Nayla El Zir

Nayla El Zir is an associate in Gowling WLG’s Montréal office and a member of the firm’s Cyber Security and Data Protection Group. Her practice focuses on Canadian provincial and federal privacy and data protection laws, with a particular focus on contractual frameworks, product counselling, access to information, privacy compliance, and cyber security.

Leveraging her scientific background and legal training, Nayla provides strategic and practical advice to a broad range of clients—from international corporations and SMEs to private and public organizations—demonstrating her adaptable approach tailored to each client’s industry and level of privacy maturity. She regularly assists clients in drafting and negotiating privacy-related agreements, implementing data governance programs, and addressing compliance obligations under Canadian privacy legislation. Her work also includes advising on risk management strategies and supporting clients in responding to security incidents and regulatory inquiries.

Nayla has been named among the list of “Ones to Watch” in the 2025 and 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada. She is part of a national team ranked in Chambers Canada. She also contributed to the team’s work that helped Gowling WLG earn Law Firm of the Year for Privacy and Data Security Law in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms – Canada by Best Lawyers.

Before joining Gowling WLG, Nayla began her career in the pharmaceutical industry in Montréal, which, combined with her multilingual skills and international experience, enables her to deliver nuanced advice to clients across sectors. She holds an LL.M. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a civil law degree (Magna cum Laude) from the University of Ottawa.

Beyond her practice, Nayla actively contributes to the legal community. She serves on the Board of Directors of the CAIJ (Centre d’accès à l’information juridique) and served on the board of the Young Bar of Montréal (JBM). During her studies, she participated in the Laskin Moot Court Competition, acted as a research assistant to several professors, and chaired the University of Ottawa Health Law Association.