In 1973, three young lawyers established Heenan Blaikie. It would become one of Canada's highest-profile law firms, counting former prime ministers, premiers, and Supreme Court justices in its ranks. It was like a family, according to many who worked there. But it was a dysfunctional family. In 2014, the firm's dramatic collapse became front-page news.

Based on extensive interviews with firm lawyers and legal industry insiders, Heenan Blaikie is the story of a respected law firm that ultimately buckled under weak governance and management. Heenan Blaikie seemed to punch above its weight: bilingual, humane, national with international aspirations. But beneath its unique culture as a kinder, gentler law firm lay workplace bullying, challenges for women and visible minority lawyers, and sexual harassment.

Adam Dodek, an unbiased outsider, situates the firm's evolution within the context of a changing legal profession and society, producing an account that is gripping from beginning to end.

Adam has been a Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, Common Law Section since 2008.  He is an author and editor with more than 50 book chapters and journal articles, and he has written/edited 11 books. His book The Canadian Constitution, 2d ed. (Dundurn, 2016) was named one of the top books on Canadian Public Policy by the Hill Times and his book Solicitor-Client Privilege was the winner of the Walter Owen Book Prize.

Join us on December 5 for a fascinating discussion!

Book can be purchased from McNally's or Amazon.