People Mentioned
Former National Co-Chair, Partner, Corporate, Montréal
Osler is pleased to announce that Shahir Guindi, a partner in the firm’s Corporate Group, has been named one of Canadian Lawyer‘s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada for 2026 in the Business category.
The annual recognition celebrates legal professionals who have made a significant impact on the legal profession, business community and broader Canadian society. As part of Canadian Lawyer’s 17th annual survey, Shahir was selected based on his work and involvement in the community over the last 18 months.
“Shahir is without a doubt one of Canada’s premier business lawyers, and this honour reflects the unique nature of his profile and contributions in the Canadian legal and business communities,” said Doug Bryce, Managing Partner of Osler. “We are proud to see his unique leadership contributions and impact recognized in this way.”
Shahir is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading business lawyers, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital and corporate finance matters. Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor on transformative domestic and cross-border transactions, while also serving in numerous leadership roles within Osler and the business community.
“This recognition reflects Shahir’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision and longstanding commitment to helping clients navigate some of the most significant transactions in the Canadian market,” said Francois Paradis, Managing Partner of Osler’s Montréal office. “His influence extends well beyond dealmaking through his remarkable contributions to corporate governance, innovation and mentorship across the legal profession and business community.”
A former National Co-Chair of Osler and former Managing Partner of the firm’s Montréal office, Shahir has played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and market leadership. He is regularly recognized by leading legal directories and rankings for his work in corporate law and M&A.
Over the past year, Shahir advised on several landmark transactions, including his role in advising Apollo and BC Parters on GFL Environmental’s announced US$8-billion transaction for the sale of its environmental services business, and the sale of GardaWorld Security Corporation, a transaction valued at approximately $14 billion and recognized as the largest private buyout in Canadian history.
Beyond his transactional practice, Guindi has made significant contributions to Canada’s innovation and venture capital ecosystem, helping shape Québec’s technology sector and supporting the growth of emerging businesses and investment platforms. He also serves and has served on the boards of numerous public and private organizations, educational institutions and investment entities including currently as a member of the board of Investissement Québec, an approximately $15-billion investment fund as well as Jubilant Draxis Pharma and Concordia University.
Canadian Lawyer‘s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers awards recognize individuals whose achievements have had a meaningful impact on the legal profession and the country. Shahir’s selection in the Business category underscores his influence as a leading advisor, business strategist and community leader.
Each year Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list recognizes individuals who help shape the law and elevate the strength and quality of legal service in Canada. These lawyers are chosen across five different categories from hundreds of nominees for their impact on nationally significant legal issues. The results are decided based on a survey of readers, peers and the publication’s editorial board.
Read more on the Canadian Lawyer website.
People Mentioned
Former National Co-Chair, Partner, Corporate, Montréal
