Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 9 hen Tim Gilbert founded Gilbert’s LLP armed only with his briefcase and cell phone, it would have taken a leap of imagination to predict where the firm would be today. Working with a range of clients from start-ups to multinational corporations and governments, Gilbert’s boasts a team of more than 20 legal professionals. As the company’s founder, mentor, and gallant leader, Tim has taken on some of Canada’s largest disputes in the pharmaceutical and technology industries, while acting as a trusted advisor to major companies and investment funds across the country. Tim is renowned for his creative approaches to complex legal problems. As well as being a qualified litigator, he his constantly seeking to create value by monetising IP assets through licensing, joint ventures, or – where necessary – litigation. When in litigation, Tim strives to find innovative ways to fund matters, whether that’s by having skin in the game or by coming up with unique funding models. The acclaim Tim receives extends to his regulatory work as well, where he has successfully advocated for his clients’ interests before Canadian and US legislators, the US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, the Competition Bureau, and the US Federal Trade Commission. This respect extends beyond the border, too; while Canadian at heart, Tim has acted and continues to act on major cross border litigation. Also, with a strong knack for entrepreneurship, persuasion, leadership, and design, Tim is the former Chair of the Design Exchange, Canada’s national design museum, and he teaches at OCAD University. In terms of his firm, Gilbert’s, its creative solutions have carved out an international reputation, working with clients in industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, technology, entertainment, media, and energy. The firm’s award-winning Slingshot programme exists to help startups, growing companies, and non-profits get access to the critical legal help they need. Clients have access to practical legal advice in areas such as raising funds, incorporation, and the sale of a business. The subscription-based model recently received an award as Canada’s Most Innovative Service Offering. We ask Tim about the firm’s core values. He says, “Our core values are honesty, integrity, and respect. Our business is also guided by goals of fun, profitability, and excellence.” Many of Gilbert’s’ lawyers come from diverse backgrounds such as science and engineering. This familiarity with clients’ industries W gives the firm a head-start when dealing with business concerns. The team is quick to decipher the issues and motivations of its clients and opposing parties, helping to speed up the process of finding practical solutions. So what’s the internal culture at Gilbert’s like? Tim explains, “We involve our professionals in all aspects of sourcing cases and delivery of services. We meet weekly in an office-wide “huddle”. We share the progress and status of cases and encourage input from our crosssection of professionals. “We have a horizontal internal culture. Everyone feels connected to the core business of the firm. It’s a casual environment but we’re all serious and diligent about our work. When recruiting, we look for bright and engaging individuals who don’t fit a mould. They shouldn’t be afraid to take the lead on complex projects. Our screening process involves answering the question: ‘How can you make us better?’” From the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilbert’s has embraced a hybrid working model where staff are able to work from home. The firm also encourages staff to work from the office on a regular basis, enabling that all-important in-person collaboration to take place. Tim tells us, “Recently, we moved into our new signature premises at the Waterfront Innovation Centre on the waterfront in Toronto. It’s a dynamic location with access to many amenities close to the downtown core. The Innovation Centre is a hub for a diverse and dynamic set of global companies.” Now, Tim and his team are excited about what the future holds and are ambitiously looking ahead, having announced the addition of more new lawyers to the partnership. Gilbert’s is also expanding its legal services offering for indigenous communities, organisations, and enterprises. This will ensure the benefits of major infrastructure projects flow to the communities they impact. Boutique Toronto law firm, Gilbert’s LLP (Gilbert’s) has been helping creative businesses thrive for over 20 years. The firm, founded by Tim Gilbert, is passionate about innovation and empowers its clients to grow their businesses in a fair and sustainable way. Now, Tim has been recognised as our Leading Pharmaceutical IP Litigator of the Year – Canada, so we speak to him to find out more. Sep22252 A Law Firm Built on Ideas Contact: Chad Betteridge Company: Gilbert’s LLP Web Address: www.gilbertslaw.ca Nov 5 9 When Tim Gilbert founded Gilbert’s LLP armed only with his briefcase and cell phone, it would have taken a leap of imagination to predict where the firm would be today.
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