Headquarters:
140 Fullarton Street, Suite 1800, London, ON, N6A 5P2
Year founded:
1998
Number of partners and employees:
152
Phone:
519 672 5666
Email:
matthew.villeneuve@mckenzielake.com
Website:
mckenzielake.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/mckenzielake
“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
McKENZIE LAKE LAWYERS LLP
Matthew Villeneuve
Managing Partner
James Elsley
Associate Managing Partner
Bobbi-Ann Wallace
Partner and Executive Committee Member
Leadership
Before joining McKenzie Lake and leading its family law department, Matthew Villeneuve practiced family law in London, ON, at full-service and boutique firms, developing creative solutions for clients.
Named associate managing partner in 2020 and managing partner in 2023, Villeneuve now leads the firm’s strategic initiatives with a client-focused approach. His deep understanding of client needs drives his leadership, ensuring the firm remains committed to delivering effective and efficient legal solutions.
Managing Partner
Matthew Villeneuve
James Elsley, a partner and experienced real estate development and business lawyer, advises on real property transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, and secured lending.
Elsley guides high-profile developers, business owners, and major lenders through complex legal matters with a client-focused approach. Named associate managing partner in 2023, Elsley helps lead the firm’s strategic initiatives.
Associate Managing Partner
James Elsley
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
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“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
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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
Founded in 1998 through the merger of two long-standing firms with roots dating back to the 1930s, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP has grown into one of Southwestern Ontario’s most respected law firms.
With offices in London and Guelph, the firm is known for its expertise across a broad range of business, personal, and family law practice areas, delivering outstanding legal solutions with a client-focused approach.
Beyond legal excellence, McKenzie Lake is deeply committed to community involvement, supporting many initiatives and organizations such as Joan’s Place, Ronald McDonald House, and Community Fridge London.
With a collaborative approach to legal services and a steadfast dedication to its clients and community, McKenzie Lake Lawyers continues to create meaningful impact.
Ranked among Ontario’s Top 10 Regional Law Firms by Canadian Lawyer Magazine for the fourth time, McKenzie Lake is proud to stand alongside other distinguished firms that share a commitment to legal excellence and client service.
“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
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
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
“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.”
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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
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
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
Melissa Abramowitz
General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy Officer
Earlene Huntley
Group Chief Financial Officer
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
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
“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.
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Hospitality
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Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Turnaround time – claims
BDM support
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BDM support
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.