How law firms can develop more effective client relationships

Brian Swartz, SVP, Legal & Commercial, Aecon Group Inc, Canada

General Counsel today, in addition to the traditional myriad of responsibilities, are business unit managers, in much the same way as line management. Accordingly, General Counsel are also responsible for the performance of the legal department in assisting the legal department in meeting it’s strategic and operating objectives in a timely, cost effective, efficient and successful manner.

Brian Swartz received his Bachelor of Laws Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in 1981. As Senior Vice President, Legal and Commercial, Aecon Group Inc., Brian has a broad portfolio of responsibilities. He is Chair of the Aecon Project Review Committee, a member of the Aecon Executive Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of each of the wholly owned subsidiaries of Aecon Group Inc. Brian has executive responsibility for: strategic planning, legal, secretarial, procurement, risk and insurance, mergers and acquisitions, safety, labour relations and facilities services to the Aecon group of companies. Aecon is Canada’s largest publicly traded construction company. Mr Swartz has been actively involved in the development of many major international infrastructure initiatives, including toll roads, power projects and airports. Mr. Swartz has previously acted as counsel to the Province of Ontario advising on innovative approaches to service delivery, commercialization and outsourcing, and was a key member of the executive team that developed the Highway 407 Toll Road. Brian is a member of several professional organizations including the Canadian Surety Association, the Canadian Construction Association, and is past Chair of the Executive of the Construction Law Section, Canadian Bar Association (Ontario) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Employers Council. He writes and speaks regularly on his areas of expertise.

Aecon is Canada’s largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development company. (ARE/TSX) For almost 100 years Aecon has developed international expertise in design and engineering, project finance, construction and operations in all construction sectors (transportation, energy, buildings, including heavy civil, industrial, commercial and institutional buildings, airports and toll roads.