Daryl Fridhandler copy

Daryl S. Fridhandler, K.C.

Partner

403.260.0113
dsf@bdplaw.com
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Education:
King's Counsel 2004

New York University, LLM, 2016

ADR Institute of Canada - Q. Arb and Q. Med designations, 2016

Institute of Corporate Directors, Director Education Program – ICD.d designation, 2007

Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Laws, 1983

McGill University, Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction), 1980

Bar admission: Alberta 1984
Industries:
Franchises, dealerships and distributorships, Government and not for profit
Practice areas:
Commercial arbitration, Capital markets, Commercial agreements, Corporate governance and disclosure, Corporate reorganizations, Joint ventures and other business combinations, Shareholder rights and activism, Mediation, Mergers, acquisitions and other strategic transactions

Experience

Daryl's focus is on:

Commercial arbitration and mediation

Commercial transactions

  • Extensive transactional experience, particularly in asset transactions and project arrangements, and a broad general corporate/commercial and finance practice

Securities and corporate law

  • Advice to and representation of public and private enterprises (corporations, trusts, partnerships, JVs) in all aspects including start up, reorganization planning and preparation for and going public; and providing ongoing finance, transaction and governance advice
  • Independent counsel matters to Board committees on various mandates

Community involvement

Daryl's community involvement is vast and varied:

  • Chair, Alberta Ballet (2017-2023)
  • Governor, Mount Royal University (2014-2017)
  • Director and Chair, Contemporary Calgary Arts Society (2014-2017)
  • Governor, Calgary Petroleum Club (2008-2014)
  • Member, Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, Finance Committee (2011-2015)
  • Commissioner, Calgary Police Commission (2008-2011), Vice Chair and Chair of Complaint Oversight and Finance and Audit Committees
  • Chair, Calgary Economic Development (2002-2008), Board Member (2000-2008)
  • Vice Chair, Revenue, Liberal Party of Canada and National Chairman, Laurier Club (2004-2006), Alberta Revenue Chair (2010-2013)
  • Alberta Leadership Campaign Co-Chair, Paul Martin (2003) and Michael Ignatieff (2006 and 2008)
  • Election Co-Chair (Alberta) – Federal Liberal Party of Canada (2004 and 2009)
  • Campaign Chair, Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier
    • Municipal Campaigns: 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007
    • Federal Campaign: 1997
  • Board Member, EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts, (1997-2004), Vice-Chair (2001) Chair (2002- 2004)
  • Governor, Alberta College of Art and Design, (2002-2008), Finance Committee Chair
  • Trustee, Calgary Public Library (1993-1997), Vice-Chair (1993-1995), Chair (1995-1997)
  • Board Member, Calgary Community Lottery Board (1998-2000), Chair (1998-2000)
  • Director, Alberta Library Trustees Associations (1994-1997)

Professional involvement

Daryl is a member of BD&P's Art Committee and is the Past Chairman (1996-2002) of the Marketing Committee. He was also: 

  • Executive Member, Natural Resources Section of the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta Branch) (1985 to 1989), Chairperson (1987-1988)

Professional associations

  • Member, Law Society of Alberta
  • Member, ADR Institute of Alberta
  • Member, Institute of Corporate Directors
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Calgary Bar Association
  • Member, New York City Bar Association

Presentations

Daryl has also presented at various conferences, panels, seminars, and other events, including:

  • A Framework for Board Oversight of Enterprise Risk, Boards and Director Responsibilities, National Accounting Firm Client Seminar, January 23, 2013
  • Key Negotiation Issues in M&A Transactions, BD&P Client Seminar, November 1, 2012
  • Doing Business with Pacific Rim Participants, BD&P Client Seminar, May 31, 2012
  • Negotiating and Drafting Private Equity and Venture Capital Agreements, Insights Seminar, 2010

Representative work

Athabasca Potash Inc.'s proxy contest defence

Counsel to the committee of independent directors of Athabasca Potash Inc. in its defence of a proxy contest and its administration of a contested shareholder meeting, where dissident shareholders sought to replace members of management and the board of directors.