Blakes Adds Matt McLeod as Partner in Defence Group

He has a military, business, technology, engineering, legal background Noting the significant investment in national security as a part of the federal government’s industrial strategy, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) announced the addition of Matthew McLeod as a Toronto-based partner in its defence practice. “We are delighted to welcome Matt to the Blakes partnership,” said Geoffrey Belsher, the firm’s chair, in a news release. “Matt has an excellent reputation grounded in legal expertise, practical counsel and his first-hand understanding of the Canadian defence ecosystem.” With a military, business, technology, engineering, and legal background, McLeod has held roles in private practice, the in-house context, executive leadership, and private and public companies. According to Blakes, clients can benefit from McLeod’s relationships in the defence sector and his knowledge of its commercial, operational, and regulatory aspects. His legal experience has encompassed transactions, investments, and corporate matters. “I’m proud to start this next chapter of my career as part of the Blakes team, helping clients succeed in a rapidly evolving Canadian defence landscape,” McLeod said in the firm’s news release . McLeod’s biography on the firm’s website and his LinkedIn profile provide more information regarding his professional experience and educational background. At Dickinson Wright in Toronto, he began serving as a partner in January 2025 and as of counsel in March 2023. Also in Ontario, McLeod worked as chief executive officer of Superette from 2022–23, as president of Cannoe Cannabis from 2021–22, and as chair, president, and CEO of Maricann Inc from 2020–21. At Wayland in Toronto, he served as CEO and president from 2019–20 and as general counsel and vice president for operations and compliance from 2018–19. At Sigma Systems in Toronto, McLeod was VP for legal and compliance and legal counsel from 2017–18. At UGO Mobile Solutions L.P. in the Greater Toronto Area, he also acted as legal counsel from 2016–17. From 2015–16, he worked as an associate at the Law Offices of Robert C. Edwards and Peter T. Hollinger. At Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, he served as an associate from 2013–15 and as a student-at-law from 2011–13. McLeod was an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. He gained admission to the New York bar in 2014 and to the Ontario bar in 2013. He received his JD from Western University in 2012. From the Royal Military College of Canada, he earned his MBA in 2009 and his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2007. Here are some other announcements regarding hires at Blakes. In March, the firm announced the appointment of Brenda Doig in Toronto to oversee its programs and initiatives seeking to support and empower women. Last December, Blakes highlighted the addition of Andrew Boyd as a Toronto-based partner in its tax controversy and litigation group. In October 2025, the firm added Vivek Bakshi and Jamie Thomas as partners in its power group in Toronto. Enjoy this story? Read the latest Ontario law news on the main page!