Toronto—Dentons is pleased to announce that Mary Ellen Bench has joined the Firm as Counsel in our Real Estate group.

Mary Ellen Bench most recently led the City of Mississauga’s legal team as the City Solicitor for 18 years and, prior to that role, spent more than a decade in senior in-house legal positions with the City of Toronto.  Through her more than 30 years experience in the municipal public sector, Mary Ellen will bring additional depth and experience to the Firm’s practice in municipal law, governance, infrastructure and development, and public procurement.

“We are pleased to welcome Mary Ellen Bench to our Toronto municipal and planning law group,” said Blair McCreadie, Managing Partner of Dentons’ Toronto office.  “Mary Ellen’s profile in the municipal sector, combined with her unique perspective on the planning and development approvals process, will deliver significant added value to our clients.  Her joining the Firm will also expand our municipal P3 and infrastructure practice, and build upon our global practice in smart cities initiatives.”

Mary Ellen Bench also currently chairs the Rapid Transit Working Group of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), and is also a past President and a past Treasurer of IMLA.  In June 2019, the Ontario Bar Association awarded Mary Ellen with its annual Award of Excellence in Municipal Law, and she is recognized by the Law Society of Ontario as a Certified Specialist in Municipal Law, exemplifying the highest standard of the profession.  The Rotman School of Management also certified her as an In-House Counsel Specialist, reinforcing her capabilities as a strategic business partner, both internally and with her clients.

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