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The Young Bar of Montreal unveils the winners of the "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" award
18th JBM Gala "The Leaders of Tomorrow"
Montreal, December 1, 2024 – The Young Bar of Montreal (hereinafter "JBM") is pleased to announce the names of the nine winners of the annual "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" award. These distinctions were revealed during the 18th edition of the Gala "The Leaders of Tomorrow," a flagship event that brought together nearly 300 guests. The evening was hosted with enthusiasm by Me Jeanne Gagné and Me Sébastien Girard, both members of JBM and its board of directors.
On November 20, 2024, nine young lawyers from Montreal were honored for their excellence in their legal field, remarkable social commitment, outstanding personal and professional achievements, and inspiring vision for the future.
Congratulations to the winners of the "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" award!
The Young Bar of Montreal warmly congratulates the recipients of this prestigious title, wishing them that this recognition serves as a springboard for their careers and that their exceptional contributions to the legal profession continue to be acknowledged by their community.
The "JBM Lawyers of the Year 2024" winners:
From left to right : De gauche à droite : Mes Elizabeth Ménard-Laberge, Maryse Lapointe, Frédérique Forget, Justine Fortin, Amélie Côté, Daniel Stysis, Suzanne Taffot, Claudel Trudeau-Nepton, Gabriel Ouellette, Marie Flambard.
Corporate law
Me Daniel Stysis, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Me Daniel Stysis is an associate in the corporate law group at Osler. His practice focuses on transactional law, securities law, and advising emerging and high-growth companies. He acts for buyers and sellers in acquisition transactions and joint venture formations. He also represents companies and investors in fundraising efforts on public and private markets.
Litigation practice / Government lawyer
Me Gabriel Ouellette, CIUSSS of the Centre-West of Montreal / Jewish General Hospital (Litigation Practice / Government Lawyer)
Me Gabriel Ouellette is a lawyer and team leader in the legal affairs department of the CIUSSS of the Centre-West of Montreal. An expert in research law, he manages various contracts while advising researchers and other stakeholders involved in research within the institution. Me Ouellette is also a member of a research ethics committee and actively participates in committees and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Pro bono/ Social involvement
Me Suzanne Taffot, Heritt Avocats
A recognized and committed lawyer, Me Taffot, named Figure de Maître 2022 by the Barreau de Montréal, has nearly ten years of experience in immigration law, refugee law, and human rights. She is a member of a national expert group appointed by the Minister of Justice to combat the overrepresentation of Black individuals in prison and is also a key advocate for diversity in the legal profession.
A dedicated humanist, Me Taffot uses her expertise to assist various organizations in supporting individuals with precarious immigration status and women who are victims of domestic violence. She is among the 13 African lawyers driving change and was named a CBC Black Changemaker 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by the federal Minister of Justice to join an independent Steering Group of the Canadian Strategy, composed of nine experts across Canada, to provide recommendations aimed at addressing the overrepresentation of Black individuals in the prison system.
Alternative careers
Me Alexandre Shee, Oxford Internet Institute
Me Alex Shee is a globally recognized leader in AI and a thought leader at the intersection of law, technology, and public policy. As co-chair of the Future of Work working group within the Global Partnership on AI and a visiting researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, he helps shape global AI policies and strategies.
Alex's career includes roles as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Sama and Director of Corporate Development at Element AI, where he drove significant growth and secured over $270 million in funding. His legal background (B.C.L. and J.D. from McGill University) informs his unique approach to AI ethics and governance.
A recognized innovator, Alex has testified before the Canadian Parliament on AI legislation and co-authored influential publications on AI policy. A sought-after speaker, mentor, and podcast host, he is dedicated to promoting responsible AI development and preparing the next generation of leaders in this rapidly evolving field.
Family law
Me Justine Fortin, Juripop
Me Justine Fortin is the Director of Legal Services at Juripop. She played a key role in creating tailored services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, emphasizing the lawyer’s interpersonal skills and centering on the needs of survivors.
In 2023, she published an article on the best interests of children who are victims of domestic violence. She actively participates in collaborative initiatives and regularly provides training on the specificities of legal practice for individuals affected by violence.
Civil and commercial litigation
Me Maryse Lapointe, Lapointe Legal Inc.
Maryse Lapointe specializes in litigation, civil law, and human rights law. She is particularly interested in cases of abuse, the rights of seniors, and all matters related to human rights. She started her career at a boutique law firm in Montreal before dedicating all her efforts to founding her own practice, Lapointe Légal. Both tenacious and attentive, she is recognized for her professionalism and deep empathy. Me Lapointe uses her talent and skills to support several causes that are close to her heart.
Criminal and penal law
Me Claudel Trudeau-Nepton, Shadley Knerr, s.e.n.c.r.l. & Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan
Me Claudel Nepton is a member of the Ilnu First Nation of Mashteuiatsh and has been a member of the Bar since 2017. She has been practicing criminal defense law since that time and joined the Shadley Knerr firm in 2020. She has developed expertise in defending Indigenous individuals accused of offenses ranging from minor crimes to murder. She also serves as legal advisor for Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan. Her practice requires her to travel across Quebec.
