Borden Ladner Gervais' Business Services Gains Magic Circle and Global Elite Expertise

BLG Hires International Executives for C-Suite Positions

TORONTO, June 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) announced the appointment of two new executives, Rob Morris to Chief Operating Officer and Phil Donnelly to Chief Talent Officer. The Chief Talent Officer role is a new position at BLG and part of the evolution of the firm's business services function.

"BLG is poised to lead the way for Canadian law firms in evolving how we manage the firm's business as we continue to provide clients with timely, high quality legal advice. Recruiting Rob Morris and Phil Donnelly, who have a wealth of experience gained at leading organizations around the world, will help ensure that BLG is well positioned to succeed in today's competitive legal marketplace," said Sean Weir, national managing partner and CEO at BLG. "These appointments will also enhance our lawyers' focus on clients and providing a high calibre of legal advice."

Recruiting two executives with experience at multiple international legal 100 firms is part of the firm's ongoing effort to provide Canadian and international clients with world class legal services supported by state-of-the-art business services. Mr. Morris leads all business services and is responsible for operationalizing BLG's strategy. Mr. Donnelly will oversee the development of all legal and business services talent in the firm including professional excellence and human resources.

"It is exciting to be a part of an organization that is embracing a revolutionary change in the delivery of legal and business services," stated Rob Morris, Chief Operating Officer at BLG. "Having worked in many parts of the globe, it is clear that BLG is a leader in managing relationships and client work. My job will be to make sure our business development, administration, finance, and technology departments are integrated with our legal services to provide more agile client service."

Mr. Morris has extensive international experience, having worked at top tier financial and legal services firms in the UK, Italy, UAE, North America, Europe and Asia. As an accomplished COO, he has demonstrated the ability to manage complex operations on a global scale with care, urgency, and a client service mindset. In his 30-year career he has worked with the Royal Navy, Cantor Fitzgerald, Rabobank, Clifford Chance and most recently Baker & McKenzie.

Mr. Donnelly joins BLG after serving as the Global Chief People Officer of White & Case, where he built a world-class people strategy, managed geographically dispersed teams, and developed innovative best practices in talent management particularly of legal professionals including partners. Prior to his position at this AM Law 100 firm, he led the global human resources transformation and people strategy for the Transaction Advisory service line at Ernst & Young. Mr. Donnelly started his career in the Royal Air Force and has also worked for leading global financial services companies both in the UK and Dubai.  

"BLG already has the key markers for success – excellent professionals, a collaborative environment, a significant national footprint and diverse practice areas," commented Phil Donnelly, Chief Talent Officer at BLG. "I am delighted to be at a firm with a high calibre of committed legal and business services professionals. I plan to build on those strengths to develop a talent strategy to ensure we continue to retain and attract the top talent in the legal services market."

About Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is a leading, national, full-service Canadian law firm focusing on business law, commercial litigation and arbitration, and intellectual property solutions for our clients. BLG is the country's largest law firm with more than 725 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals in five cities across Canada. We assist clients with their legal needs, from major litigation to financing to trademark and patent registration.

Calgary | Montréal | Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver
Lawyers | Patent & Trademark Agents | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership.

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SOURCE Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

For further information: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Eusis Dougan-McKenzie, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, [email protected], 416.350.2676; Lisa Bodnar, Environics Communications Inc., [email protected], 416.969.2831; Carolyne Lord, Capital Image, [email protected], 514.739.1188 ext.249