Headquarters:

135 Queens Plate Drive, Suite 600, Toronto, ON

Year founded:

1973

Number of partners and employees:

134 staff and 116 lawyers

Phone:

416 746 4710

Email:

sscimmi@ln.law

Website:

LN.Law

LinkedIn:

ca.linkedin.com/company/loopstra-nixon-llp

“Everything we do as an organization is to serve our agents in a meaningful way, which is to provide industry-leading insurance solutions when they need them the most”

Mark Maher, Jencap

LOOPSTRA NIXON LLP

Peter Saad

Managing Partner

Allan Ritchie

Partner and Chair

Bobbi-Ann Wallace

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Leadership

As the newly appointed managing partner, Peter Saad leads Loopstra Nixon’s strategic direction and growth. He advises on mergers and acquisitions (M&As), financing, real estate transactions, and corporate advisory matters, with a particular focus on Ontario’s corporate healthcare sector. Holding both a JD from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Strategic Marketing, Saad combines legal and business expertise to provide practical, results-oriented counsel. A frequent keynote speaker in Canada and the US, he has been recognized in Chambers Canada for 2023, 2024, and 2025. 

Managing Partner

Peter Saad

As partner and chair, Allan Ritchie plays a pivotal role in shaping Loopstra Nixon’s long-term success. Serving as managing partner for eight years, he led the firm through significant growth and market expansion, ensuring its durability and strength for the future. His practice covers corporate law, taxation, M&A, finance, real estate, and wealth management. Ritchie is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurial families, private businesses, and international investors, handling complex transactions and cross-border matters. Recognized as a Top 25 Most Influential Lawyer by Canadian Lawyer, he was also named 2024 Managing Partner of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards. 

Partner and Chair

Allan Ritchie

Bobbi-Ann Wallace advises clients on corporate and commercial matters, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations. Called to the bar in Ontario and Alberta, she develops practical solutions for tax-driven and liability-minimizing transactions. Wallace leads the firm’s merger review team and regularly advises on transactions under the Competition Act. She represents multinational companies, private equity groups, family businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits, with a strong focus on the transportation, logistics, automotive, and technology sectors. As a member of the Executive Committee, Wallace contributes to the firm’s strategic planning and leadership.

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Bobbi-Ann Wallace

“Everything we do as an organization is to serve our agents in a meaningful way, which is to provide industry-leading insurance solutions when they need them the most”

Mark Maher, Jencap

“Our team has successfully executed on an aggressive acquisition and integration plan over the last few years, which has contributed greatly to our strong market position”

John Jennings, Jencap

Read on

Award Winner

Leadership

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

“Our team has successfully executed on an aggressive acquisition and integration plan over the last few years, which has contributed greatly to our strong market position”

John Jennings, Jencap

“Everything we do as an organization is to serve our agents in a meaningful way, which is to provide industry-leading insurance solutions when they need them the most”

Mark Maher, Jencap

Read on

Award Winner

Leadership

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Graham Phoenix

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Graham Phoenix founded and leads the firm’s bankruptcy, insolvency, and restructuring group and is a member of the Executive Committee. He advises on refinancings, reorganizations, distressed investments, security enforcement, and restructuring matters under both federal and provincial statutes. Phoenix has significant cross-border experience and has appeared before all levels of Ontario courts, the Supreme Court of Canada, and the US Bankruptcy Court. In addition to insolvency matters, he also advises on corporate transactions, lending, and directors’ liability.

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Graham Phoenix

Ian S. Scarlett

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Ian S. Scarlett has over two decades of experience advising mid-market businesses and high-net-worth individuals on complex corporate matters. His practice focuses on corporate reorganizations, M&As, corporate finance, joint ventures, and governance. Scarlett has extensive experience working with owner-operated and public companies in Canada and assisting foreign businesses with inbound Canadian legal needs. He has advised clients in transportation, logistics, automotive, technology, and electric vehicle infrastructure, helping businesses scale from start-ups to established enterprises.  A former managing partner of Loopstra Nixon, Scarlett played a key role in shaping the firm’s direction and continues to contribute to strategic planning and firm leadership as a member of the Executive Committee.

