Law Times

Law Times • November 7, 2011 FOCUS Pair leaves McCarthys to start boutique Firm among few big players with family law practice BY KENDYL SEBESTA Law Times T ransitioning from the law fi rm they've collec- tively dedicated more than 45 years of their legal ca- reers to will be a "very happy" and "natural" move for two To- ronto lawyers, says McCarthy Tétrault LLP litigation group partner Gerry Sadvari. Sadvari and Stephen Grant, also at McCarthys, will open their independent practice in January 2012. Th e move will mark a decade since they began working together at McCar- thys, one of the few big fi rms to maintain a family law practice. Both will continue as litiga- tion counsel in their new prac- tice, with Sadvari planning to focus on mediation and arbi- tration services and family law, particularly in matters involv- ing complex fi nancial issues. Grant, too, will focus on family litigation and mediation and arbitration services. Sadvari says the pair realized it was "the right time" for the transition as they looked ahead to the future and notes he's looking forward to focusing on the "very rewarding" aspects of mediation and arbitration. "Mediation and arbitration are very rewarding to me per- sonally because you get to see people come to a resolution peacefully," he says. "In media- tion, you have to understand people and what they need and want to help them. You're more involved in helping them through the whole process. I'm hoping to do more in that re- gard in the new practice." Sadvari joined McCarthys in 1978 and has been a partner in its litigation group since 1984. During his time there, Sadvari's practice has focused largely on family law and complex fi nan- cial issues. Grant has been a partner in McCarthys' litiga- tion group for more than a de- cade, focusing on civil matters, estates, family litigation, and professional liability cases. "It wasn't a forced move at all," says Sadvari of the new fi rm. "Ac- tually, it was a very happy one. Law was changing very quickly during the 1970s, especially in terms of family law reform, and I saw it as a way to help people. It allowed me to deal with diffi cult and complex situations while try- ing to fi nd a way to minimize the less enjoyable parts of that pro- cess for clients." Sadvari notes he's looking forward to making the transi- tion from one of the "last large fi rms with a family law prac- tice" to what he hopes is more direct work with clients in the future. "Mediation is a large and growing fi eld," he says. "I think good things will come from it. With family law, it seems some- times it works and sometimes it doesn't. Th ere's not as much case management in the courts Argosy_LT_Nov7_11.indd 1 'It wasn't a forced move at all,' says Gerry Sadvari. could discourage people from going to court. But this could also be a good thing from the standpoint of mediation and arbitration." Sadvari and Grant have worked on several precedent- setting family law cases dur- ing their time at McCarthys, including the 2004 matter in- volving David Debora, a To- ronto millionaire ordered to pay his wife nearly $12 million. Th e amount represented one of the largest awards in Canadian family law litigation. Of the 10 largest Canadian fi rms listed by Lexpert this year, four noted family law in their areas of expertise. Lawyers say that's not surprising given that most large fi rms tend to focus on more lucrative areas like corporate law while remaining family practitioners move on to smaller practices or retire. "Stephen is approaching 65 now, so he's probably coming up to retirement age and start- ing to get to a point in his ca- reer where he's thinking about his future that way, so the move makes sense from that point of view, too," says David Leonard, TRUST you're putting your reputation on the line. It's all about trust well placed. by comparison, and Toronto doesn't seem to have other provinces' advantages, which a partner in McCarthys' litiga- tion group. Nevertheless, Leonard says one thing will remain the same even as Sadvari and Grant make the transition to their new fi rm in the coming months. "Th ey'll always be a part of the McCarthy family," he says. PAGE 15 ALEKS MLADENOVIC | RICHARD HALPERN | SLOAN MANDEL Since 1936 Thomson, Rogers has built a strong, trusting, and collegial relationship with hundreds of lawyers across the province. As a law firm specializing in civil litigation, we have a record of accomplishment second to none. With a group of 30 litigators and a support staff of over 100 people, we have the resources to achieve the best possible result for your client. Moreover, we are exceptionally fair when it comes to referral fees. We welcome the chance to speak or meet with you about any potential referral. We look forward to creating a solid relationship with you that will benefit the clients we serve. YOUR ADVANTAGE, in and out of the courtroom. TF: 1.888.223.0448 T: 416.868.3100 W: www.thomsonrogers.com Untitled-2 1 4/6/11 2:31:49 PM Is your client ready for a newpartner? The Succession Fund™buys shares from selling shareholders in owner-operated businesses. For more information call Larry Klar, (416) 867-8090 or e-mail klar@argosypartners.com www.successionfund.com www.lawtimesnews.com 11-10-28 12:17 PM ™Argosy Partners Ltd.

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• Justicia Extended
• Texting Dangers
• Focus On Family Law