Joëlle Boisvert, FCIArb

Joëlle Boisvert is a partner in Gowling WLG's Montréal office, which she managed from 2014 to 2017. From 2018 to 2023, she served as a member of the International Board of Gowling WLG and was head of international development. 

As an experienced and highly recognized commercial litigator in Québec and across Canada, Joëlle counsels large national and international companies with respect to a variety of complex dispute matters. She also acts as the relationship partner for important clients of Gowling WLG.

"I consider her to be the most effective relationship partner we have anywhere in the country. She has the ability to deliver top-notch legal services through a strong team, always taking personal responsibility for the quality of work and our satisfaction. She possesses intellect and knowledge of the law but, most importantly from our perspective, combines that with a great strategic ability, an understanding of our business and strong problem-solving skills. Her ability to guide us to solutions in complex problems inspires great confidence," remarks one of Joëlle's Canadian clients.

During her 35-year career, Joëlle has developed extensive experience in arbitration, both nationally and internationally, as well as in mediation proceedings. A civil and commercial arbitrator accredited by the Québec Bar and by the Institut de Médiation et d'Arbitrage du Québec (IMAQ), she is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and serves on the Board of Directors of its Canada Branch, a reflection of her deep involvement in the arbitration community.

She continues to be a highly recognized and recommended lawyer in construction, professional liability, class actions and in litigation pertaining to commercial and real estate disputes, including in the areas of franchising, manufacturing and distribution. Her practice has brought her to plead before federal and provincial courts of law, as well as administrative tribunals.

She is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only collegial network of a maximum of 3,500 Fellow lawyers who effectively represent clients across North America and around the world vigorously vetted for skills, expertise, and service.

As the first woman to serve as managing partner of the firm's Montréal office, and first Canadian woman partner to sit on the International Board of Gowling WLG, Joëlle is particularly committed to promoting the development, advancement and leadership of women in all areas of professional and commercial activity. She is convinced that women are instrumental in diversifying approaches within executive teams and increasing the added value they provide.

In 2015, the Women's Executive Network recognized Joëlle as one of "Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women." She has also been recognized as an Acritas Star since 2017, by The Best Lawyers in Canada since 2012, by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory since 2015, and by Legal 500 Canada in 2019. Joëlle was also the recipient of the Lexpert Zenith Award in 2017.