Walied Soliman elected chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright in Canada

Walied Soliman has been named chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright in Canada.

The global firm announced Soliman’s election today, but the appointment was effective March 24. He will chair the Canadian Partnership Committee, which is an elected representative committee of the Canadian partnership, and will “play an important external role with our clients,” the news release stated.

“I look forward to highlighting our lawyers' thought leadership, creativity and service culture,” Soliman said. “I believe our product offering is superior and I look forward to speaking with clients on the unique solution-oriented offering of our lawyers.”

Soliman has few worries as he takes on this new challenge: He says the firm is “healthy and strong” in each of the cities the firm has offices and within each practice area, calling Norton Rose Fulbright “top of market.”

He says it’s “an honour and a privilege” to have been elected by his friends and partners at the firm.

“I look forward to working with Walied as he assumes this important role of chair of the firm in Canada,” Charles Hurdon, managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright in Canada, said in the release. “Walied’s skill set and strong client focus will be an asset to the firm as we continue to grow our practice in Canada and around the world.”

Soliman takes over for Norman Steinberg, who will continue to represent the firm in the capacity of chair emeritus.

Soliman — who is considered a “leading expert for takeover defense and shareholder activism” in Canada — already serves as co-chairman of the Canadian special situations team, which deals with the country’s leading hostile mergers and acquisitions, activism and complex reorganization transactions.

His practice, which he will continue in addition to his new role, focuses on restructurings, corporate governance, M&A, structures products and financings.