Environment & Energy
Expropriation & Real Estate
Municipal & Regulatory
“To excel in environmental law is to understand the dynamics between natural environments and the needs of every being thriving in them, to master every little detail of environmental laws and regulations and to have a profound desire to lead and allow for the realization of eco-responsible activities”
Christine Duchaine -Lawyer and founder
A reference in the legal field for over 10 years
Founded in 2009 by Christine Duchaine, a pionneer in environmental law with over 30 years experience, our firm relies on an important team of devoted and passionate lawyers all working in collegiality. We remain constantly on the watch for new changes to regulations and science and offer practical, innovative and efficient solutions to the challenges put before us. With our large network of partners, we cover the entire specter of legal services and spare no efforts when it comes to helping our clients reach their goals.
Our seasoned team of lawyers excel in our fields of law and are recognized by our peers. Whether it be through our court decisions, our publications, our conferences, our media appearances or our social involvements, our team does not simply practice law, it helps it evolve.
Christine Duchaine and Odette Nadon have both been awarded the prestigious peer-review Lexpert Ranked for both 2020 and 2021.
“Peers regard Montréal-based Christine Duchaine as a force to be reckoned with in environmental litigation. She is experienced handling appellate work and regularly acts on behalf of energy and natural resources companies.”
The firm, as well as Christine Duchaine and Odette Nadon personally, have received the Best Lawyers designation in the Environmental category for 2020. This designation is awarded after a scrupulous peer-review process.
Sodavex’s position among the elite was recognized in 2010 when it was named one of Canada’s Top Five Environmental Law Shops by the renowned Canadian Lawyer magazine. This appointment was reiterated in 2013.
The CREW Award recognizes the excellence of women in commercial real estate who have distinguished themselves by their leadership, achievements and commitment. It was during the Excellence Gala held by CREW that Me Duchaine, well surrounded by her family, friends and colleagues from Sodavex, accepted with great emotion this prestigious award.
Christine Duchaine has been awarded the prestigious “Distinguished BV” rating of Martindale-Hubbel for more than 15 consecutive years, which means that her peers consider that she deserves a “Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability & amp; Ethical Standards “.
The Premières en Affaires magazine was honored to include Christine among the eight “must-know” of its December 2013-January 2014 edition, devoted to business services. This issue showcases the carreers of eight women in this field.
With you every step of the way.
Criminal Litigation
- Municipal Court
- DPCP
- Federal Court
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Administrative litigation
- Class-action suit
- Judicial review
- Injunction
- Expropriation (including the contest of)
- Challenge of ordinance
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Civil Litigation
- Class-action suits
- Latent defects
- Damages
- Neighbourhood disturbances
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Transaction and contract
- Opinions on environmental compliance
- Due dilligence
- Transfers of environmental permits
- Offers and sales
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Representation
- Authorizations (MELCC, BAPE, decree, municipal permits)
- Inspections and enquiries
- Non-compliance notices
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Access to information
- Protection of personal data
- Representation before the CAI
- Data acquisition
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Counsel
- Impacts of legislative changes
- Project planning
- Operation standards
- Inspections, enquiries and non-compliance notices
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Monitoring and compliance
- Legislative watch
- Compliance audits
- Communications on recent developments
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Training seminars
- On-site training seminars
- Training luncheons
- Associations and common-interest groups
Stay informed!
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Search for publicationsDecree : the report recommended 5 years
In FRENCH. An article published in the Journal L'Express concerning the decree adopted on September 28, 2020 regarding the Waste Management site in Drummondville.
By Christine DuchaineDéveloppements Récents en Droit de l'Environnement - Édition 2020
Démystification du dédale des autorisations environnementales relatives à la réhabilitation et la gestion des terrains et sols contaminés. Un article de Christine Duchaine et Jonathan Coulombe.
By Christine DuchaineRadio-Canada - La Facture - Floodings in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Christine Duchaine was interviewed by Yvan Lamontagne from Radio-Canada (CBC) relating to a city's responsibilities in cases of sewer backups. (in FRENCH)
By Christine Duchaine