Karen Hennessey named among Lexpert's "Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40" for 2015

20 November 2015

Gowlings is pleased to share that Karen E. Hennessey, an Ottawa-based partner and leader of the firm's Corporate Commercial Group, has been named among Lexpert's "Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40" for 2015.

Hennessey received the award in recognition of her steadfast dedication to clients, in-depth legal expertise and longstanding involvement with local charity groups. She was honoured alongside the other "Rising Stars" winners at a gala dinner at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on November 19.

"Across our firm, Karen is known as a talented, hard-working business lawyer who has a deep understanding of her clients' challenges and plays a critical role in their success," said Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings chair and CEO. "She brings the same energy, insight and determination to her many charitable activities in the Ottawa community. We're delighted, but hardly surprised, that Karen's efforts have been recognized through this great honour."

Head of Gowlings' Corporate Commercial Group, Hennessey provides legal advice on a wide range of complex business issues to help companies of all sizes achieve their goals. She holds a diverse background in corporate and commercial law, including mergers and acquisitions, incorporations, reorganizations, corporate governance and shareholder agreements.

As part of her practical approach to legal service delivery, Hennessey is renowned for her ability to act as a "legal quarterback," assembling specialized teams across multiple practice areas at Gowlings to meet her clients' unique needs. She also acts as outside general counsel for a number of public and private sector entities.

Outside of the office, Hennessey shares her time and talents with numerous charitable and non-profit groups. She serves as a director and corporate secretary for the Christmas Cheer Foundation, which supports local groups that assist disadvantaged families during the holiday season.

Hennessey also serves as a board member of both the Ottawa Ronald McDonald House and the Hnatyshyn Foundation, which promotes and funds emerging and established artists in Canada. In addition, she actively volunteers with the City View Curling Club.

Awarded annually by Lexpert, the "Rising Stars" prize celebrates lawyers from across Canada who are under the age of 40 and consistently surpass expectations inside and outside of the office. Winners are chosen by an advisory board of distinguished members of the legal community.

Gowlings congratulates all of this year's "Rising Stars" honourees. A complete list of 2015 recipients is featured in the November/December issue of Lexpert.

In 2016, Gowlings is joining forces with Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co to create a new international legal practice called Gowling WLG. With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 18 cities across Canada, the U.K., Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Gowling WLG will continue to provide clients with world-class legal expertise and outstanding multi-jurisdictional support.