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Ian S. Scarlett

Loopstra Nixon is a team of client-focused lawyers shaping the future of business and public law in Canada. It delivers high-calibre legal solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. It ranked among Ontario’s top 10 law firms on Canadian Lawyer’s prestigious list for 2025–26. The firm partners with businesses across Ontario, playing a pivotal role in advising and driving decisions that shape the province’s mid-market economy. “Our work helps businesses grow, navigate challenges, and seize new opportunities, contributing to the broader economic landscape,” says Allan Ritchie, chair of the firm. Loopstra Nixon thrives on momentum. The firm challenges, supports, and empowers its people to grow, creating an environment where high achievers do their best work. Its consistent success comes from dedication, hard work, and a refusal to settle. Whether tackling complex legal challenges, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, or pushing for more innovative solutions, the firm is always moving forward. Operationally, Loopstra Nixon is anything but conventional, growing and evolving by combining the power of a full-service firm with the speed, adaptability, and creativity that modern businesses demand. “Clients don’t come to us for off-the-shelf answers. They seek us out because we challenge the norm, cut through complexity, and uncover opportunities where others see roadblocks,” says partner Steven Ferri. The firm’s leadership team drives its growth, expanding into key markets and embracing innovation to stay ahead. They cultivate an environment where people thrive, developing talent, encouraging bold ideas, and setting high expectations. Loopstra Nixon is intentional about how it scales, ensuring it stays agile and responsive while continuing to deliver the high-quality service its clients expect. “When clients work with us, they get more than legal advice. They’re getting a strategic partner,” says Peter Saad, managing partner. “We take the time to understand their business, challenges, and goals, so we’re always one step ahead.” With a strong reputation for delivering tangible business results, the firm takes a proactive, strategic approach to anticipating challenges, providing bold, business-focused solutions, and building long-term partnerships based on trust and expertise. Just as important, Loopstra Nixon invests in its people, offering mentorship and career development to help them thrive. With the smart use of technology and a diverse, dynamic team, every move pushes the firm forward, creating better client results and opportunities for its people. Deep client relationships, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence drive the firm’s success, as well as the following factors that set it apart:

“Our team has successfully executed on an aggressive acquisition and integration plan over the last few years, which has contributed greatly to our strong market position”

John Jennings, Jencap

JA Sandy Nixon

Founding Partner and Executive Committee Member

Steven C. Ferri

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Samantha Scimmi

Chief Operating Officer

Pat Carrano

Chief Financial Officer

Sandy Nixon is a founding partner of Loopstra Nixon. His practice focuses on M&As, corporate finance, and tax and succession planning. Nixon represents both lenders and borrowers, handling complex financing structures across industries. He also assists corporations and private individuals with wealth management, tax-driven reorganizations, and business transitions. In addition to his legal practice, Nixon plays a key role in the firm’s national and international relationships. As a member of the Executive Committee, he contributes to the firm’s strategic planning and growth.

Founding Partner and Executive Committee Member

JA Sandy Nixon

Steven C. Ferri is a partner in the firm’s Municipal, Land Use Planning and Development Law Group and a member of the Executive Committee. He advises public and private sector clients on planning, environmental, and municipal matters, including expropriation, by-law compliance, and election law. Ferri represents municipalities, private companies, electricity generators, and real estate developers on a wide range of development and regulatory matters. He has appeared before municipal authorities and tribunals, including the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Conservation Review Board, and municipal councils.

Partner and Executive Committee Member

Steven C. Ferri

As chief operating officer, Samantha Scimmi leads Loopstra Nixon’s operational strategy, ensuring the firm runs efficiently and effectively. Since joining in 2015, she has played a key role in streamlining operations, enhancing client services, and fostering a high-performance culture across all departments.  Scimmi focuses on process optimization, resource management, and firm-wide initiatives that support the firm’s long-term success. A member of the senior leadership team, she works closely with firm leadership to drive strategic initiatives and create an environment where talent thrives. 

Chief Operating Officer

Samantha Scimmi

Pat Carrano is the chief financial officer at Loopstra Nixon LLP, bringing over 35 years of finance experience in the legal sector. Since joining in 2019, he has played a key role in modernizing financial operations and ensuring fiscal stability. As CFO, Carrano oversees financial strategy, risk management, and operational planning. A long-time member of TLOMA, he currently serves as president of the board and has previously held roles as finance SIG leader and vice president.

