Matthew Estabrooks

Matthew is a partner in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office and National Co-Lead of the firm's Administrative Law Practice Group (Canada).

Matthew is a member of the advocacy department and the Copyright Group, practising primarily in the areas of copyright law, administrative law and appellate advocacy. Matthew is a skilled legal writer who works tirelessly to produce clear, well-researched and persuasive written materials for his clients.

Working with all types of clients, both large and small, Matthew provides legal opinions on issues relating to the Canadian Copyright Act and drafts copyright assignment and licensing agreements in connection with music and book publishing, software development and new media. Matthew's copyright practice includes extensive involvement in proceedings before the Copyright Board of Canada. Recognized for his work assisting clients on copyright matters, Matthew has been listed in Best Lawyers in Canada since 2021.

Matthew represents clients in a wide variety of judicial review proceedings before the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the Ontario Divisional Court. Matthew is a contributor to the Administrative Law volume of Halsbury's Laws of Canada.

In particular, Matthew's administrative law practice involves considerable experience with railway regulatory matters before the Canadian Transportation Agency. Matthew advises clients on their rights and obligations under the Canada Transportation Act and assists clients with drafting rail shipping agreements. Matthew also has experience advising provincial transportation agencies in matters involving railway crossings.

Matthew is also a member of the Supreme Court of Canada Group. Matthew prepares applications for leave to appeal to the Court, represents clients on appeals and motions, and guides his clients through all stages of the Supreme Court process. Matthew is the editor of Supreme Court of Canada Practice, the definitive guide to practice and procedure at Canada's highest Court. Matthew is also the editor of Gowling WLG's Supreme Court of Canada Bulletin, a service that provides immediate updates on all developments at the court.

Matthew has appeared before the Copyright Board, the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.