Brendan D. Bowles

Experience

Brendan D. Bowles has over 25 years of experience specializing in construction law since joining Glaholt Bowles LLP in 1998. He is a seasoned lead counsel in arbitration, mediation, and litigation of construction disputes and has acted for a diverse range of clients including subcontractors, general contractors, owners, design professionals, sureties, and insurers. His work covers complex construction and infrastructure projects involving various dispute resolution methods such as multi-party litigation, adjudication, mediation, and arbitration. Brendan has represented clients in a wide array of construction sectors including bridges, hospitals, transit lines, resort hotels, cultural centres, and office towers, handling matters related to project delays, cost overruns, contract terminations, fraud allegations, and lien actions. He is known for delivering strategic solutions tailored to his clients' business concerns and is committed to finding creative and proportionate resolutions while prepared to vigorously represent clients when necessary.

Specialty

Brendan Bowles specializes in construction law, focusing on construction-related disputes and contract issues within Canada and internationally. His expertise includes infrastructure development, public and private procurement, financing, building contracts, and alternative dispute resolution processes such as arbitration, mediation, and dispute review boards. He has a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure and energy developments, representing public and private clients. His legal practice involves all stages of construction projects and emphasizes both litigation and collaborative settlement approaches.

Education

Brendan D. Bowles graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1995 and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1998. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000. Additionally, in 2004, he earned the designation of Associate in Canadian Surety Bonding from the Surety Association of Canada.

• Achieved the 2021 Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Construction and Infrastructure Law, recognizing his outstanding contributions to construction and infrastructure law in Ontario. Source
• Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Construction Law in Toronto by Best Lawyers® in 2022, an individual honor recognizing his preeminence in construction law. Source
• Consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Construction Law, including in the 2025 and 2026 editions, reflecting peer recognition of his expertise. Source
• Rated as “Most Frequently Recommended” in Construction Law by Lexpert, a peer-recognized distinction highlighting his standing among leading construction lawyers in Canada. Source
• Ranked in Chambers Canada (Nationwide) for Construction Law, where he is noted for assisting clients with a range of disputes and contractual matters in the construction sector. Source
• Recognized as a Benchmark Canada Litigation Star in Construction Law, reflecting his reputation as a leading litigator in the field. Source
• Named a Lexpert/ALM Top 500 Ranked Lawyer in 2024, a recognition of his prominence among Canada’s leading lawyers. Source
• Recognized by Who’s Who Legal as a Recommended lawyer in Canada (2023), a Thought Leader in Construction (2023), and a Recommended lawyer in Professional Negligence (2023), underscoring his influence and expertise. Source
• Certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Construction Law, a formal recognition of his depth of knowledge and experience in the area. Source
• Served as Chair of the Construction and Infrastructure Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association (2015–2016), demonstrating leadership in shaping the construction law community. Source
• Served as Chair of The Advocates’ Society Arbitration and Mediation Practice Group (2023–2024), reflecting his leadership in alternative dispute resolution within the legal profession. Source
• Appointed as a lecturer in construction law at Queen’s University, Faculty of Law, beginning in January 2025, contributing to legal education in his specialty area. Source