Gowling WLG is pleased to announce some changes to its leadership team in the firm's Toronto office.

Benjamin (Ben) Na

Benjamin Na, an accomplished lawyer who has been with Gowling WLG for more than 20 years, was elected to serve as Toronto's office managing partner. His four-year term came into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Prior to his election, Ben led the office's Advocacy Department, served on the office's Management Committee and was senior counsel at Canada's largest financial institution. In his practice, Ben regularly represents and is called upon to give advice to public and private corporations, financial institutions and regulatory bodies.

In his new role as Toronto managing partner, Ben is responsible for furthering Gowling WLG's mandate to be a top innovative global law firm through leveraging the firm's extensive practice areas and experience around the world.

Ben takes over the position from Mark Ledwell, who finished his four-year term on Dec. 31, 2021. Mark has returned to his practice and focuses his time on advising and supporting clients in the public and private sectors, including agri-food and trade law, project finance, infrastructure development, and government relations.

Jennifer Mak

Jennifer Mak has joined the Toronto office as its new general manager. She replaces Heather Caldwell, who has retired after 13 years with the firm.

An experienced leader working in operations and business management, Jennifer previously spent 17 years at PwC Canada. There she held progressively senior roles, including chief of staff to the national managing partner and chief of staff to the CEO. She most recently served as the chief operating officer at a mid-sized accounting firm in Toronto, where she was responsible for partnership affairs, finance, human resources, marketing and facilities, among other operational areas

The firm would like to thank Mark and Heather for their tremendous service and strong leadership – particularly when faced with the exceptional challenges brought on during the pandemic.

About Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals in offices across Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.