Bernard focuses his practice on fund formation and investments, drawing on his extensive experience and keen market insight to counsel clients on all aspects of negotiating, structuring, and investing in funds in Canada and internationally. He advises both sponsors and institutional investors on all aspects of private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure funds, as well as the formation of and investment by funds of funds.
In the fund investment side of his practice, Bernard has represented private equity funds, investment firms, financial services companies, and pension plans, including BDC Capital, HarbourVest Partners, Investment Management Corporation of Ontario, Northleaf Capital Partners, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, Saskatchewan’s Public Employees Benefits Agency, and Sun Life Financial. Bernard also counsels fund sponsors in all aspects of negotiating and forming their US and Canadian private equity funds. In addition, he advises Canadian banks and governmental pension plans in their investments in private equity funds worldwide.
Prior to joining Mintz, Bernard was a counsel at a major Canadian law firm, where he advised sponsors and institutional investors in all aspects of private equity, venture capital, and other funds. Earlier, as a counsel at a San Francisco–based firm, he advised clients on hedge fund and private equity formation. He also worked as an associate at two international law firms, where he handled capital markets and private equity matters.
In addition to his practice, Bernard is also active in the legal community and has been involved in drafting revisions to the Limited Partnerships Act (Ontario) as part of a sub-committee of the Ontario Bar Association.
News & Press
Mintz Ranked in 2025 Edition of Chambers Canada
September 26, 2024
Mintz announced that it has been ranked in the 2025 edition of Chambers Canada. The firm was rankedin both the Life Sciences and Cannabis Law categories. Six attorneys were also ranked in individual categories including Life Sciences, Private Equity, Investment Funds, Cannabis, and Pensions & Benefits.
Ten Mintz Attorneys Ranked as Leaders by Best Lawyers Canada 2025
September 03, 2024
Mintz is pleased to announce that ten Toronto Partners have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada©.
TORONTO- Mintz is pleased to announce the recognition of several attorneys in the Canadian Lawyer’s 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
High-Profile Toronto Real Estate Attorney Joins Mintz
December 18, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz continues its expansion in Toronto with the addition of Mervyn Allen who joins as a Partner and will launch the firm’s Real Estate practice in Canada.
Six Mintz Attorneys Ranked In Chambers Canada
September 28, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz announced today that six attorneys have been ranked in the 2024 edition of Chambers Canada, marking the first time the firm has been included in the guide.
Mintz Adds Strength To Cross-Border Corporate Practice
September 25, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz is set to further enhance its Debt Financing practice with the addition of Alex North, who joins as a Partner and will bolster the firm’s US and Canadian capabilities.
6 Mintz Attorneys Ranked as Leaders by Best Lawyers Canada 2024
August 25, 2023
Mintz is pleased to announce that six Toronto Partners have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada©.
Mintz Signs Sublease For Toronto Office
April 17, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz is pleased to announce that it has subleased the 28th floor at 200 Bay Street’s South Tower, an iconic pillar of Toronto's Financial District. The firm moved into the nearly 24,000 square feet of space on April 1, 2023.
Mintz Continues To Expand Leading Life Sciences And Private Equity Capabilities In Toronto
April 12, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz continues to grow in Canada and extend its market-leading life sciences and private equity capabilities. The addition of Partners Matthew Atkey and Brad Tartick, Special Counsel Bernard Kwasniewski and Of Counsel Matthew Imrie, will bolster Mintz’s premier capital markets, M&A, funds, and employment and pensions-focused practices.
Mintz Adds To Life Sciences, PE Team In Toronto
April 12, 2023
The arrival of Partners Matthew Atkey and Brad Tartick, Special Counsel Bernard Kwasniewski and Of Counsel Matthew Imrie was covered by The Deal. The article stated, "The new attorneys strengthen the firm’s life sciences and private equity capabilities in its Toronto office."
Mintz Continues Bay Street Legal Talent Raid, Hiring Four Lawyers From Torys, Dentons
April 12, 2023
The Globe and Mail featured the arrival of Partners Matthew Atkey and Brad Tartick, Special Counsel Bernard Kwasniewski and Of Counsel Matthew Imrie who will join Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson in the firm's Toronto office.
Law.com covered the arrival of Toronto Partners Matthew Atkey and Brad Tartick, Special Counsel Bernard Kwasniewski and Of Counsel Matthew Imrie.
Recognition & Awards
Chambers Canada: Investment Funds: Fund Formation (2021 – 2025)
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Private Equity (2019-2024), Investment Funds & Asset Management (2019 – 2023)
Who’s Who Legal: Global and National leading Canadian lawyer – Private Funds (2016 – 2022)
Lexology: “Client Choice Award” – Private Funds (2020)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Private Funds Law (2023 –2025)
Involvement
- Corporation Law Sub-Committee, Ontario Bar Association
- Business Law Section, Canadian Bar Association
Recent Insights
Mintz announced that it has been ranked in the 2025 edition of Chambers Canada. The firm was rankedin both the Life Sciences and Cannabis Law categories. Six attorneys were also ranked in individual categories including Life Sciences, Private Equity, Investment Funds, Cannabis, and Pensions & Benefits.
Mintz is pleased to announce that ten Toronto Partners have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada©.
TORONTO- Mintz is pleased to announce the recognition of several attorneys in the Canadian Lawyer’s 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
