Overview

John Sandrelli (He/Him/His) is the National Leader of Dentons Canada’s Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy group, widely recognized as a leading expert in Canadian restructuring and insolvency law. John is an accomplished business leader who is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy matters. Born and raised in Western Canada, he has been involved in almost every major recent restructuring and insolvency case in British Columbia and has acted for clients across various industries, including real estate, agriculture, transportation and logistics.

John regularly acts for companies in need of restructuring. He also advises trustees, receivers, financial institutions, commercial lenders, noteholders, investors, and other stakeholders. His experience extends to restructurings under both the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA), and he has conducted substantial cross-border work that has provided him with a clear understanding of the United States Bankruptcy Code. John regularly advises global companies on lending and remedy issues in Canada and is frequently retained by other international law firms for his insight on Canadian bankruptcy issues.

John’s broad experience includes working with almost every industry. Most recently, the real estate sector has been the subject of many files where John has assisted debtors, lenders and insolvency administrators in this very active space which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

A natural leader who takes a refreshing approach to his work, cementing solid relationships through superior service and an in-depth knowledge of his clients, John confidently takes on complex mandates and provides innovative solutions with integrity and alacrity.

From 2006-2012 and again from 2017 to 2024, John served as Managing Partner of Dentons’ Vancouver office, strengthening the Firm’s reputation as Vancouver’s global law firm and helping secure recognition as one of BC’s Top Employers for five consecutive years. He is a former member of Dentons’ Canada Region Board (serving as Audit Committee Chair as well as other roles) and served on Dentons’ Advisory Board of the Asia Pacific Region and Global Advisory Committee. Under his tenure, the Vancouver office solidified its reputation as Vancouver’s true global law firm.

Practice Areas

• Banking/Finance
• Class Action Plaintiff
• Bankruptcy & Insolvency
• Civil Litigation

Bar Information

Called to the bar: 1991 (ON); 1997 (BC)