Zafar B. Jaffer

Zafar B. Jaffer is a partner in Gowling WLG's Calgary office, managing a corporate, commercial and securities law practice. He works with domestic, cross-border and international clients on various types of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, debt and equity financing, capital raising and commercial contract negotiations.

With a focus on both emerging and established companies across a diverse range of industry sectors and at every stage of the business cycle, Zafar's practice involves taking an active interest in understanding his clients' business plans and objectives. He works directly with them to create strategies to maximize financial success by identifying opportunities for growth generation and ensuring key issues and risks are adequately addressed. Considered to be a trusted advisor by his clients, Zafar leverages his experience and wide-ranging network to provide commercial and pragmatic solutions.

Zafar is the head of Gowling WLG's Technology and Innovation Group for the Calgary office and is co-president of the Calgary chapter of the M&A Club of Canada. Zafar is also the co-lead of the firm's US Sales Initiative for the metro mid-west region, collaborating with professionals from across Gowling WLG's global offices to strengthen relationships with US-based firms, contacts and clients.

Outside of his practice, Zafar is actively involved in various outreach programs and initiatives benefitting the community and he serves as a board member for non-for-profit organizations. 

In 2023, Zafar was named one of Lexpert's “Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40," which recognizes a legal professional for their strong leadership, professional achievements, business acumen, adaptability, teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Career & Recognition

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Memberships

  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Law Society of Alberta
  • Co-author (with Mireille Fontaine, Frank Sur and Faran Umar-Khitab), "Mergers & Acquisitions Review: Planning a Private M&A Transaction," Who's Who Legal: Canada 2015, November 6, 2015
  • Co-author (with Erica Bordun), "Upcoming amendments to Alberta's Guarantees Acknowledgement Act," Gowlings.com, March 2015