September 3, 2013

High-profile partners join Lenczner Slaght

Canada's leading litigation practice gains two new widely admired lawyers.

Lenczner Slaght, the Toronto-based law firm that focuses exclusively on litigation, has added two new partners – both highly regarded by their peers and recognized as leading practitioners in Canadian legal and business circles.

Andrew Skodyn, the newest partner in Lenczner Slaght's growing intellectual property (IP) practice, has deep expertise in all areas of IP litigation, focusing particularly on patent law.

Scott Rollwagen brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to his role as research partner, analyzing complex problems and tailoring solutions to clients' unique litigation challenges.

"We are pleased to welcome these two exceptional lawyers to our firm," said Peter Griffin, managing partner of Lenczner Slaght. "Both Andrew and Scott play key parts in high-profile, often precedent-setting cases. Our clients will benefit enormously from their breadth and depth of experience, and their insightful, pragmatic advice."

Marguerite Ethier, a Lenczner Slaght partner whose IP litigation practice is focused on the life sciences and biotech sector, stressed the additional strength that Andrew Skodyn brings to the firm's IP team: "Andrew has deep experience in patent actions in the pharmaceutical industry and in other sectors as well. With his strategic advice and proven courtroom skills, he offers clients the kind of specialized, highly effective advocacy that is our firm's trademark."

Similarly, the wide-ranging skills that Scott Rollwagen brings to the firm all have a critical strategic dimension. "Scott's analytical talents and broad knowledge of the law solve complex legal problems quickly and decisively," Peter Griffin said. "He crafts solutions that reflect the unique circumstances faced by each client. His ability to ground creative thinking in the practical realities of litigation places Scott among the best in the profession."

The two partners join a respected litigation firm that for more than 20 years has been committed to recruiting top legal talent. Lenczner Slaght lawyers are known for their in-depth courtroom experience and long record of success in meeting clients' litigation goals.

More on Andrew Skodyn

Andrew's experience in infringement and impeachment actions extends to a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences, manufacturing, agriculture, and oil and gas. He has served as counsel in numerous applications under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. He also has significant experience in preparing patent opinions and advising clients with respect to regulatory issues. In addition, he draws upon a broad background in commercial litigation, including cases involving banking and bills of exchange, professional liability, product liability and commercial leasing. Andrew has represented clients in actions, applications and appeals before all levels of the Ontario and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as in numerous mediations and private arbitrations.

Law School: Queen's University

Bar Admission: Ontario (1999)

More on Scott Rollwagen

Prior to joining Lenczner Slaght, Scott spent 15 years with a major national law firm, honing his skills in legal analysis and argument. He has played an instrumental role in high-profile and precedent-setting cases involving banking, corporate oppression, insolvency and restructuring, securities, pensions, derivatives, auditors' negligence and other complex commercial disputes – at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Scott also brings extensive corporate advisory experience to Lenczner Slaght. He has guided banking and insurance clients on the legal dimensions of providing cross-border financial services and has advised boards of directors during contested takeover bids. In addition, he has significant public law expertise, including in cases involving aboriginal issues. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the law, Scott has contributed articles on a wide range of topics to legal publications.

Law School: Dalhousie University

Bar Admission: Ontario (1998)