‘Deans of Liens’ Collaborate to Update Leading Text on Canadian Construction Law

Toronto, Ontario – October 21, 2005 – Four of Canada’s leading authorities have written a definitive legal guide on construction liens. In an unusually collaborative effort, four industry leaders in construction law from four different firms, David I. Bristow Q.C., Duncan W. Glaholt, R. Bruce Reynolds, and Howard M. Wise, also known as the ‘Deans of Liens,’ collaborated over a five-year period to complete the 7th edition of the classic work on Canadian lien law, Construction, Builders’ and Mechanics’ Liens in Canada, published by Thomson Carswell.

"We recognized the importance of this pivotal industry resource, and approached David Bristow to assist with updating the text for a new edition," said Bruce Reynolds, partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. "Over the course of five years and countless meetings, the four of us were able to rewrite the entire text line by line."

The text, first written in 1951, is considered to be the most authoritative construction law reference in Canada by construction law practitioners and construction industry professionals. This guide is a user-friendly resource, and has long stood as the only national work on the field packed with commentary and practical analysis.

"The collaborative nature of the 7th edition is truly unique in today's legal marketplace," said Howard Wise, a partner with Goodmans LLP. "By working together we drew on the knowledge and strengths of each of the authors in enhancing what is regarded as the leading construction law text in Canada."

Designed specifically for busy practitioners who need accurate information quickly, Construction, Builders’ and Mechanics’ Liens in Canada, 7^th Edition provides expert commentary and analysis of legislation and case law, practical advice, forms, and precedents. The book also offers practical guidance on construction lien practice before, during, and after the trial. Portions of the final manuscript were peer-reviewed by lawyers across the country.

"This marks a significant achievement in all of our careers," said Duncan Glaholt, partner at Glaholt LLP. "This whole project grew out of a conversation between two people, that became a recreation for four people, then, in its final stages, a full-time occupation and obsession for about a dozen people across the country, all of whom we thank in our Preface."

In order to cover the unique aspects of Quebec construction law, the authors enlisted David Kauffman of De Grandpré Chait in Montréal to provide the chapter on "The Law of Construction Hypothecs in Quebec." David Kauffman is widely recognized as one of the leading practitioners of construction law in Quebec and across Canada.

A series of one day conferences are scheduled to introduce the book in Toronto on November 2^nd, Vancouver on November 8^th, and Calgary on November 9^th.

David I. Bristow, Q.C. is a member of Team Resolution, a Toronto-based mediation and arbitration services firm where he focuses on construction-related disputes. He was the Founding Chairman of the Ontario Bar Association’s Construction Law Section, and a past Chairman of the Canadian Bar Association’s Construction Law Section. David was a Founding Fellow, and is a past Governor, of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. He was co-author, along with Douglas Macklem, of the second through sixth editions of the current text.

Duncan W. Glaholt is a partner at the leading construction law firm of Glaholt LLP. He is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in Construction Law, co-author of the annual Annotated Ontario Construction Lien Act, and author of Conduct of a Lien Action and Construction Trusts. He is a Founding Governor and current President of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

R. Bruce Reynolds is a partner at the Toronto office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, and is the National Leader of the firm’s Construction Law Practice Group. He is co-author of the legal textbook Scott and Reynolds on Surety Bonds (Carswell). He is a Founding Governor and Past President of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

Howard M. Wise is a partner with the law firm of Goodmans LLP specializing in construction law and commercial litigation. He has been certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a specialist in construction law and is a founding Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. Mr. Wise served as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Construction Law Section (2002-2004), and as Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Construction Law Section (2000-2002). He has also authored the Manual of Construction Law.

Team Resolution provides neutral, third party expertise and input aimed at resolving disputes outside of the courtroom in an equitable manner. With decades of experience in the legal and corporate arenas, both nationally and internationally, it pride itself on tailoring its services to meet clients’ needs and expectations. The team is especially skilled in all aspects of construction related matters and provides expertise in family disputes, wrongful dismissals and commercial matters.
About Glaholt LLP

Glaholt LLP is one of Canada’s foremost construction law practices including independent representation at all levels of the industry and counsel work in a team environment on special projects. Glaholt LLP represents clients in all sectors of the construction industry and conducts and extensive referral practice from law firms across Canada.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is among Canada’s most respected full-service national law firms.  With more than 670 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals in six offices across the country, BLG provides legal services to a wide range of clients nationally and internationally in virtually every area of law. At BLG, it begins with service. For further information, visit www.blgcanada.com.

Goodmans LLP is a full service law firm with 200 lawyers and offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Hong Kong. The firm provides counsel to a broad range of Canadian, U.S. and foreign enterprises, from sole proprietorships to multinational corporations, banks and governments across virtually every sector of the economy. Goodmans' lawyers are consistently recognized by leading industry publications published by, Lexpert, Lexpert/American Lawyer Media, Chambers and Partners, Global Counsel, Euromoney and Law Business Research, among others. With a strategic entrepreneurial history and deal-making mindset, Goodmans’ lawyers deliver intelligent solutions with responsiveness, energy, talent, and determination – and that's good for business.