Headquarters:

181 Bay St., Suite 1800, Toronto, ON M5J 2T9

Year founded:

1919

Number of employees:

650+

Phone:

416 863 1500

Email:

airdberlis@airdberlis.com

Website:

airdberlis.com

LinkedIn:

ca.linkedin.com/company/aird-&-berlis-llp

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG

Lorenzo Lisi

Partner and Leader, Workplace Law Group

Michael F. Horvat

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Meghan A. Cowan

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Leadership

Lorenzo Lisi is the practice group leader of Aird & Berlis LLP’s Workplace Law Group. He has practiced exclusively in labour and employment law for 35 years, representing employers in all areas touching labour and employment law, both provincially and federally. He has built a long list of loyal clients who depend on him for direct solutions, risk analysis, and strategic advice. Cognizant of the time pressures and deadlines most employers experience in today’s workplace, Lisi combines focused, calm, and proactive advice with exceptional client service while remaining approachable to all levels of the organization.

Partner and Leader, Workplace Law Group

Lorenzo Lisi

Michael F. Horvat has been a trusted advisor in labour and employment law matters for more than 25 years, helping employers find practical solutions that align human resources with long-term business goals. He advises clients across all industries – including manufacturing, transportation, retail, and construction – on all of their employment and labour law needs. Horvat has been their effective legal advocate before labour boards, human rights tribunals, and at all levels of the Ontario courts. He is a frequent speaker and writer on workplace law, offering strategic guidance in both federal and provincial jurisdictions.

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Michael F. Horvat

Meghan A. Cowan is an experienced workplace law advisor and litigator with a strong focus on labour, employment, and privacy matters. As a member of the firm’s Workplace Law Group, she regularly advises on wrongful dismissal, human rights, union certification, and labour relations. Cowan represents clients before various courts and tribunals, including the Ontario Labour Relations Board and Human Rights Tribunal. Known for her critical thinking and practical approach, she helps clients navigate complex workplace disputes. Cowan also contributes thought leadership through frequent writing and speaking engagements, and she co-chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiative Committee.

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Meghan A. Cowan

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Alex Kagan

Partner, Workplace Law Group

As a litigator and member of Aird & Berlis LLP’s Workplace Law Group, Alex Kagan assists employers in defending a variety of employment and labour claims. In addition to diligent advocacy, he works closely with clients to identify strategic vulnerabilities with the goal of resolving issues before litigation arises. Kagan leverages his experience in drafting and implementing employment agreements alongside various workplace policies. He also applies his expertise in employment and labour to various corporate transactions. Acting as a specialist, Kagan assists clients by identifying employment liabilities and managing them in the course of a transaction.

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Alex Kagan

Dasha Peregoudova

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Dasha Peregoudova is a valued member of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Workplace Law, and Sports, Media & Entertainment Groups. She has developed a varied practice focused on labour and employment matters, including employment disputes, grievances, collective bargaining, and human rights matters. Peregoudova regularly assists the firm’s M&A team on complex employment and labour issues arising in transactions, including executive compensation. She frequently conducts policy, ethical, and statute-driven investigations for a wide range of clients. Peregoudova has appeared as counsel before a variety of courts and tribunals in Ontario, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Dasha Peregoudova

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

David S. Reiter

Partner, Workplace Law Group

Bardia Jalayer

Associate, Workplace Law Group

Zachary Sippel

Associate, Workplace Law Group

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

David S. Reiter is a strategic litigator specializing in civil and quasi-criminal matters, particularly those involving workplace incidents. With a strong background in criminal law, he brings a unique perspective to litigation and advisory work. He helps clients manage operational liabilities, develop risk mitigation strategies, and navigate investigations and prosecutions. As a member of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group and Occupational Health & Safety Group, Reiter has led numerous trials and applications across Ontario and has experience with statutes such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Building Code Act, Municipal Act, and Criminal Code.

Partner, Workplace Law Group

David S. Reiter

Bardia Jalayer specializes in employment, labour, and sports law and brings a client-focused approach to every matter. He is a passionate problem solver who helps clients feel more confident in their decisions by offering practical advice tailored to their business goals and needs. Jalayer advises on employment and labour-related matters, including comprehensive policies and training, collective agreements, and issues within the workplace. He also has experience in dispute resolution matters heard before the Superior Court, the Divisional Court, and the Court of Appeal. Jalayer advises unionized and non-unionized clients alike, as well as professional and amateur sporting organizations and player associations.

