Edmonton—Dentons is pleased to announce that Heather Barnhouse, partner in the Firm’s Edmonton office, has been named a winner of Lexpert’s 2016 "Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40” award. This honour recognizes her proficiency in all aspects of corporate/commercial law, coupled with her exemplary leadership at Dentons, in the legal community and community at large.

“Heather is a very accomplished lawyer and a well-rounded individual who exemplifies the highest standards of the profession,” said Carman McNary, Q.C., Managing Partner of Dentons’ Edmonton office. “Her impressive corporate and commercial legal practice is built on practical advice, impressive responsiveness and a deep commitment to and understanding of her client’s needs and expectations. She is a highly sought-after resource by her clients, local entrepreneurs and business people, and of course her colleagues here.”

Heather complements her robust law practice at Dentons by mentoring articling students and junior associates whenever possible. She also coordinates the Firm’s involvement with the annual Negotiation Competition for University of Alberta law students , in association with the American Bar Association. Heather devotes many pro bono hours to clients and has volunteered her time to accompany Alberta Women Entrepreneurs on several trade missions to help them expand their businesses in the US.

Within the broader legal community, Heather has contributed extensively to the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education bar admission course, and recently joined the Women’s President Organization to gain greater understanding of the challenges women entrepreneurs face, better positioning her as a trusted advisor to those clients.

Dentons partners Matthew Fleming (Toronto) and Étienne Gadbois (Montréal) were also recognized by Lexpert as Rising Stars finalists. As Co-Chair of Dentons’ global Financial Services / Securities Litigation group, Matthew’s practice encompasses all aspects of commercial litigation with an emphasis on class actions, securities litigation and professional liability matters. Étienne, partner in Dentons’ Tax group, has a robust legal practice for which he has been recognized as an “Indirect Tax Leader” in Canada and around the globe. His outstanding reputation in the marketplace, combined with his comprehensive knowledge and impeccable track record, has made him a go-to person for all CRA- and Revenu Québec-related matters. Matthew and Étienne are highly sought-after speakers and authors on topics related to their respective areas of practice. They are active members in the community, and are both instrumental in various significant pro bono and mentorship initiatives at Dentons.

"Congratulations to our three colleagues on this important and richly-deserved recognition, " said Chris Pinnington, Dentons’ Canada Chief Executive Officer. "Their ongoing dedication to client service, legal excellence and charitable community activism reinforces Dentons’ success in attracting the best and brightest lawyers in the profession."

Lexpert’s “Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40” awards are highly competitive, bestowed to lawyers who are recognized leaders in their fields and team players with superior interpersonal skills, a strong business acumen, and a responsive attitude to change. This year’s winners and finalists, as determined by an advisory board comprised of Canada’s leading professionals, will be featured in the November/December 2016 issue of Lexpert, the business magazine for lawyers.

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Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com