Robert Mainville

The Honourable Robert Mainville is a partner at Gowling WLG, where his practice focuses on national and international arbitration, complex litigation and Indigenous law. He rejoined the firm in the spring of 2025 following over 15 years of distinguished service on the Canadian judiciary.

Called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, he was a partner at Gowling WLG from 2002 to 2009, where he led the firm’s national Indigenous law practice—regarded as one of the country’s leading practices in the area. He is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of Aboriginal law and has represented numerous First Nations in major litigation and high-stakes negotiations, serving as lead counsel in historic agreements such as La Paix des Braves (2002) and the Agreement Concerning a New Relationship between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (2007). His experience also extends to the energy and natural resources sectors, as well as commercial matters. Throughout his career as a lawyer, he has overseen several major transactions across Canada and internationally. He has negotiated agreements totalling more than $6 billion in financial transfers to his clients.

His broad knowledge of the law and deep understanding of legal pluralism, combined with strong intercultural sensitivity, makes him a valuable asset in resolving high-stakes disputes, both in a national and international context.

Appointed to the Federal Court in 2009, he was elevated to the Federal Court of Appeal one year later and the Quebec Court of Appeal—the highest court in Quebec—in 2014. Over the course of his judicial tenure, he authored numerous judgments spanning constitutional, administrative, commercial, civil, and criminal law. His decisions have been widely cited and have helped define Canadian jurisprudence in key areas. He also served as a member of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada and of Canada’s Competition Tribunal.

The Honourable Mainville is the author of two leading law books—one of which has been cited multiple times by the Supreme Court of Canada—and has lectured at McGill University. He brings deep legal insight and strategic perspective, honed through decades of high-level litigation, judicial service and impactful decision-making. His return to private practice strengthens the firm’s capabilities in addressing Canada’s most challenging legal issues at the intersection of public, constitutional and business law.