June 15, 2017
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has tapped three of our most recognized and respected partners to serve as the Firm’s newest National Managing Partner and Co-chairs.
“Just as our clients aspire to be the leaders in their industries, we understand the business imperative of acting in bold and decisive ways in order to not only thrive in a dynamic environment, but excel.” stated Michael Innes, corporate finance partner and Co-chair of Osler’s Governance Review and Succession Committee.
“Through a comprehensive, collaborative and transparent governance process, we have selected partners with broad consensus to lead the Firm today and in the years ahead. Doug Bryce, Shahir Guindi and Dale Ponder will ensure that Osler continues to lead the Canadian legal marketplace with a singular focus on client service and an unwavering commitment to driving innovation and excellence throughout the Firm.” said Rocco Sebastiano, infrastructure partner and Co-chair of Osler’s Governance Review & Succession Committee.
Doug Bryce, National Managing Partner
Widely respected across corporate Canada for his deal acumen and extensive experience leading and acting on some of the country’s highest-profile M&A transactions, Doug exemplifies the best qualities of our next generation of partners. Client focused and business minded, Doug has built an impressive practice advising the Firm’s clients on a broad range of transformational transactions and strategic matters. Doug spent a number of years practising in our New York office and is a former Co-chair of the firm’s mining practice and a member of the Executive Committee.
Shahir Guindi, Co-chair
Shahir has led our Montreal office for seven years as its managing partner and is a former member of the Firm's Executive Committee. He enjoys a stellar corporate practice that spans M&A, private equity, high growth companies, venture capital, life sciences and other technology driven enterprises in Canada and abroad. His leadership in client relationship management is admired by fellow partners and business leaders equally. Shahir is deeply engaged in the organizations and communities with which he is involved as a director or otherwise, whether this be public or private companies, charities or other associations. He speaks three languages (English, French, Arabic) and is an indefatigable business driver for the Firm.
Shahir will continue to serve clients while assuming the role of Co-chair of the Firm.
Dale Ponder, Co-chair
As Osler’s first National Managing Partner and chief executive, (and the first woman at the helm of a Canadian national firm), no Canadian law firm leader has more experience navigating the intensely competitive legal landscape than Dale. Bringing her experience as a leading M&A lawyer to her role as Managing Partner, Dale has led the Firm through a time of significant change in the Canadian and global legal markets and proven that a relentless commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional client value can drive positive results. Under Dale’s guidance, the Firm has opened new offices and penetrated new markets; attracted industry-leading partners; launched new cost-effective services and introduced innovation in legal project management, service delivery, and client relationship management. In her new role as Co-chair, Dale’s unparalleled industry knowledge, and capacity to build strong relationships will continue to benefit the Firm in the years ahead. Dale will continue as National Managing Partner while assuming the new role of Co-chair and assisting Doug in his transition from full-time practice to National Managing Partner through the balance of the year. She’ll also resume her corporate advisory role with clients, boards and special committee work.
These positions are effective July 1, 2017.