There is an energy theme running through this week’s ­Special Reports. Canada’s rich natural resources mean international investment and trade are crucial for the country’s economy.

The country’s law firms, though, have traditionally been somewhat shy of looking outside their borders for business opportunities. Similarly, international firms have rarely ventured into Canada.

Recent developments indicate a shift away from this mentality. Canadian firms Gowlings and Heenan Blaikie have opened offices in London and Paris respectively with teams of partners from large international firms, while Norton Rose’s merger with Ogilvy Renault is seen by some as the first of several possible global mergers involving Canadian firms.

James Swift reports on the changing shape of the ­Canadian market, talking to firms across the spectrum.

Joanne Harris, special reports and Europe editor