Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Halifax, Nova Scotia
McInnes Cooper stands as one of Canada's most trusted legal institutions, built on over 160 years of unwavering commitment to client success. Our team of more than 400 professionals, including 200+ lawyers, delivers tailored legal solutions across seven strategic locations in Atlantic Canada. With deep expertise in corporate law, litigation, regulatory compliance, and specialized industry sectors, we combine regional insight with global reach through our Lex Mundi network membership.Our collaborative approach ensures clients receive strategic counsel that anticipates challenges and creates value, supported by a culture of innovation and continuous professional development. Recognized as Regional Law Firm of the Year and consistently ranked among Canada's Best Law Firms, we maintain rigorous standards of excellence while prioritizing community impact through our Collective Social Responsibility initiatives.
Services
Aboriginal Law
Administrative Law
Banking Law
Bankruptcy Services
Business Disputes
Corporate Law
Environmental Law
Health Law
Immigration Law
Labour Law
Highlights and features
- 160+ years of legal expertise in Atlantic Canada's unique regulatory landscape
- Exclusive Lex Mundi membership for seamless global legal solutions
- Client-centric approach with dedicated industry-focused legal teams
- Recognized as Regional Law Firm of the Year by Lexpert Canadian Law Awards
- Award-winning pro bono program and community engagement initiatives
Associations and certifications
- Lex Mundi
- Great Place to Work
- Best Law Firms Canada
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Client-focused approach
Industry-leading knowledge
Timely service delivery
Award-winning team
Services
Aboriginal Law
Our Aboriginal Law team provides strategic counsel to First Nations communities and private sector clients on major project development, commercial transactions, and governance matters. We specialize in renewable energy projects, mining operations, and marine infrastructure negotiations while offering comprehensive support for treaty rights, consultation strategies, and Indigenous economic development initiatives. With deep experience in both litigation and transactional work, we help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and build sustainable partnerships.
Bankruptcy Services
Our Insolvency & Restructuring Group handles complex cross-border insolvency matters and domestic restructuring cases. We represent creditors and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings, receiverships, and CCAA filings while providing strategic advice on asset recovery and debt financing structures. With expertise in Chapter 15 filings and Caribbean proceedings, we deliver practical solutions for multinational insolvency challenges while maintaining our Client Satisfaction Guarantee for Atlantic Canada transactions.
Corporate Law
We provide comprehensive corporate legal services covering mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities compliance. Our team advises on cross-border transactions, private equity investments, and corporate reorganizations while maintaining specialized expertise in ESG compliance and regulatory matters. With dedicated practice groups for technology startups and established corporations, we offer tailored solutions that align with evolving business needs and international regulatory requirements.
Environmental Law
Our Environmental Law practice addresses regulatory compliance, climate change mitigation, and sustainability initiatives for industrial clients. We specialize in environmental assessments, contaminated site remediation, and regulatory defense while providing strategic counsel on ESG reporting requirements and carbon market participation. Our team combines technical expertise with policy insight to help clients navigate evolving environmental regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Labour Law
The Labour & Employment Law Group offers strategic workplace solutions for employers and employees. We handle collective bargaining, workplace safety compliance, and employment standards while providing proactive advice on workplace policies and human rights accommodations. Our team includes certified mediators and experienced litigators who help clients resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or court proceedings while maintaining operational continuity.
People
Kevin Kiley
Managing Partner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Kevin Kiley leads McInnes Cooper's strategic direction while maintaining an active practice in corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Recognized as one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs, he focuses on delivering client-centric legal solutions while driving firm innovation initiatives.
Adrienne Mercer
Partner
Specializing in Aboriginal Law, Adrienne Mercer advises First Nations communities on economic development and resource projects. With extensive experience in Indigenous consultation strategies, she helps clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks while building sustainable partnerships in renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.
James R. Gogan
Partner
A leading practitioner in Aboriginal Law, James Gogan represents Indigenous clients in major project development and commercial transactions. His expertise includes treaty rights negotiations and Indigenous governance matters, with particular focus on offshore wind and hydro-electricity projects across Atlantic Canada.
Michelle Awad
Partner
Recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 Female Litigators, Michelle Awad specializes in complex business disputes and appellate advocacy. She represents corporate clients in high-stakes litigation while serving as an arbitrator and mediator for commercial disputes across multiple jurisdictions.
Stephen Kingston
Partner
Banking Law specialist Stephen Kingston advises financial institutions and corporate clients on complex financing transactions. With expertise in syndicated loans and cross-border financings, he leads the firm's practice in structured finance and secured transactions while maintaining active involvement in industry regulatory matters.
Questions
What areas of law does McInnes Cooper specialize in?
We provide comprehensive legal services across 30+ practice areas including corporate law, litigation, Aboriginal law, environmental regulation, and labour relations, with specialized expertise in Atlantic Canada's key industries.
How long has McInnes Cooper been in business?
Since 1859, we've provided continuous legal services to clients across Atlantic Canada and globally, making us one of Canada's oldest and most experienced law firms.
Do you serve international clients?
As Atlantic Canada's exclusive Lex Mundi member, we provide seamless global legal solutions through our network of 21,000+ lawyers in 100+ countries while maintaining local expertise.
What makes your firm different from other law firms?
Our combination of regional insight, global connections, and industry-specific knowledge delivers tailored legal solutions that anticipate client needs while maintaining our Client Satisfaction Guarantee.
Are you recognized for legal excellence?
Yes, we've been named Regional Law Firm of the Year, ranked in Best Law Firms Canada, and recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Best Law Firms for 2025.
