Headquarters:
800 Rue du Square-Victoria #4300, Montreal, Quebec H3C 0B4
Year founded:
1954
Number of employees:
285
Phone:
514 866 6743
Email:
oracette@duntonrainville.com
Website:
duntonrainville.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/dunton-rainville
Jean-Jacques Rainville
President
Yanick Tanguay
Vice President
Aaron Makovka
Member of the Board
Leadership
Jean-Jacques Rainville began his legal career at the legal departments of the City of Montréal, followed by the City of Longueuil. He joined the firm now known as Dunton Rainville in 1981, becoming president of the board in 1990, a role he continues to exercise to this day. Under his leadership, Dunton Rainville has experienced sustained and strategic growth, evolving into one of Québec’s most prominent law firms. He has overseen the firm’s expansion in several key markets across the province, ensuring that growth remained aligned with the firm’s core values of legal excellence and client proximity.
President
Jean-Jacques Rainville
Yanick Tanguay is vice president of Dunton Rainville, where he serves as a key strategist and one of the principal architects of the firm’s long-term vision. A highly respected lawyer, he practises primarily in municipal law, labour and employment law, and administrative law. He is particularly well versed in municipal and public-sector issues, advising and representing municipal and supra-municipal bodies on territorial development and related environmental matters, including before the courts.
Vice President
Yanick Tanguay
Aaron Makovka specializes in labour, employment, and administrative law. A seasoned negotiator with recognized expertise in labour standards, employment contracts, grievance arbitration, and occupational health and safety, he regularly represents clients before labour tribunals, administrative bodies, and civil courts across Canada. Makovka is also a member of the firm’s board, where he actively contributes to strategic decision-making. In addition, he is an influential member of the international legal network SCG Legal, further strengthening the firm’s global reach and perspective.
Member of the Board
Aaron Makovka
Leadership
Leadership
Paul André Martel
Member of the Board
Paul André Martel practises primarily in banking law as well as commercial and transactional law. He regularly represents financial institutions in bankruptcy and insolvency matters and advises them on major financing and refinancing mandates involving share acquisitions and real estate projects. He has drafted numerous complex commercial agreements and is recognized for his ability to act on the most significant transactions. Martel also sits on the board of Dunton Rainville, reflecting his strategic insight and leadership.
Member of the Board
Paul André Martel
Marie Annik Walsh
Member of the Board
Marie Annik Walsh is a renowned family law practitioner in Québec with decades of experience advising and representing families before the courts. She has been actively involved with the Association des Avocats et Avocates en Droit Familial du Québec (AAADFQ) since 1998. Having assisted hundreds of clients, she is acutely aware of the legal and social impacts of separation, particularly regarding de facto unions. Her expertise extends to the new legislative framework governing de facto spouses and future parents introduced in June 2025. Walsh is a member of the board of Dunton Rainville, where she contributes directly to the firm’s strategic direction, and is frequently sought after by the media and parliamentary commissions.
Member of the Board
Marie Annik Walsh
Robert W. Crowder
Business Development Executive
Kerri Layne
Group Benefits Coordinator
Lindsay Gibson
Director, Sales and Business Development, Ontario
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Robert W. Crowder joined The Benefits Trust in 2017. After working in multiple roles spanning claims adjudication, account management, and underwriting, he joined the sales team in 2021. Since then, Crowder has been helping advisors and their clients design and implement creative and sustainable employee benefit plans.
He collaborates with professional insurance advisors to develop creative solutions for their clients, staying at the forefront of industry trends and regulations. His dedication to excellence and client satisfaction make him a valuable asset in the insurance industry.
Business Development Executive
Robert W. Crowder
With over 20 years of experience in group benefits, third-party administration, and the intricate processes of researching, designing, and developing both standard and non-standard benefits, Kerri Layne is a cornerstone of expertise at The Benefits Trust.
Joining the team in 2016, she has been instrumental in elevating The Benefits Trust’s offerings through her extensive technical knowledge in group life, health, and disability benefits. Her dedication and understanding continue to be invaluable assets to The Benefits Trust team.
Group Benefits Coordinator
Kerri Layne
Lindsay Gibson has over 17 years of experience in group benefits and third-party administration and is a valued member of The Benefits Trust. Extremely passionate and driven, she is always eager to help and develop group benefit plans that provide creativity, flexibility, and sustainability. She loves to build long-lasting relationships as they are the true foundation for any successful partnership.
Gibson is a co-founder of the NGBM (National Group Benefits Meeting), one of the hosts/chairs of the monthly Advisor Breakfast Club virtual meetings (for Group Benefits Advisors) and is a proud member of the CGIB (Canadian Group Insurance Brokers).
Director, Sales and Business Development, Ontario
Lindsay Gibson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Dunton Rainville LLP stands apart as a large law firm that is 100% Québec‑owned and based. It combines deep local roots with full-service capability to deliver practical legal guidance shaped by firsthand market knowledge.
Named to Canadian Lawyer’s Top 10 Quebec Regional Firms 2026–27, the firm has earned recognition for its regional presence and institutional depth while maintaining a culture defined by proximity, collaboration, and long-term client relationships.
Founded in 1954, Dunton Rainville has remained proudly Québec-based, an identity that shapes how the firm operates. With 135 lawyers and notaries working across seven markets, the firm positions itself close to the industries and communities it serves. That physical and professional presence allows its teams to respond quickly, understand local economic realities, and provide advice grounded in how business is conducted.
Vice president Yanick Tanguay says the firm’s defining strength lies in its ability to remain connected to clients’ day-to-day realities while delivering seasoned counsel. “Being on the ground is not a slogan for us, but a defining characteristic. Our presence across Québec allows us to stay closely connected to local business environments and respond quickly to our clients’ needs,” he says.
That proximity informs how Dunton Rainville differentiates itself in a competitive legal market. Lawyers are trained to look beyond the immediate mandate, identifying broader risks and opportunities while supporting longer-term decision-making.
Clients rely on the firm for answers to specific questions and guidance that integrates legal, operational, and strategic considerations. Complementary practices across major areas of law eliminate silos, enabling coordinated advice.
Leadership continuity has played a central role in sustaining this approach. President Jean-Jacques Rainville, marking 50 years as a member of the Québec Bar in 2026, has guided the firm since 1990, preserving its values while steering its strategic direction.
Alongside him is a board that includes municipal law authority Tanguay, banking law leader Paul André Martel, family law practitioner Marie-Annik Walsh, and labour law expert Aaron Makovka.
In recent years, the firm has concentrated on deliberate growth tied directly to client access. Two acquisitions in the Sherbrooke market expanded its footprint in the Eastern Townships and brought in lawyers with established ties to the regional business community.
“Our objective is not growth for its own sake, but growth that is relevant, sustainable, and aligned with our clients’ evolving needs,” Tanguay says.
Clients can expect proactive lawyers supported by a platform that spans local, regional, and Québec-wide mandates. Membership and strong influence in the global network SCG Legal further extends that reach, giving clients access to nearly 12,500 lawyers across 125 firms for national and international matters while preserving the advantages of a local adviser.
Recruitment and professional development reinforce the firm’s long-term outlook. Active partnerships with Québec law faculties, scholarships, and mentorship programs help attract candidates, while hands-on responsibility supports career growth.
Client satisfaction begins before the first mandate. Understanding each client’s ecosystem allows lawyers to anticipate needs and build trust, with repeat engagements the measure of success.
Dunton Rainville plans to deepen its strengths in business and commercial law while pursuing selective geographic expansion across Québec. The aim is purposeful development that keeps the firm connected to the business community.
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