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.

Mtre Filipe Pelepka specializes in corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts and estate planning, with a particular emphasis on tax-efficient strategies. With 15 years of experience, Filipe is committed to providing high-quality legal advice aligned with organizational objectives, mitigating risks and driving sustainable growth for his clients.

As a dual-licensed attorney (Quebec and Brazil) and holder of a master's degree in international affairs from Sciences Po Paris, Filipe brings a global perspective and multidisciplinary expertise to corporate legal challenges. His experience includes renowned law firms and government relations, equipping him to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and provide actionable, business-focused legal solutions.

Fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, Filipe excels in communicating complex legal concepts to diverse stakeholders and facilitating cross-border transactions. Known for his rigorous approach and dedication, Filipe thrives in collaborative environments that require both technical acumen and strategic insight.

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.

Athanasia is an Articling Student with a diverse legal background that began in 2018 as a Paralegal at a world-renowned health research institute. During her tenure, she assisted scientists and clinicians at both national and international levels in dealing with matters relating to contract law, intellectual property, policies and procedures, and regulatory compliance, in the biomedical industry. In addition, Athanasia brings valuable experience in the EdTech sector, with a focus on software application development and market launch strategies. She has also played a key role in corporate acquisitions. Athanasia holds a Juris Doctor and a Licentiate in Law, and she is fluent in English, French, and Greek. Her attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills enable her to effectively understand and meet clients' needs.