Gowling WLG is pleased to announce that accomplished civil litigator Robert (Bob) Houston, QC has joined the firm as a partner in Ottawa.

Houston was previously a partner at Burke-Robertson LLP, where his practice focused on civil litigation, including professional negligence, defamation, appellate advocacy and personal injury. He is also one of a small number of Supreme Court of Canada agents qualified to represent provincial attorneys general and private law firms.

"With more than four decades of experience across all areas of litigation, Bob is an invaluable addition to our advocacy team," said Peter Lukasiewicz, CEO of Gowling WLG Canada. "He is a seasoned trial and appellate counsel who will enhance our bench strength and serve as a critical resource for his litigation colleagues."

An esteemed leader in Canada's litigation bar, Houston is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, has served as a director of The Advocates' Society and the Canadian Bar Association, and is a past president of the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA). In 2012, he was presented with the John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy by The Advocates' Society for the Ottawa region.

In addition, he has taught a number of legal courses at the University of Ottawa and served as a lecturer for the Law Society of Upper Canada Bar Admission Course.

Outside of his legal practice, Houston is known for his work with a number of Ottawa charities and not-for-profit groups. He is a former chair of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation and currently serves on its board of governors. He is also a director with Roger Neilson House and volunteers with Ronald McDonald House.

With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 19 cities across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Gowling WLG delivers comprehensive, strategic solutions that address a broad range of litigation matters - both in the courtroom and through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution - so that clients can achieve their desired results as quickly as possible.