Jonathan Bell, Laura Gill and Blake Williams are winners of Lexpert Rising Star Awards for 2019. These prestigious awards celebrate Canada’s leading lawyers under 40, from law firms and throughout the legal profession. Winners were honoured at the annual gala event in Toronto last night.

Congratulations to Jon, Laura and Blake.

Jonathan G. Bell
Partner, Toronto

Among his many successes, Jon worked extensively on the Sino-Forest matter in multiple jurisdictions including Ontario, Hong Kong, Singapore and China shepherding the company and certain independent directors through an internal investigation, an OSC investigation and regulatory proceeding, multiple class actions and ultimately a CCAA restructuring process that resulted in full releases for all of our clients in one of the largest frauds in Canadian history.
 
Jon is the lead partner responsible for Bennett Jones' relationship with Innocence Canada. In this capacity, he oversees teams of associates that manage wrongful conviction applications on a pro bono basis.
 
He is an active participant in the Cambridge Forum on International Enforcement of Judgement & Awards at Pennyhill Park, an annual invitation-only conference where thought leaders from jurisdictions around the world get together to discuss recent developments and the relevant laws from their respective jurisdictions.

Laura M. Gill
Partner, Calgary

Laura is a dynamic, sought-after, and experienced litigator. Her advocacy in complex litigation includes appearing in the Supreme Court of Canada on environmental and contractual matters; and on appeals in the BC Court of Appeal and the Alberta Court of Appeal. She has been lead counsel in private arbitrations. A client says of her:
 
"Laura is known for her exceptional skill, expertise, and strategic ability on litigation matters, particularly in the energy industry and on regulatory and environmental issues. She is a trusted advisor to energy clients for high-value, reputational, and other critical disputes."
 
She has a long history of involvement with various groups. She is frequently asked to speak at professional development and client seminars, including for the Calgary Bar Association and the Canadian Energy Law Foundation. Laura regularly publishes updates on commercial law matters. She is involved with the Women's Energy Council and recently hosted an energy industry networking event

R. Blake Williams
Partner, Calgary

Blake provides advice and representation on tariff/rate matters and proceedings before the National Energy Board, Alberta Utilities Commission, Yukon Utilities Board, and Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board. He also advises and represents clients in relation to facility and compensation matters and proceedings before various boards and regulators
 
In addition, Blake's practice includes providing clients with advice regarding regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, including investigations and proceedings stemming from spills/releases, contaminated sites, and other environmental matters, as well as matters related to operational non-compliance.
 
Blake has volunteered with the Calgary Flames Foundation; and is a previous committee member with KidSport Calgary. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Children's Cottage Society, which is a long-standing and well-established organization in Calgary whose mission it is to prevent harm and neglect to all children and to build strong families through support services, respite programs and crisis nurseries.