TORONTO – At the second annual Benchmark Canada Awards dinner last night, Bennett Jones was named Alberta Firm of the Year. Also being recognized was Rob Staley, a Partner with the Bennett Jones Litigation Group, as Securities Litigator of the Year.

Bennett Jones was recognized for "the gravitas of its case matters during 2013, including potential precedent set or verdicts with notably high dollar amounts at stake." A national-level award went to litigator Rob Staley, recognizing his excellence in the Securities practice area.

"This recognition is a testament to the work we provide to our clients", says Enzo Barichello, Managing Partner of Bennett Jones' Edmonton office. "As the firm with the longest established history in Alberta, we take pride in the services we provide to our clients in this province", he adds.

Staley's practice focuses on complex commercial and securities litigation and securities regulation. He has a broad trial and appellate practice in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal, Federal Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. He has appeared before the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions.

"Rob receiving this award comes as no surprise to me", said Alan Gardner, Partner and Head of the Bennett Jones Securities Litigation Practice Group. "His tireless efforts on behalf of his clients have earned him a well deserved reputation for excellence on an international level."

Along with Staley, four other litigators from Bennett Jones were nominated including; Mike Eizenga for Class Actions, Blair Yorke-Slader for Energy, Chris Simard for Energy and Insolvency, and Dominique Hussey for Intellectual Property.

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to more than 380 lawyers and business advisors across eight offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, Bennett Jones is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and to connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.