Our People

Managing partner of Lazarus, Edwin Monzon, who was called to the Quebec Bar in 2004, brings diligence and expertise in the gaming and corporate industry. With a strong business focus and a reputation for providing comprehensive tailored solutions, Edwin continues to be a trusted advisor to his clients seeking expert legal counsel.

Edwin's commitment to excellence and his passion for the industry make him a highly sought after attorney in the gaming sector. His dedication to the success of his clients, combined with his extensive legal background, has allowed him to build strong relationships and foster trust among his clientele. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, Edwin has built an impressive client base and network all over the world.

Being called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, Marc has nearly 50 years of experience practicing as a litigation lawyer. His ability to listen to clients' needs and approach legal situations from all angles makes him a valuable resource in our legal team.

He is a specialist in banking, transactional and bankruptcy law. His skills, professionalism and legal knowledge has allowed him to represent organizations of all sizes – from Canada's leading financial institution to a diverse clientele of small entrepreneurs.

Appointed to the Quebec Bar in 1984, René R. Gauthier is an experienced and skilled trial lawyer who practises in both French and English in civil and commercial matters.

Talented cross-examiner, his unique style, approach and focus on key issues of disputed matters have contributed to the successful outcomes of the cases he has handled before the Quebec courts. These successes are further illustrated by the impressive number of published judgments ranking among key jurisprudence precedents and can be consulted here.

His broad knowledge of law and underlying aspects extend to several areas including those relating to shareholders' oppression remedies, bankruptcy, wrongful and constructive dismissals, contestation of wills, estate matters, commercial lease matters, sale matters, corporate matters, contracts, fraud, banking law and medical malpractice.

John is a specialized gaming attorney, experienced in assisting online and land-based gaming entities meet their objectives regarding their platforms and betting products. John has assisted clients worldwide with their regulatory and compliance needs in gaming for various jurisdictions. He has provided services in assisting clients in registering Ontario's regulated gaming and betting market and regularly drafts legal opinions on Canadian gaming and betting related issues.

Worldwide clients include Land-based and Online Casino Operators, Gaming Regulators, Policy Makers, Lotteries, Horse Racing Operators, First Nation/Native Casino Operators.

A powerful communicator and team orientated legal advisor. John has also been the general counsel for 2 publicly traded Canadian Companies. John has also developed his practice in the areas of digital assets and transformative financial technologies. He advises a global client base in the ever-expanding regulatory framework of the fintech industry. Fluent in English, French and Italian, John communicates and explains complex legal concepts in a simplified and straightforward manner.

Emmanuel Kouzelis is an established corporate attorney called to the Quebec Bar in 2007. His core practice involves negotiating and instrumenting a variety of corporate and commercial transactions such as Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), corporate reorganizations, shareholders' agreements, acquisition of commercial assets, commercial leases, franchising, as well as assisting clients with legal representation for financing and restructuring.

Emmanuel counsels a wide range of clients, from local businesses to multinationals. His experience has served clients in various industries, namely within the health and pharmaceutical, aeronautics, construction and restaurants.

Emmanuel prides himself on being attentive and detail oriented, which allows him to provide all clients with unique and strategic solutions.

Wally is a member of the Quebec Bar with extensive international legal experience. Before joining Lazarus, he practiced corporate law at a leading law firm in China after completing his articling at another Canadian national law firm. In his previous roles, Wally advised clients on complex transactions including cross-border mergers and acquisitions. His work experience has provided him with a strong international network, enabling him to offer valuable insights to clients looking to expand their businesses in Canada and abroad. Wally is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese.

Wally holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and French from Carleton University (2017) and a BCL/JD from McGill University (2021). He was called to the Quebec Bar in 2022 and also has Chinese legal qualification.

Called to the Quebec Bar in April 2024, Audrey Baillairgé began her career at a major law firm before joining the team at Lazarus Legal, where she practices in civil and commercial litigation.

Efficient, meticulous, and known for her reliability, she stands out for her ability to handle complex files with speed and precision while delivering high-quality service. She also holds a graduate diploma (DESS) in Common Law and Transnational Law from the Université de Sherbrooke, which deepens her understanding of legal issues both locally and internationally.

Deeply committed to community involvement, she played a key role in founding and developing several legal clinics aimed at improving access to justice, and has also collaborated with Me Vincent Karim in the drafting of several of his legal publications.

A dedicated athlete, she represented Quebec in rowing at the 2017 Canada Games. Today, she continues to train in Muay Thai, plays soccer, and practices swimming, triathlon, and long-distance running. A passionate traveler, she draws on her international experiences to bring a broad, open-minded perspective to her legal practice.

Me Taub has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1981, bringing over four decades of legal experience to his practice. He focuses primarily on real estate and corporate law, and is also an accredited corporate law intermediary.

His extensive background includes civil and commercial litigation, bankruptcy matters, and a significant expertise in commercial leasing and major real estate transactions.

Throughout his career, Me Taub has represented clients before numerous Québec Courts, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) in Ontario. In addition, Me Taub is a certified civil and labour mediator and an accredited arbitrator, offering alternative dispute resolution services to his clients.

Mtre. Natalie Macri, head of our Notarial Services Department, has been a member of the Chambre des Notaires du Québec since 2007. Throughout her career, Natalie has gained profound expertise in various areas of law, including real estate (acquisitions, financing, condominium projects), estate planning, family law, and non-contentious procedures, offering her services in French, English, and Italian.

Natalie has also taught Paralegal Technology at O'Sullivan College and served as a supervisor for paralegals and notaries, acting as Maître de stage, demonstrating her strong leadership and team-building abilities.

Doctor Jeffrey Talpis studied at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, where he received his Bachelor of Law, and at the University of Montreal, Quebec, where he received his Masters and Doctorate of Law. He is a Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Montreal, a member of the Notarial Bar of the Province of Quebec, and a practicing notary, arbitrator and mediator. He has been cited in more than 204 decisions in Quebec and Canada since 1995 and has authored over 250 scholarly articles and reports on private international law, in particular in the areas of security financing, matrimonial property law, estates and trusts, international litigation, and mediation and the prevention of international disputes.

Dr Talpis is involved in numerous organizations around the world. He served as a Canadian delegate to the NAFTA 2022 Advisory Committee on International Private Commercial Disputes, dealing with the resolution of international commercial disputes by arbitration, mediation and other informal dispute resolution procedures. He continues to advise law firms, notaries and companies involved in cross border business on the litigation as well as the prevention of international disputes.

Having registered on the roll of the Order of Quebec notaries since 2013, Vanessa has been a notary for over a decade, focusing mainly on traditional notarial services, such as: real estate, refinancing, succession, wills & protective mandates, for her own private practice and now carries these notarial areas of expertise to Lazarus.

Her clients appreciate her personability, her attention to their specific needs and her flexibility to adapt well to each situation. They also value her skill for simplifying legal terminology into easily understandable information. Vanessa has a background in the study of languages and therefore can communicate in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

David recently joined the firm as an Articling Student, focusing on corporate law and litigation matters. With a strong entrepreneurial drive and a practical understanding of business realities, he brings a risk-aware lens to complex transactions, helping clients navigate uncertainty with clarity and precision, both locally and internationally.

David is fluent in English, French, and Romanian, with a grounded, client-first approach that prioritizes impact over formality.