Several Woods Lawyers Featured in the Benchmark 40 & Under Hot List

Woods is pleased to announce that several of its associates, Alexandre Baril-Furino, Marie-Pier Cloutier and Sebastian L. Pyzik, have been recognized by Benchmark Litigation among the top litigators on the 2025 Benchmark 40 & Under Hot List. This list, which highlights the up-and-coming talents in the litigation community in the United States and Canada, is the result of an extensive process conducted by Benchmark Litigation based on peer review of recent case work of lawyers under 40.

Alexandre Baril-Furino has a diverse practice focused on civil and commercial litigation and arbitration. As a litigator and strong team leader, he leads high-stakes litigation matters in the areas of professional liability and directors’ liability (D&O), contractual disputes, competition, real estate and construction litigation. Alexandre possesses specific expertise in disputes related to construction and real estate law, enabling him to advise and represent our clients in complex and sensitive business matters. Alexandre is also an accredited mediator of the Quebec Bar, and a lecturer at McGill University.

Marie-Pier Cloutier has a particular ability to intervene in civil litigation, commercial and administrative. She represents clients in high stakes cases before trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She acts in class actions, telecommunications and broadcasting law, administrative law, energy law, commissions of inquiry, and defamation cases. In addition to being a member of the Quebec and Ontario Bars, she is actively involved in the professional development of individuals, contributing to the training and mentorship of young lawyers and students.

Sebastian L. Pyzik is a Partner of the firm. He is a versatile and effective litigator whose practice focuses on large, sensitive, reputational or strategic civil and commercial litigation. He represents companies, their executives and shareholders in complex commercial litigation, notably in construction, real estate and public-private partnerships, and handles urgent, reputational, or criminal matters. He regularly pleads before the trial and appeal courts of Quebec as well as before arbitration tribunals. Sebastian also acts as a strategic advisor to the firm’s clients in litigious matters.

Congratulations to our three partners on this well-deserved recognition!