PIERRE SOULARD
TORONTO,CANADA
Summary
Accomplished lawyer with extensive expertise in corporate finance, capital markets, corporate and securities law, regulatory compliance, M&A transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. Proven track record of structuring and implementing innovative, risk-mitigating solutions to complex legal challenges while aligning with strategic business objectives. Known for a proactive and collaborative approach that fosters strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. Committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel that drives growth and compliance in high-stakes environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Lawyer/Legal Consultant
08.2023 - Current
- Primary legal adviser to private and public companies focused on corporate and commercial law and contracts, financings, M&A transactions, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
- Counsel for a blockchain platform designed to handle high-speed transactions and smart contracts.
- Adviser to a firm providing artificial intelligence-enabled SaaS solutions for cybersecurity risks.
- Advised clients on risk mitigation strategies related to corporate governance matters, minimizing potential exposure to lawsuits or regulatory action.
- Evaluated financing options for clients pursuing M&A opportunities, advising on the most advantageous funding structures available based on their unique needs.
Partner, Corporate and Business Law Group
Miller Thomson LLP
07.2015 - 10.2023
- Advised Canadian and international organizations on domestic and international agreements and contracts, corporate finance, capital market, M&A transactions, private equity, financings, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and other legal matters impacting their strategy and business.
- Acted as Corporate Secretary for several reporting issuers and private companies.
- Directed and coordinated teams providing legal services to senior executives and board of directors in the technology, FinTech real estate and banking and financial services industries.
- Prepared, reviewed and negotiated complex commercial agreements, including master services agreements, RFPs, partnership and joint venture agreements, while assessing risk exposure.
- Managed client teams while overseeing legal advice provided by other legal professionals and external counsels in other jurisdictions.
- Member of various Ontario Securities Commission advisory committees as well as advisory committees of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the CBOE Exchange.
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
CoinSmart Financial Inc.
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board of directors and senior management respecting legal and regulatory matters, including corporate and securities law, commercial contracts, registration and compliance, intellectual property, privacy, brand protection, employment and litigation issues.
- Advised Board of directors on corporate governance best practices and acted as Corporate Secretary in charge of coordinating meetings of the Board of directors and shareholders.
- Established the legal department strategy, culture and direction and managed lawyers and legal professionals in four jurisdictions.
- Managed external counsel relationships, budgets and oversaw delivery of external legal advice.
- Directed the successful registration of CoinSmart as a trading platform and marketplace with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and coordinated the registration process to become a broker dealer with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO).
- Coordinated the legal and regulatory approval process for the proprietary SmartPay product, a seamless and regulated payment solution.
- Directed and coordinated the acquisition of CoinSmart by WonderFi Technologies Inc.
- In charge of the cross-functional team overseeing governmental, regulatory and industry relations.
Partner, Business Law Group
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
01.2007 - 07.2015
- Advised Canadian and international organizations on domestic and international agreements and contracts, corporate finance, capital markets, M&A transactions, private equity, financings, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and other legal matters impacting their strategy and business.
- Acted as Corporate Secretary for reporting issuers and private companies.
- Directed and coordinated teams providing legal services to clients in the retail, technology, banking and financial services and real estate industries.
- Prepared, reviewed and negotiated commercial agreements, including various master services agreements, RFPs, partnership and joint venture agreements, while assessing risk exposure.
- Managed client teams while overseeing legal advice provided by other specialists within the firm, junior lawyers, other legal professionals and external counsels in other jurisdictions.
- Provided counsel on regulatory compliance practices and policies for domestic and international issuers; drafting related policies and documents.
- Researched, prepared, reviewed and negotiated various complex commercial agreements in the real estate, manufacturing, cleantech and technology industries.
- Advised clients on corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters and best practices while assessing risk exposure.
Associate, Business Law Group
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
06.2000 - 01.2007
- Advised Canadian and international organizations on domestic and international agreements and contracts, corporate finance, capital markets, M&A transactions, private equity, financings, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and other legal matters impacting their strategy and business.
- Acted as Corporate Secretary for reporting issuers and private companies.
- Directed and coordinated teams providing legal services to clients in the retail, technology, banking and financial services and real estate industries.
- Prepared, reviewed and negotiated commercial agreements, including various master services agreements, RFPs, partnership and joint venture agreements, while assessing risk exposure.
- Managed client teams while overseeing legal advice provided by other specialists within the firm, junior lawyers, other legal professionals and external counsels in other jurisdictions.
- Provided counsel on regulatory compliance practices and policies for domestic and international issuers; drafting related policies and documents.
- Researched, prepared, reviewed and negotiated various complex commercial agreements in the real estate, manufacturing, cleantech and technology industries.
- Advised clients on corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters and best practices while assessing risk exposure.
Education
Master of Laws - Specialized in Securities Laws
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Toronto, Ontario06.2009
The Law Society of Ontario
04.1998
Barreau Du Quebec
12.1995
B.C.L./LL. B -
McGill University
Montréal, Québec06.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Laval University
06.1990
Skills
- Legal research
- Legal analysis
- Legal drafting
- Mediation
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Organization and time management
- Problem resolution
Websites
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Fluent in English and French.
Native or Bilingual
Hobbies and Interests
Maintaining a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Involved in competitive alpine skiing and recreational football and golf with my wife and two children.
Timeline
Lawyer/Legal Consultant
08.2023 - Current
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
CoinSmart Financial Inc.
10.2021 - 07.2023
Partner, Corporate and Business Law Group
Miller Thomson LLP
07.2015 - 10.2023
Partner, Business Law Group
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
01.2007 - 07.2015
Associate, Business Law Group
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
06.2000 - 01.2007
Master of Laws - Specialized in Securities Laws
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
The Law Society of Ontario
Barreau Du Quebec
B.C.L./LL. B -
McGill University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Laval University