Restructuring & Insolvency

When financial distress threatens stability, clients need more than legal advice—they need a team that understands the urgency, the business objectives and the state of the industry when making decisions or developing strategy. The Aird & Berlis Restructuring & Insolvency Group is among the largest in Canada, offering deep cross-border and cross-industry experience. Our work extends well beyond restructuring, encompassing all aspects of insolvency, enforcement, receiverships, liquidations, advisory work and dispute resolution.

Our lawyers have played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian insolvency law through precedent-setting matters that continue to influence the field. This depth of experience allows us to offer clear guidance in situations involving competing interests, legal uncertainty and commercial demands. We draw on specialized knowledge and the resources of a full-service firm to develop tailored solutions. Whether advising in the boardroom or advocating in court, we focus on strategy and execution to help clients preserve value and maximize recoveries.

Our practice covers the full breadth of insolvency services, including formal and informal restructuring proceedings, receiverships (court‑appointed and private), bankruptcies, enforcement matters, distressed transactions, creditor remedies, and regulatory investigations. We act for a full range of stakeholders – including Schedule I banks and other financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors, court‑appointed officers, purchasers, landlords, investors, corporations and government bodies – and are relied on for both sophisticated advisory work and highly technical litigation support. Clients see us as a trusted extension of their management teams, relying on us for intelligent, commercial advice and pragmatic solutions. We also draw on our extensive industry relationships to connect clients with financing partners who can provide emergency funding or step in as replacement lenders when capital solutions are urgently needed.

The Restructuring & Insolvency Group is an integral part of the firm’s broader Financial Services practice, allowing us to provide well‑considered advice on every aspect of financial distress. This close collaboration ensures a unified approach to stabilizing distressed businesses, protecting stakeholder interests and navigating complex, multi‑party dynamics. Our strong connections with legal professionals across Canada and internationally enable us to confidently manage cross‑border matters and ensure clients’ interests are represented at every level.

Our group is consistently recognized by leading legal directories—including Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Legal 500 Canada and The Best Lawyers in Canada—for its work in insolvency and restructuring. Since 2019, four members of the team have been honoured as Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40. These accolades reflect the strength of our group and its commitment to going above and beyond for our clients.

We understand that financial distress demands more than legal knowledge, it requires clarity, urgency and sound judgment. Insolvency and restructuring is often considered a true blend of business and law, and a critical characteristic of being a good restructuring lawyer is the ability to recognize and implement practical, commercially viable solutions while maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture. Our team is equipped to respond quickly, adapt to shifting circumstances and guide clients through high-stakes decisions with confidence. Whether the matter involves a single transaction, a complex restructuring or a multi-jurisdictional engagement, we bring experience, insight and a steady hand to help clients move forward.