He takes the reins on June 16
Osler has elected François Paradis its new Montréal managing partner effective June 16.
Paradis takes over for Sandra Abitan, who has been at the helm since 2017. A homegrown talent, Paradis first joined the firm in 2001, shortly after the office opened.
"We are confident that François’s leadership will help us continue to deliver outstanding client service and drive the growth and success of our firm in Québec. François will help us continue building on the investments we have made in the success of our people and our clients," Abitan said in a statement.
Paradis's practice focuses on business law and capital markets; he has tackled corporate and securities law issues such as corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and governance. His clients have included issuers and underwriters involved in high-profile public offerings like those of Bausch + Lomb, Lightspeed, Dialogue, Alithya, Milestone Pharma, and DAVIDsTEA.
He has also represented Neptune Wellness Solutions, Acasti Pharma Inc., and Alithya Group Inc. on M&A transactions. Osler national managing partner Doug Bryce said that Paradis's experience addressing difficult matters on clients' behalf helped develop him into a strong candidate for the leadership role.
"I am delighted that François will be leading our Montréal office into the future," Bryce said in a statement.
On stepping down as Montréal managing partner, Abitan will remain head of the firm's insolvency and restructuring practice in the region.
"We also recognize and thank Sandra for her incredible contribution to the leadership of our firm. She has presided over the growth and success of the Montréal office over the past eight years, including many important milestones for the team. Her dedication has been instrumental in shaping our business in Québec, and we are deeply grateful for her ongoing contributions," Bryce said.
In January, Sander Duncanson was announced as the managing partner of Osler Calgary.
