News

Montréal, December 8, 2009 — McCarthy Tétrault is pleased to announce that Kim Thomassin will become the firm’s Regional Managing Partner, Québec Region — succeeding Marc-André Blanchard, who was recently appointed Chair and CEO. Both take on their new roles on January 1, 2010.

Based in Montréal, Ms. Thomassin will oversee the operations of McCarthy Tétrault’s Montréal and Québec City offices. She will also remain active in her practice, which focuses on project financing in the areas of energy and infrastructure, acquisition and financing, and commercial transactions. Over the last few years, Ms. Thomassin has been involved in a number of the most prominent Canadian and international transactions in these sectors.

"Kim is an exceptional lawyer whose career is driven by excellence, passion for her work, respect for her colleagues and clients, and an unparalleled team spirit," said W. Iain Scott, the current Chair and CEO of McCarthy Tétrault. "Whether she heads a multi-million-dollar client project, undertakes business development activities, or participates in fundraising for charitable organizations, Kim is one of the best ambassadors the firm could have — and a wonderful role model for professional women."

Ms. Thomassin won the support of the partnership for her exceptional management of the Québec City office over the last two years and her outstanding ability to create a culture of engagement. She will now play a central role in charting the firm through delivering more value to clients, fostering a culture of excellence and engagement, and creating a firm as diverse as its clients.

"I have the deepest respect for McCarthy Tétrault’s strong values and history of taking bold steps to better serve its clients," said Ms. Thomassin. "The legal industry is at a crossroad where we have to work together more than ever to offer our clients even greater value, exceptional legal services, and innovative solutions. I strongly believe that we can achieve this by focusing on our clients’ success and working together with them as a team. And I also strongly believe that our firm walks the talk."

A well-respected lawyer and leader within the Québec business community, Kim Thomassin was appointed Managing Partner of McCarthy Tétrault’s Québec City office in February 2008 — while continuing her practice full-time. Over a short period, she has succeeded in refocusing the office with the strategic priorities of the firm. She has also developed practice areas such as infrastructure and energy as well as corporate and transactional work, thus making McCarthy Tétrault’s Québec City office stronger and significantly raising its financial performance. As a member of McCarthy Tétrault’s Diversity Task Force, Ms. Thomassin is a great ambassador for one of the firm’s highest priorities — the advancement of women lawyers’ careers. A strong proponent of life-long growth and learning, she is a member of McCarthy Tétrault’s Professional Resources Committee. Ms. Thomassin received her BCL/LLB from Laval University in 1996, after completing a psychology minor at McGill University. She also studied at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Law. She was called to the Québec bar in 1996.

McCarthy Tétrault provides a broad range of legal services, advising on large and complex assignments for Canadian and international interests. The firm is well-established in major commercial centres across Canada and in London, UK.

Built on a unique model of collaboration, the firm brings its legal talent, industry knowledge and practice experience, wherever needed, to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.