Keith Desjardins

Keith Desjardins is co-leader of Gowling WLG’s Corporate Commercial, Funds and Private M&A Practice Group. Based in Ottawa, he advises clients at the intersection of corporate-commercial and intellectual property law, with a particular focus on technology transactions.

Known for translating complex issues into pragmatic, business-forward advice, Keith brings specialized experience across a broad range of commercial arrangements involving technology and IP rights, including licensing, cloud and SaaS, master services, research collaborations, development and implementation projects, sales channels, and publishing. Clients also seek his counsel on data security and matters related to open source software.

Working collaboratively with for-profit and not-for-profit clients alike, Keith delivers strategic business and legal solutions across a variety of industries, including technology, telecommunications and life sciences, advising from both client and vendor perspectives.

Keith is consistently recognized as a leader in his field by Best Lawyers in Canada™, and he is frequently invited to speak on issues relating to technology contracts. Committed to fostering the next generation of legal talent, he is also a regular guest lecturer with the Osgoode Hall Continuing Legal Education program.

Prior to his current leadership role, Keith led the Business Law Department and Tech Group in the firm’s Ottawa office, in addition to serving on the Ottawa Office Management Committee.