which prioritizes our valued client relationships. I would also thank Frank for his six years of service as National Group Head. Prema and Cindy are exceedingly well placed to enhance the firm’s focus on client service and client development.”
Last month, BLG also announced the appointment of Shelley-Mae Mitchell as Chair of the Partnership Board, effective September 1, 2020.
With these new appointments, the BLG team will continue to build its strong market position by delivering exceptional client service, providing high-value legal advice, and continuing to create opportunities to achieve diversity at all levels of the firm.