Thomas A. "Tom" Houston

Lorne W. Segal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law. Lorne W., who practices law in Ottawa, Ontario, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lorne W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lise Leduc is known as the preeminent Franco-Ontarian labour lawyer who will litigate any matter in ‘la langue de Molière’. Not known to mince words, Lise has a reputation for being direct and to the point. Maybe it has something to do with growing up in Kapuskasing, where she endured her share of -40°C winters. For over twenty years, Lise has represented union clients whose members come from all walks of life, including heavy equipment operators in the forestry industr...

Marie-Christine Gagnon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice. Marie-Christine, who practices law in Ottawa, Ontario, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marie-Christine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Therrien is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Jennifer, who practices law in Ottawa, Ontario, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melanie Polowin is a partner in Gowlings' Ottawa office, practising in the Employment and Labour Law National Practice Group. Melanie advises Canadian and international employers, from start-ups to well established companies, on how to effectively manage all aspects of their employment relationships, from recruitment and hiring to termination. Melanie also assists businesses and investors with the employment aspects of corporate life-cycle events, including starting up, financing, mergers and...

Andrea Pitts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Intellectual Property Law. Andrea, who practices law in Ottawa, Ontario, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura Gomez is an Ottawa-based partner who advises on regulatory law, practising primarily in the area of product regulation, compliance and enforcement and corporate commercial law. Laura assists clients with regulatory and commercial issues relating to the commercialization of foods, supplemented foods, non-prescription (OTC) and prescription drugs, natural health products, cosmetics, devices, cannabis, consumer products and controlled drugs. She has particular experience in advising client...

Derek Keay is a partner in the firm’s Ottawa office. Derek practises corporate law with an emphasis on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, primarily involving emerging technology companies. His primary focus is on providing advice to Canadian and international companies, together with angel, venture capital and institutional investors in relation to debt and equity financing transactions. He also has extensive experience in advising companies, shareholders and acquirers in c...

Charles Hurdon is managing partner of our Canadian practice and sits on our global executive committee. He is chair of our Canadian management committee. Mr. Hurdon practises employment and labour law exclusively, advising and representing employers in both federal and provincial jurisdictions. He has extensive experience in representing and advising employers in matters relating to executive employment agreements, executive compensation and executive terminations. Mr. Hurdon regularly appear...

Christopher P. Morris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate and Commercial Litigation. Christopher P., who practices law in Ottawa, Ontario, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.