Blake Cassels Graydon: Matt McLeod Joins Defence Partner

• Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP has appointed Matthew McLeod as a Toronto-based partner in its defence practice.
• McLeod brings a diverse background including military service, executive leadership, and extensive legal experience across various sectors.
• His expertise in the defence sector's commercial, operational, and regulatory aspects is expected to benefit clients amidst significant federal investment in national security.
• McLeod's prior roles include executive positions at Superette, Cannoe Cannabis, and Maricann Inc, alongside legal roles at Dickinson Wright, Wayland, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
• This hire aligns with Blakes' recent strategic growth, which includes other significant partner additions across different practice groups.

His expertise in the defence sector's commercial, operational, and regulatory aspects is expected to benefit clients amidst significant federal investment in national security.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) has announced the appointment of Matthew McLeod as a Toronto-based partner within its defence practice. This strategic move comes amidst significant federal government investment in national security, forming a key component of Canada's industrial strategy. The firm highlighted McLeod's distinguished reputation, which is built upon his legal expertise, practical advisory skills, and a deep, first-hand understanding of the Canadian defence ecosystem.

Geoffrey Belsher, the firm's chair, expressed enthusiasm for McLeod's arrival, noting his valuable contributions. McLeod himself conveyed his pride in joining the Blakes team, stating his commitment to assisting clients in navigating the complexities of Canada's rapidly evolving defence landscape. His integration is expected to bolster the firm's capabilities in a sector experiencing considerable growth and transformation.

Matthew McLeod brings a remarkably diverse professional background to his new role, encompassing military service, business leadership, technology, engineering, and extensive legal experience. His career trajectory has included significant positions in private practice, in-house legal departments, and executive leadership roles across both private and public companies. This varied experience positions him uniquely to advise clients on a broad spectrum of issues.

Prior to joining Blakes, McLeod held several prominent roles. He was a partner at Dickinson Wright in Toronto from January 2025, having served as of counsel there since March 2023. His executive leadership experience includes serving as CEO of Superette from 2022 to 2023, President of Cannoe Cannabis from 2021 to 2022, and Chair, President, and CEO of Maricann Inc from 2020 to 2021. Earlier, at Wayland in Toronto, he was CEO and President from 2019 to 2020, and General Counsel and Vice President for operations and compliance from 2018 to 2019. His in-house legal career also includes roles as VP for legal and compliance and legal counsel at Sigma Systems in Toronto from 2017 to 2018, and legal counsel at UGO Mobile Solutions L.P. in the Greater Toronto Area from 2016 to 2017. McLeod's foundational private practice experience includes an associate position at the Law Offices of Robert C. Edwards and Peter T. Hollinger from 2015 to 2016, and earlier as an associate from 2013 to 2015 and a student-at-law from 2011 to 2013 at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. He is a former officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, was admitted to the New York bar in 2014, and the Ontario bar in 2013. His academic credentials include a JD from Western University in 2012, an MBA from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2009, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the same institution in 2007.

McLeod's comprehensive background is particularly valuable given the current landscape of the defence sector. His extensive network of relationships within this industry, combined with his deep understanding of its commercial, operational, and regulatory intricacies, is expected to provide significant advantages for Blakes' clients. This expertise is crucial for businesses operating within a highly regulated and strategically important domain.

His legal experience spans critical areas such as transactions, investments, and various corporate matters, all of which are central to the operations of defence-related enterprises. The firm anticipates that clients will benefit directly from his ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges, especially as the federal government continues its substantial investment in national security initiatives under its industrial strategy.

The addition of Blake Cassels Graydon Matt McLeod defence partner is part of a broader pattern of strategic expansion at Blakes. The firm has made several other key appointments recently, underscoring its commitment to strengthening various practice areas and initiatives. In March, Brenda Doig was appointed in Toronto to lead programs aimed at supporting and empowering women within the firm.

Last December, Blakes welcomed Andrew Boyd as a Toronto-based partner in the tax controversy and litigation group. Looking ahead, the firm has also announced the addition of Vivek Bakshi and Jamie Thomas as partners in its power group in Toronto, effective October 2025. These hires collectively demonstrate Blakes' ongoing efforts to enhance its service offerings and leadership across diverse legal fields.

Source: Reporting based on recent firm announcements