MONTREAL -- Heenan Blaikie, one of the most prestigious law firms in Canada, is closing down.
The firm, whose lawyers have included former prime ministers Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Jean Chretien, will go out of business over the next few months.
The Montreal-based company said it would conduct an orderly wind-up after a vote was held Wednesday evening.
Details of the vote were not released.
In a statement, the firm said the decision follows an "in-depth analysis of the available restructuring options" in the context of the legal services market.
"An orderly wind-up will make it possible to continue serving the firm's clients without interrupting or disrupting service."
Heenan Blaikie said this would also ensure a harmonious transfer of clients` files to other law firms.
The firm was founded in 1973 and had some 500 lawyers in eight offices across Canada.
But many of Heenan Blaikie lawyers were recruited by competitors in recent weeks.
In its statement, Heenan Blaikie thanked clients who put their trust in the firm over the years, and all the lawyers, professionals and employees who served it for more than four decades.
