We believe that great leaders build teams where standout performers flourish and collaborate. They foster a culture where excellence thrives and mentorship matters. Great leaders recognize that diverse perspectives drive creativity and innovation.

Blakes takes pride in developing leaders of this kind at all levels of our organization.

Our Firm Chair, Geoff Belsher, drives forward strategic vision, long-term planning and leadership for the Firm, including overall responsibility for client relationships, lawyer development and performance. Geoff motivates our professionals with a cohesive and relentless commitment to client service. In his practice, Geoff focuses on M&A, corporate finance and corporate governance. He advises on many of Canada’s most significant mergers and acquisitions and frequently acts as special counsel to boards of directors and special committees. Geoff is continually recognized as one of Canada’s leading business lawyers.

Bryson Stokes became Firm Managing Partner at Blakes in January 2020, after holding several key roles and serving as a strategic adviser to the Firm’s leadership team. He is well recognized both internally and by his clients as a thoughtful and astute businessperson and an inclusive leader. Throughout his career, Bryson has served as a mentor and sounding board for both rising stars within the Firm and his peers. An early adopter who embraces innovation, Bryson looks to technology both to increase the efficiency of our work at Blakes and help facilitate change within client organizations. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is long-standing. He appreciates the imperative for diverse perspectives and dedicates considerable effort to fostering a workplace culture where individuals at all levels have a stake in the Firm’s strategic vision and work together to drive it forward.

In developing Firm policies and approaches, Bryson and Geoff draw upon the expertise of the Firm’s Executive Committee, partners and administrative executives.