Lazarus Charbonneau

History & Founding

Morden C. Lazarus earned his law degree from McGill University in 1965 and, after two years of practice, founded the law firm Lazarus, Charbonneau in Montreal, Quebec, in 1967. He quickly became a leading figure in gaming law, serving as legal counsel to numerous land‑based casinos and gaming equipment manufacturers across Canada and the United States. Lazarus was the first non‑U.S. attorney to hold the presidency of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys (IAGA) and also chaired the Gaming Law Section of the American Bar Association. The firm grew alongside the emergence of internet gambling, establishing relationships with iGaming operators licensed in Kahnawake, Malta, Antigua, and other jurisdictions.

In a notable transition, Morden C. Lazarus formally announced his retirement in late 2024. At that point, the firm adopted the name Lazarus Legal, though the legacy of Lazarus Charbonneau remains part of its legal identity. The firm’s office at 759 Square Victoria, Suite 200, Montreal, has been its continuous physical presence for decades.

Services & Specializations

Lazarus Legal offers a comprehensive range of legal services, with a particular emphasis on gaming and iGaming law, including regulatory compliance, licensing applications, and advisory for land‑based and online casinos, sports betting, and prediction markets. The firm also provides corporate and commercial law services such as business formation, mergers and acquisitions, contract drafting, and governance. Its banking and finance practice represents financial institutions and handles transactional work and bankruptcy law. Litigation services cover civil and commercial disputes, including co‑ownership disputes and contractual liability. Additionally, the firm offers notarial and estate planning services, wills, trusts, and real estate law. For international expansion, Lazarus Legal advises on cross‑border gaming projects, especially U.S.–Canadian tribal gaming partnerships. The UK office, Lazarus U.K., operates under Managing Director Tim Buckingham and focuses on financial regulation and payments.

Key Clients & Reach

While specific client names are not public, the firm’s expertise is recognized by casino properties in Canada, Aruba, Antigua, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and Las Vegas, as well as numerous iGaming ventures. Senior Attorney Marc Charbonneau, with over 50 years of experience, has represented Canada’s leading financial institutions and a wide array of small entrepreneurs.

Reputation & Industry Standing

The firm is listed in the Canadian Law List and is a member of the Corporate Counsel International directory. Its attorneys hold memberships in IAGA, IMGL, and the American Bar Association’s Gaming Law Section. The firm is rated as “highly respected” in the Canadian legal community by casino vendor directories.