Gowlings is delighted to announce that Wally Braul, one of Canada’s most highly regarded energy, Aboriginal law and environmental lawyers, has joined its Calgary office as a partner and member of its firm-wide Advocacy Group.
With extensive experience practising in both British Columbia and Alberta, Braul frequently advises energy clients on environmental and Aboriginal law-related regulatory matters across Western Canada. He has been repeatedly recognized by Lexpert as a leading lawyer in energy, environmental and Aboriginal law, and by The Best Lawyers in Canada and Who’s Who Legal as one of the foremost environmental lawyers in the country.
“Wally has a dynamic practice that encompasses both litigation and business law, and is one of the first lawyers Western Canadian clients turn to for their environmental and regulatory matters,” said Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings chair and CEO. “His in-depth energy and Aboriginal law experience — as well as his long-standing relationships with key provincial regulators — will enable us to better serve the increasing needs of our clients in Alberta, British Columbia and beyond.”
Called to the Bar in B.C., Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Braul will practice primarily out of Calgary and Vancouver, given his comprehensive knowledge of both jurisdictions. His experience includes assisting clients with judicial/tribunal reviews, executive business strategies on structuring companies for deals or approvals, drafting representations and warranties on deals, and negotiating indemnities.
Braul is also highly-regarded for his Aboriginal law expertise, both as an adviser and litigator. Having negotiated on behalf of Aboriginal communities as well as on behalf of industries, he has unique insight into both sides of environmental deals. He has also built strong relationships with regulators in B.C. and Alberta over his years of practice.
“Gowlings has an outstanding team of environmental, Aboriginal law and energy lawyers in Calgary, Vancouver and across the country,” said Braul. “I’m thrilled to join an innovative firm that is renowned for its practical, client-focused approach and depth of expertise — allowing me to continue to deliver the best possible service to clients throughout Western Canada.”
Braul is a frequent commentator on energy-related legal developments, with an extensive list of publications and presentations on environmental and Aboriginal issues to his name. Prior to joining Gowlings, he was a partner at another well-respected Canadian firm.
Gowlings is a leading Canadian and international law firm, with over 700 legal professionals serving clients in 10 offices across Canada and around the world. From business law and litigation to complex intellectual property matters, the firm provides a full range of legal services to meet its clients’ unique needs — and rise to any challenge that comes their way.
Last month, Gowlings announced that it will be joining forces with Wragge Lawrence Graham and Co, a leading law firm headquartered in the U.K., to create a new international legal practice called Gowling WLG. When it launches in January 2016, Gowling WLG will be a Global 100 legal practice from day one, and will also be the first international legal combination to be co-led by a Canadian law firm.