Bennett Jones’ International Trade and Investment group is positioned in all aspects of international trade and investment law. Our members have a proven track record of expertise in all of the elements that comprise the regulation of international business, including market access for goods, services, intellectual property and investment. Our practice is also fully integrated with the firm’s extensive cross-border commercial, transactional, tax, banking and dispute settlement services.

The group was established with the objective of becoming best-of-class in Canada. We have formed our team by selective recruitment of proven leaders in all facets of the discipline at both the partner and associate levels, as well as senior advisors who bring the sound judgment necessary for strategic decision-making in the international business and regulatory arena.

Our experience spans domestic trade and investment laws, international rules and treaties, and international dispute settlement in trade and investment matters. Our depth allows us to offer the most comprehensive range of legal services in Canada in relation to international trade and investment regulation. Whether clients require advice on technical border issues or high-level trade policy, treaty negotiation or international relations matters, we are able to draw on our members’ unparalleled expertise in international business regulation to provide timely, practical and informed advice.

Our group includes several partners who are among the most highly-ranked and regarded international trade and investment, customs and commodity tax lawyers in Canada, a former Minister of Public Security (with responsibility for the Canada Border Services Agency), a former ambassador to the United States who was also one of the architects of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and a former Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada who was intimately involved in every major international initiative, trade negotiation or dispute involving Canada for more than a decade.

We provide advice and represent on matters involving:

- Customs and Border Administration
- Commodity Taxes
- Trade Remedies
- Trade Agreement, Policy and Negotiations
- Investment Treaties and Disputes
- Import and Export Controls
- Product Regulation and Standards
- Foreign Corrupt Practices
- Extraterritorial Measures and Claw-back Statutes
- Government Procurement and Bid Challenges
- International Trade and Energy

Founded in 1992 by U. C. Berkeley (Boalt Law School) graduate Jeffrey Wilens, the Law Center has successfully prosecuted numerous class and individual actions against payday loan companies, creditors, automobile dealerships, lending institutions, timeshare marketers, and other businesses for racketeering, consumer fraud, false advertising, unfair business practices, credit reporting and debt collection violations.

Typically, Mr. Wilens will represent the consumer in his or her dispute with the business for a small or no initial fee, and will thereafter pursue litigation as necessary on a contingency fee basis. If the consumer is successful, he or she will usually be reimbursed for any initial legal fees.

Examples of actual and potential recoveries by consumers can be found in the pending lawsuits and successful cases sections. It can be seen that the individual consumer can receive significant monetary compensation even in the case of relatively modest damages. Moreover, most consumer protection laws authorize a separate award of attorney's fees, which maximizes the consumer's recovery.