Canadian Lawyer InHouse

32 www.canadianlawyermag.com/inhouse TOP TAX BOUTIQUES NAVIGATING TAX obligations is an inevitable consideration in every transaction made by a business, so tax law boutiques are in constant demand. Organizations can choose from a selection of firms that boast expertise in tax law, but long-lasting relationships and creativity are greatly valued by clients, along with the ability to explain complex tax issues. Named as one of the top 10 tax boutiques by Canadian Lawyer, Barsalou Lawson Rheault Barristers & Solicitors has counted Merck Canada among its many clients for 20 years. For Bernard Houde, vice president, legal affairs and compliance at Merck, the choice is not so much about the size of the firm as it is about specific lawyers. "From a tax perspective, I need an individ- ual who knows what they are talking about and someone I can rely on," he says. "These relationships last for dozens of years, so it's important to get someone who is an expert that you can also have that long-term relation- ship with." Pierre Barsalou, a partner at the Montre- al-based firm, has the rare ability to explain complex tax matters to make them easier to understand, according to Houde. "Tax people speak a language of their own, but they can't always translate it," says Houde. "Pierre is not only able to understand and speak that language, but he can also explain it in a less technical way." As Merck is active in its frequent discussions with the revenue author- ities to ensure compliance, outside counsel is kept busy. TransAlta Corporation uses Thorsteinssons LLP to assist with the many deals handled by the legal department. As one of Canada's larg- est firms practising exclusively in taxation law, Thorsteinssons was founded in Vancouver and later opened a Toronto office to better serve its national client base. Every deal conducted by TransAlta incorporates an element of tax to be considered, so the legal team frequently seeks advice. "Thorsteinssons is the sole tax boutique we use," says Kerry O'Reilly Wilks, chief officer, legal, regulatory and external relations at Tran- sAlta. "We know that they are at the top of their game so we can always be certain in the advice they give, and they know their clients very well." The service model used by Thorsteinssons provides an extra layer of comfort, she adds. As a national charity, B'nai Brith Canada engages different law firms with different areas of expertise for various factors including CRA compliance and fundraising legislations. The charity, which advocates for the Jewish community, has a particularly close relation- ship with Adam Aptowitzer, principal at tax boutique Drache Aptowitzer LLP. "As a charity, we really need to be at the Finding creative solutions: Top 10 Tax Boutiques Clients value long-term relationships with tax boutiques and the ability to find creative solutions to problems

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