Beaudry will serve again as a judge for the Canadian Law Awards this year
Josianne Beaudry has spent over two decades building her expertise in securities law at Lavery, specializing in mining and mergers and acquisitions, helping clients navigate critical matters like financing, compliance, and governance.
Beaudry says junior mining firms face significant hurdles in securing the capital to explore and develop their projects. “Many are publicly traded, so our securities practice is deeply involved in supporting them,” she says. Her work also extends to royalty companies, public issuers, and investment funds.
As the industry grapples with evolving regulatory and environmental standards, Beaudry sees sustainability as both a challenge and a necessary pivot. “Sustainability, including environmental and social acceptability, is a key challenge,” she says, emphasizing the mounting public consultations and regulatory approvals required for projects in Quebec. While essential for maintaining social license, these processes often lead to significant delays.
Adding to the strain is a financing landscape impacted by low stock prices and, until recently, high interest rates. Beaudry characterizes 2024 as a particularly tough year for mining companies, where public perception and environmental concerns hinder investment. "Public misunderstanding also plays a role, as people often confuse exploration with mining," she says, highlighting the need for better industry narratives.
Beaudry suggests mining companies take a proactive approach to combating reputational issues. "We focus on ensuring compliance with new regulations and accurate disclosure," she says, underscoring the importance of aligning ESG reporting with the actual stage of project development. She encourages clients to avoid greenwashing, as the risks of overstating environmental benefits are high legally and reputationally.
Beaudry says mergers and acquisitions remain a dynamic aspect of her practice, influenced by regulatory shifts and the complexity of due diligence. These now extend to areas like labour issues, environmental compliance, data security, and intellectual property. She says Lavery’s full-service capabilities are pivotal, enabling multidisciplinary collaboration to address these expansive requirements.
Reports have become longer and more detailed, reflecting heightened scrutiny from investors and acquirers. “This trend emphasizes the importance of addressing all potential risks during M&A transactions,” she says.
Among Lavery’s initiatives, Beaudry highlights its proprietary ChatGPT tool as a transformative addition. It streamlines tasks like due diligence, drafting, and research, offering quick access to external legal information and internal data. "While it’s not a substitute for legal expertise, it accelerates workflows and facilitates knowledge-sharing among colleagues," she says, highlighting its utility for junior lawyers and its integration into regular practice.
In addition to this tool and Lavery’s focus on emerging areas like ESG and cybersecurity, Beaudry points to the growth of the firm’s intellectual property team as pivotal to meeting growing client demands.
Beaudry says her role as a judge for the Canadian Law Awards last year offered her an invaluable glimpse into the breadth of legal expertise across the country. “It provided a great opportunity to learn about significant transactions and services offered across Canada,” she says. What stood out most for her was the excellence of smaller firms, whose impact often belies their limited visibility.
Participating in the awards has enriched her understanding of the legal industry’s regional practices, fostering deeper connections with colleagues nationwide. “It’s a valuable way to recognize firms that may not have large marketing budgets but deliver exceptional service,” she says. She will serve again in the role this year.
Nominations are open now until January 31.
Beaudry says Lavery is poised for growth, with plans to expand its teams and capabilities. A key aspect of their strategy is leveraging international collaborations through the World Services Group, facilitating cross-border transactions and connections. "We’re active members, which helps us support our clients’ evolving needs," she says, reflecting on the firm's commitment to staying ahead in an increasingly globalized legal landscape.
