Gowling WLG is pleased to announce that Karen E. Hennessey, leader of the firm's Canadian Corporate Commercial Group, received a Businesswoman of the Year Award (BYA) last night in Ottawa.

Presented annually by the Women's Business Network, the BYAs recognize the professional achievements of women working in for-profit organizations across the Ottawa region. Nominees are put forward by members of the Ottawa business community, and finalists and award recipients are chosen based on a written resumé, business acumen, examples of outstanding leadership and community engagement.

In total, four awards, representing different categories, were presented at last night's gala ceremony. Hennessey received her award in the "Professional" category.

With a practice that spans a range of industries, Karen possesses a diverse background in corporate and commercial law, providing advice to clients with respect to structuring, organizing and reorganizing their business and in planning for and implementing the client's growth (or exit) strategies through M&A transactions. Karen's clients appreciate her practical approach to legal service delivery and rely on her to be a trusted adviser to handle their day-to-day legal needs, and to also act as a "legal quarterback," managing and coordinating the work of specialists when needed. Outside the office, she gives her time to several charitable and non‐profit groups in the Ottawa region. She is currently a board member of both the Ottawa Ronald McDonald House and the Hnatyshyn Foundation. She is also an active member of the City View Curling Club.

In spring 2014, Karen was recognized by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce as a "Forty Under 40 award" winner for her notable accomplishments as a leader in business and her community. In 2015, she was also named among Lexpert's "Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40."