Chief Financial Officer

Pat Carrano

Chief Financial Officer

Pat Carrano

Chief Financial Officer

Pat Carrano

“Despite the challenging claims environment, QBE’s coverage and risk appetite have remained consistent. Brokers and customers know and understand our risk appetite and the cover we offer, providing them with certainty for the future,” says Erica Kofie, head of cyber proposition. “We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions.” Kofie adds, “Through 2022, QBE successfully delivered significant growth in the cyber sector, reflecting the depth and strength of our team. We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations.”

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Read on

IB Top Brokerages

Award Winner

Earlene Huntley

Group Chief Financial Officer

Melissa Abramowitz

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer

Melissa Abramowitz has been practicing corporate and commercial law for over 20 years, with an emphasis on the financial services industry. She joined CAA Club Group in 2014, and currently serves as the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer of CCG and its affiliated companies. At CCG, Melissa provides strategic legal advice on a broad range of matters including corporate governance, licensing, distribution, marketing and advertising, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (B.CL) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from McGill University and a Certificate in Regulatory Compliance for Financial Institutions from Osgoode.

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer

Melissa Abramowitz

Earlene Huntley joined CAA in 2014 as director, tax and was promoted to AVP, tax in 2016, and to her current role as group chief financial officer of CAA Club Group in February 2017. In her role, she is responsible for all aspects of finance. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies where she earned her BSc. Accounting (Hons) and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom.

Group Chief Financial Officer

Earlene Huntley

Simon Williams

Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955

Simon Williams

Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955

Group Chief Financial Officer

Earlene Huntley

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer

Melissa Abramowitz

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer

Earlene Huntley

Group Chief Financial Officer

Earlene Huntley

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer

Melissa Abramowitz

“Our thriving agency partnerships, long-tenured carrier relationships and strong leadership team are proof of Jencap’s values-centric work environment,” says Mark Maher, president of Jencap. “Everything we do as an organization is to serve our agents in a meaningful way, which is to provide industry-leading insurance solutions when they need them the most. Our brokers internally work very collaboratively. We check our egos at the door and work together to set our agency partners and their clients up for success by leveraging each other’s geographic expertise, carrier relationships and contracts, and technical expertise,” he adds. Jencap’s areas of specialization include environmental; workers’ compensation; property; construction; habitational/real estate; transportation/garage; cannabis; cyber, management, and professional liability; manufacturing; healthcare; and many more.

Jencap is committed to employing innovative enterprise-wide technology solutions that support their underwriters in making more timely and effective risk decisions. As such, they launched Two Sigma Insurance Quantified’s SubmissionIQ in 2022. SubmissionIQ equips their underwriters with the data they need to make smart and strategic risk assessments, further supporting them in implementing best-in-class business processes. The common thread woven through Jencap’s success is its people, as they have the best brokers and support staff in the industry. Fun fact: 20% of Jencap’s staff are employee equity holders. They don’t just say that their team members “own it” – they really do! This adds a unique layer of commitment and dedication to their job and the company’s success. “Our team has successfully executed on an aggressive acquisition and integration plan over the last few years, which has contributed greatly to our strong market position. Each acquisition has provided geographic expansion, new market access, exclusive programs and niche specialization,” says Jencap Chief Executive Officer John Jennings. To date, they have acquired 19 companies and rebranded 10 of those companies to Jencap. Click here for more information on Jencap.

Medal

Hospitality

Fast Starter

Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance

Turnaround time – claims

BDM support

Broker communication, training and development

Overall service level

BDM support

Medal

Overall service level

Broker communication, training and development

BDM support

Turnaround time – claims

Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance

Hospitality

Fast Starter

Medal

Overall service level

Broker communication, training and development

BDM support

Turnaround time – claims

Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance

Hospitality

Fast Starter

building partnerships strategic, proactive approach referral-driven growth efficiency and expertise exceeding expectations

“Our priorities are clear: strengthen our market leadership, deepen our expertise, and remain the firm of choice for businesses that need legal advisors who move at their pace,” notes Saad. “Our target is to continue redefining what a law firm can be – bold, agile, aligned, and audacious in everything we do.” Loopstra Nixon’s key practice areas include banking and financial services, business law, litigation and dispute resolution, municipal and land use planning, real estate, labour and employment, franchising law, technology and intellectual property, wills, trusts and estates, and bankruptcy, insolvency, and restructuring. It serves clients across Canada and globally through its network of affiliates at LawExchange International.