Labor and administrative law
Me Frédérique Forget, Justice Pro Bono
As a lawyer with the Temporary Foreign Worker Support Project at Justice Pro Bono, Frédérique provides legal information and advice on labor law to workers across Quebec. She also co-coordinates the project, collaborating in a multidisciplinary manner with immigrant support and integration organizations. In addition to individual consultations, she offers training sessions for partner organizations and workers, while raising awareness among government stakeholders about the legal issues faced by workers.
Before joining Justice Pro Bono, Frédérique practiced labor law at the firm Monette Barakett Senc for four and a half years. In the winter of 2023, she volunteered as a legal advisor for Lawyers Without Borders Canada, where she was able to apply her labor law knowledge in a human rights context.
Technology law and intellectual property
Me Amélie Côté, ROBIC
Me Amélie Côté is a director and lawyer in the business law sector at ROBIC and is part of both the Emerging Technologies Group and the Life Sciences Group. Her practice is primarily focused on commercial law and technology transfer. She assists and advises various businesses, from startups to consortiums, as well as non-profit organizations and multinational companies, on business strategies and the drafting and negotiation of various commercial agreements. She also works with the firm’s clients on transactions, including financing and mergers and acquisitions.
Amélie holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a Master’s in Biology with a focus in Life Sciences and Law (M.S.V.D.) from the University of Sherbrooke. She also earned a Juris Doctor (JD) in 2016. With this unique academic background in both law and science, she has expertise in a variety of industries, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, software, and emerging technologies.
Nearly 100 Lawyers Participate in the Selection of the "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" Awards
Nearly a hundred lawyers submitted impressive applications for the prestigious "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" award. These applications were carefully reviewed by an independent Pre-selection Committee, composed of influential figures from the legal community. The committee's mission was to select the finalists in each category by rigorously evaluating the merits of the submissions:
- The Honorable Alexandre Bien-Aimé, Judge at the Superior Court of Quebec
- The Honorable Élizabeth Corte, Lawyer and Chief Justice of the Court of Quebec 2009-2016
- The Honorable Benoît Sabourin, Associate Chief Judge of the Court of Quebec
- The Honorable Bernard Synnott, Judge at the Superior Court of Quebec
- The Honorable Mélanie Jacques, Judge at the Court of Quebec
- Me Philippe-André Tessier, President of the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission
- Me Catherine Ouimet, Executive Director of the Quebec Bar
- Me Tamara Davis, Executive Director of the Montreal Bar
- Me Ariane Charbonneau, Executive Director of Éducaloi
- Me Anne-Marie Santorineos, Executive Director of Justice Pro Bono
- Me Caroline Blache, President of the CAIJ
- Me Mylène Lemieux, Legal Leader of Canada, Cisco
- Me Julien Beaulieu, Prosecutor at the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP)
- Me Luc Deshaies, Associate Lawyer at Gowling WLG
- Me Amir Kashdaran, Associate Lawyer at McMillan S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
- Me Annick Murphy Ad.E., Retired Lawyer and Former Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP)
- Me Jocelyn Auger, Associate Lawyer at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin
For the final selection of the winners in each category, the JBM calls on its Board of Governors, which includes the following legal figures:
- The Honorable Manon Savard, Chief Justice of Quebec
- The Honorable Henri Richard, Chief Justice of the Court of Quebec
- The Honorable Gianni Cuffaro, President Judge of the Montreal Municipal Court
- Me Catherine Claveau, Bar Leader of Quebec
- Me Caroline Larouche, Bar Leader of Montreal
- Me Sylvain Bourassa, President of the Administrative Tribunal of Quebec
- Me Jonathan Pierre-Étienne, Associate Lawyer at Grondin Savarese Avocats and President of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Division
- Me Jeremie Torres-Ceyte, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Montreal
- Me François D. Ramsay, Chief Legal Officer – Legal Affairs – Hydro-Québec and Former President of the JBM 1993-1994
- Me Paul-Matthieu Grondin, Founding Lawyer of Grondin Savarese Avocats, Former Bar Leader of Quebec, and President of the JBM 2014-2015
An Evening Dedicated to Legal Excellence at the JBM Gala
The "Leaders of Tomorrow" Gala is a flagship event that celebrates Montreal's legal community. Organized by the Young Bar of Montreal (JBM) since 2007, this annual event highlights the dedication, professional and personal achievements, and social involvement of young lawyers.
The JBM extends its congratulations to the 26 finalists for the excellence of their careers. Every day, these young professionals demonstrate creativity, flexibility, and great resilience, embodying the core values of the legal profession. The JBM also encourages its members and the public to recognize and value the work of those around them.
An Evening Made Possible Thanks to Our Partners
The success of this evening would not have been possible without the support of the event's valuable partners and sponsors, to whom the JBM extends heartfelt thanks for their support.
Thank you to everyone for encouraging the future of the legal profession!
The Young Bar Association of Montreal (JBM)
Founded in 1898, the JBM brings together over 5,000 members of the Montreal Bar who have been practicing for ten years or less. These young lawyers work in all areas of law, making their mark professionally. They are the next generation of lawyers, both nationally and internationally. They form an influential group, involved in the community, and are destined to become leaders in all spheres of society. When it comes to public affairs, the JBM's mandate is to position itself as a key player and popularizer of legislative news.
For further information, please contact
Élizabeth Ménard-Laberge | General Manager
emenardlaberge@ajbm.qc.ca | 514 954-3498 | www.ajbm.qc.ca
