At White Shoe Law, our diverse team comprises of elite legal talent.
THE WHITE SHOE TEAM
Blair Trudell
Founder and
Managing Partner
Education: Dalhousie University (B.A.); University of Victoria (M.A.); University of Ottawa (LL.B.)
Work Experience: Blair is the Founder and Managing Partner of White Shoe Law (formerly BTL Counsel), where he has spent over a decade advising entrepreneurs, family enterprises, and growing companies. Before founding White Shoe Law, Blair practiced litigation at Gowling WLG, representing clients in complex commercial and employment disputes. Drawing from his own experience as an entrepreneur, Blair brings a broad, business-forward perspective to legal practice. His counsel goes beyond conventional legal advice — he helps clients think strategically about growth, risk, and opportunity. Blair’s expansive network is a key asset to his clients: he regularly leverages his relationships to connect businesses with mutually beneficial partnerships, whether that means access to capital, customer introductions, or strategic collaborations that accelerate growth.
Area of Specialty: All areas of corporate and commercial law across multiple industries, including food and beverage, advertising, technology, artificial intelligence, engineering, architecture, sports and entertainment (including influencer and social media law), biomedical, retail, fashion, manufacturing, sales and distribution, day care, not-for-profit organizations, and family office support. Blair’s practice also encompasses private finance, business succession, wills, estates, and trusts, estate planning and consultation, governance and board advisory, real estate transactions, employment law, and dispute resolution.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Founder of BTL Counsel and Canadian founder of YellowKorner; angel investor; and published author of The Student’s Guide to Canadian Universities.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: Laurentian Chief moccasins.
Peter Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Education: MBA, University College Dublin; MSc, London School of Economics
Work Experience: Peter brings over 25 years of combined experience across M&A finance, consumer packaged goods, ecommerce, and entrepreneurship. He spent a decade in corporate finance specializing in mergers & acquisitions before transitioning to over 15 years of building and leading a category-defining brand in the CPG space. At the firm, he directs operations and spearheads venture initiatives.
Area of Specialty: Operational leadership, valuations, venture growth, and strategic execution.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Founder and CEO of Daneson since 2011.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: Barefoot.
Katie Pattillo
Lawyer
Education: Called to the Bar in 2009. Windsor Law with an LLB, BA (Honours) Queen’s University.
Work Experience: Katie has practiced in civil litigation and criminal law. A background that provides her with a unique and balanced perspective in her approach to client advocacy and problem‑solving.
Area of Specialty: Employment, Wills and Estates, Real Estate and Corporate Law.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Katie channels her entrepreneurial spirit into managing a bustling household of four children and the Forsythia Festival in Cabbagetown, an event that thrives in part due to her strong organizational and leadership skills.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: Her running shoes — always ready for a sprint, on the trail or after one of the kids.
Cathleen Harnick
Director of Operations and Client Services
Education: BHSc, University of Western Ontario; Certified Nutritional Practitioner, Institute of Holistic Nutrition; Licensed Real Estate Sales Representative, OREA
Work Experience: Cathleen brings over a decade of experience in commercial real estate, working extensively with landlords, developers, and tenants through all stages of the real estate process. As Co-Founder of a direct-to-consumer supplement company, she oversaw all operational functions of the business. She prioritizes exceptional client relations and is committed to creating efficient, scalable systems that support long-term success.
Area of Specialty: Operations management, client relations, business development, and process improvement.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Co-Founder, Evryday Wellness Corp.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: White sneakers
Tanjoe Pryce
Head Law Clerk
Education: Licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario.
Work Experience: Tanoje’s expertise includes all aspects of corporate law and real property. Prior to joining BTL in 2015, she practiced professional regulation and criminal law for over 10 years.
Area of Specialty: Corporate law, real property, professional regulation, and criminal law.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Outside of her professional work, Tanoje is deeply committed to her community. She is an active volunteer and is widely respected as a trusted leader, bringing compassion, organization, and initiative to every role she takes on.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: Comfortable flats.
Andy Andrei
Lawyer
Education: Andy completed her Juris Doctorate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before that, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Work Experience: Andy solves legal and business challenges for emerging and high‑growth companies across industries such as technology, mining, pharmaceuticals, finance, beauty, and retail. She advises clients at all stages—from company formation to go‑public transactions—and has experience with financings, M&A, and acting as outside general counsel.
Area of Specialty: Corporate and commercial law, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and emerging company advisory.
Entrepreneurial Pursuit/Experience: Andy brings an entrepreneurial, solutions‑focused mindset to her work, helping businesses navigate growth, strategy, and complex decision‑making with clarity and creativity.
Favourite Pair of Shoes: Her cycling shoes—ready for the next adventure.