Gowling WLG is pleased to announce Pam Vermeersch as the next managing partner of its Hamilton office, effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Recognized by Lexpert as one of Canada's foremost corporate commercial lawyers, Vermeersch will further the office's mission of strengthening Hamilton's economy through forward-looking legal solutions and unique global partnerships. She will also lead the office's transition from its current location in downtown Hamilton to McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), currently slated for 2022.

"Our office has made tremendous strides in recent years – both in terms of shoring up our team and deepening our contribution to Hamilton's evolving economy," said Vermeersch. "Still, as our community continues to grapple with the realities of COVID-19, we know the hardest work is in front of us. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues as we help our clients navigate challenges both new and old, and identify creative new pathways to success."

Vermeersch has led the office's Corporate Commercial Department since 2019. Working with a broad clientele, both domestic and international, she focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, restructuring and franchising. In recent years, she has developed particularly extensive experience helping Canadian tech startups scale their businesses on solid commercial footing.

Vermeersch assumes the office managing partner position from Louis Frapporti, who will focus his time advising and supporting an array of organizations in the private, educational and public sectors – particularly in areas that involve significant economic and social impact. This is exemplified by his leading efforts to secure the return of the Commonwealth Games to Ontario as Chair of the 2026 Hamilton Commonwealth Games initiative.

Under Frapporti's leadership, Gowling WLG Hamilton:

  • Pioneered an innovative strategy of shared value, centred heavily on the cultivation of strategic partnerships with a number of key public institutions – including the City of Hamilton, McMaster University and Mohawk College. In doing so, the office garnered considerable public acclaim, including an "Outstanding Business Achievement Award" from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nearly doubled the office's professional complement, adding new practice verticals in real estate and private wealth, while enhancing the office's strength in advocacy and corporate commercial law. This was achieved through the recruitment of strategic leaders from other firms, as well as the initiating and concluding of the largest merger in Hamilton legal history with the acquisition of ESB Lawyers in 2019.
  • Embarked on building its new home at MIP – a first of its kind in Canada – as a key component of its resolve to better connect the public and private sectors by forging new pathways between local possibilities and global opportunities.

The firm thanks him for the transformative vision and tireless dedication he brought to his work over the past four years.

About Gowling WLG in Hamilton

Home to almost 50 lawyers in Hamilton, Gowling WLG is an international law firm with over 1,500 legal professionals in 19 offices around the world. Harnessing our broad industry expertise, far-reaching global platform, and forward-thinking partnerships with key local stakeholders, we connect Hamilton to a world of opportunity. No other law firm wants to accelerate growth more than we do – and no other firm is as ambitious for its clients' success the way we are. Learn more about our office in Hamilton.