Associate, Workplace Law Group

Bardia Jalayer

Zachary Sippel is a strong communicator who is passionate about advocating for his clients. He is dedicated to understanding his clients’ businesses and the diverse industries in which they operate and leverages real-world experience to provide practical advice. Sippel’s practice includes a wide range of employment and labour-related matters, including advising on occupational health and safety requirements, labour arbitrations, and collective bargaining. He has appeared before various courts and tribunals across Ontario and Canada, including the Human Rights Tribunal, Labour Relations Board, Small Claims Court, and Superior Court of Justice.

Associate, Workplace Law Group

Zachary Sippel

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.” “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

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Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Aird & Berlis LLP is a preeminent Canadian law firm whose Workplace Law Group was established over 12 years ago and is a vibrant, energetic, and dedicated group of lawyers who are not just advisors to clients, but part of their business. The Workplace Law Group is backed by the bench strength of more than 260 lawyers and patent agents practising in all areas of business law, including corporate/commercial, capital markets, banking, insolvency and restructuring, energy, environmental, infrastructure/P3, technology, intellectual property, litigation, municipal and land use planning, real estate, and tax. The firm’s lawyers regularly represent employers before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. They also appear before administrative tribunals such as: Ontario Labour Relations Board Canada Industrial Relations Board Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal Ministry of Labour Ontario Human Rights Commission Their offering combines deep legal expertise with an understanding of real-world HR challenges. Lorenzo Lisi, the practice group leader of the Workplace Law Group, has practised exclusively in labour and employment law for more than 35 years. He has built the team from the ground up, which consists of eight dedicated employment, labour, and occupational health and safety lawyers. In addition, Lisi is the originator of the Aird & Berlis Workplace Law webinar series, which provides one-hour webinars on current and topical labour and employment issues, offering practical advice and tips for employers. He has also developed and presented management training seminars on topics including union organizing defence strategies and strikes. Across employment and labour law, Aird & Berlis has a range of key service areas. Employment Human resource matters: Advising on severance and wrongful and constructive dismissal claims; human rights advocacy and advice on diversity and inclusion; attendance and performance management; executive compensation; employment agreements; employment standards and occupational health and safety; fiduciary duties and obligations of departing employees; pension and benefits, privacy and access to information; workplace harassment. Human Rights: Ongoing advice on application of and compliance with human right legislation; addressing claims of workplace bullying and harassment; training on bullying, harassment and diversity and inclusion. Workplace and business restructuring: Advice relevant to acquisitions and divestitures; compensation structures, restrictive covenants and application of employment legislation on sale of business. Labour Applications for certification: Provide tactical and strategic advice on the response to application for certification and the certification vote campaign. Unionized workplaces: Represent clients at grievance and interest arbitrations, and regularly counsel on collective agreement bargaining and administration; labour relations strategies and collective bargaining negotiations; and unfair labour practice defence. Labour disputes: Advise on strikes, lockouts and injunctions, as well as managing labour disputes. “We work closely with employers as an extension of their management teams, which allows us to stay attuned to the real-time challenges they face,” says Lorenzo Lisi, partner and leader, Workplace Law Group. “This close partnership enables us to proactively identify areas where legal innovation can deliver meaningful value, whether in policy development, compliance strategies, or training.”

“This ‘boots on the ground’ approach has seen lawyers from CDI working directly with clients in their offices or on the project site for several different projects,” says XXX. Equally notable is the firm’s internal culture, as of CDI’s five principals, three – Christopher Rowden, Jason Pungsornruk and Jay Hatten – began as clerks under Pyman. Their shared history has fostered a continuity of vision, ensuring that CDI’s service-first philosophy remains deeply embedded. Junior lawyers are trusted to contribute meaningfully, provided they demonstrate discipline and aptitude. CDI also invests heavily in education-based marketing. From onsite seminars to thought leadership in legal journals, the firm seeks to upskill project teams and deepen client relationships. Its visibility across the legal landscape is reflected in its sponsorship and participation in key industry events – such as the ICC Arbitration Day in Tokyo and the SOCLA national conference – as well as its publishing credentials, including the widely used annotated guide to Queensland adjudication law. “We consider that success is only achieved when our clients feel they have received the most outstanding legal service experience they have ever received from a law firm,” says XXX. “Of course, results are important, but results can be unpredictable. What can be predicted and controlled is the commitment to adding value to our clients’ businesses.”