Lee, Bowden, Nightingale, LLP is a boutique firm specializing exclusively in serving financial institutions, boasting a team of highly experienced lawyers, each with over two decades of focused practice in the field of recovery work and commercial financing.
Throughout our extensive tenure, we have successfully represented more than sixty financial institutions. Our concentrated expertise and profound understanding of this niche area of law enable us to deliver unparalleled levels of service to our esteemed clients. With years dedicated solely to the financial sector, we possess a solid understanding of our clients’ objectives.
The challenges faced by Canadian financial institutions are undeniably complex, with an ever-evolving legal landscape that includes the ongoing impact of court delays caused by the legal landscape. We take pride in our ability to efficiently navigate these complexities, often expediting cases to the extent of avoiding trial altogether. With a profound understanding of the legal environment, we have established ourselves as leaders in the law relating to the financial sector. Our impressive track record is a testament to our success in representing the majority of Canada’s top banks and financial service providers, appearing before all levels of court.
Our approach is centered on attentive listening and thorough exploration. We conduct in-depth research with relentless dedication, recognizing that our preparation process is integral to achieving favorable outcomes. In addition, we have a direct and immersive protocol in place that guarantees each team member has a deep understanding of the intricate details of every case.
Stephen Lee
During his remarkable career, Stephen has dedicated his expertise to working exclusively with financial institutions. He has provided representation to over 50 banks and trust companies to date, earning recognition as one of the nation’s foremost authorities in the field of banking law. Stephen has successfully argued cases at all levels of court, achieving the distinction of being one of the youngest lawyers to appear before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Stephen maximizes his clients’ opportunities while employing efficient strategies to attain optimal outcomes. Thanks to his comprehensive and focused experience, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, Stephen has consistently guided his clients proactively to avoid litigation. Notably, Stephen has pioneered the implementation of block fee structures and other alternative fee arrangements, enabling financial institutions to effectively minimize their costs.
Murray Nightingale
Murray specializes in Commercial Real Estate Financing for institutional lenders, Mortgage and Debt Enforcement, and commercial financing. He adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with account managers, the risk department, bank customers, and their legal representatives to efficiently complete each financing transaction, all while maintaining competitive fees. In the realm of Mortgage Enforcement, Murray has cultivated strong relationships with real estate agents and industry professionals to ensure that lenders obtain the best possible price for targeted assets.
He remains committed to meeting preset time frames for all transactions. When it comes to debt enforcement, Murray places great emphasis on optimizing the debt recovery-to-expense ratio. Moreover, he diligently keeps track of all regulatory requirements set forth by Industry Canada and other relevant bodies and institutions that oversee loan guarantees.
Natalie Marconi
Natalie serves as our esteemed senior litigator, specializing in appeals, having appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal in dozens of cases. Judges hold her in high regard for her unwavering integrity and tireless work ethic when handling intricate and sensitive cases.
Natalie is a dedicated advocate, a true ally, and a protector for her clients. She consistently exhibits enthusiasm and energy during presentations, while maintaining a steadfast focus on progressing the case. Natalie consistently achieves exceptional outcomes, establishing multiple legal precedents that not only benefit her clients but also have a positive impact on financial institutions nationwide. Beyond the courtroom, Natalie diligently strives to secure maximum recovery for her clients within a reasonable timeframe, while effectively managing costs.
Asal Mahmoudian
Asal is an associate with the firm’s litigation group, practicing primarily in banking and commercial litigation. She regularly represents major financial institutions and lenders in contested enforcement matters, insolvency-related disputes, and high-volume litigation portfolios.
Recognized for sharp issue-spotting and a practical, execution-focused approach, Asal works closely with clients to advance matters efficiently, manage litigation risk, and achieve results. She is valued for clear communication, sound strategic judgment, and strong advocacy, particularly on complex files under tight timelines.
Asal was called to the bar in 2021. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Psychology from the University of Toronto, an LL.B. from The City Law School (University of London), and an LL.M. from the University of Toronto.
Eyoel Negaye
Eyoel Negaye is a lawyer at Lee, Bowden, Nightingale LLP. Prior to joining the firm, he articled at a large, national law firm where he was involved in a number of corporate transactions. He holds a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA with distinction from the Schulich School of Business, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics, with high distinction, from the Ted Rogers School of Accounting and Finance.
