Biography
Spotlight
Esteemed practitioner John Smith has longstanding experience advising on corporate and M&A transactions. One source reported: "He is very creative and works hard to find solutions. He is excellent to work with."
- Chambers Canada, 2021 Guide
John’s practice has covered substantial transactions and projects and increasingly focuses on ongoing advisory work to business clients ranging from large corporations to family businesses to fiduciaries. A significant portion of John's current work relates to advising on business succession strategies for larger organizations. John has also had significant experience in directing major litigation for clients.
John has advised clients operating in a range of industries, including bulk terminal operations, retail operations, mining, forestry, and transportation, and in the private investment and energy sectors. John has recently been extensively involved in advising a municipal government, and has been involved in privatization and P3 projects.
After studying law at the University of Oxford, John taught law for six years before joining Lawson Lundell in 1981. John was the firm's Managing Partner from 2007 - 2009, a member of the Executive Committee from 2004 - 2006, and serves as Chair of the Conflicts and Ethics Committee.
Professional Activities
- Adjunct Professor, Allard School of Law at UBC, 2012-Present
- Member, Host Committee, International Bar Association Conference, Vancouver, 2010
- Member of the Independence and Self-Governance Committee, Law Society of British Columbia, 2006
- Member of the Ethics Committee, Law Society of British Columbia, 2002 - 2005
