Brent Arnold

Bio

Brent J. Arnold is a partner practising in Gowling WLG's Advocacy department, specializing in cyber security and commercial litigation. In 2019, he co-authored the Canada chapter of Chambers Global Practice Guide: Data Protection & Cybersecurity, 2nd ed. In 2022, he co-authored the Canada chapter of the Chambers FinTech 2022: Trends and Developments report.

Brent acts as a data breach coach and counsel for companies suffering cyber attacks. His experience includes cyber risk analysis, class actions defence, Web3 (including cryptocurrency and metaverse) and other technology, software and e-commerce disputes, administrative and insolvency law, shareholders' rights, class actions, employment contracts, and general contractual disputes.

He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, and has appeared before numerous administrative tribunals. In 2011, Brent appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in support of the federal government's constitutional reference regarding a Canadian Securities Act. He has served on the executives of several law organizations’ cyber and privacy committees, including the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association, the invitation-only International Association of Defense Counsel, and the U.S.-based Defense Research Institute (DR), and participates in various Sedona Conference working groups.

Brent served on the E-Hearings Task Force established by The Advocates' Society, the Ontario Bar Association, the Federation of Ontario Law Associations, and the Ontario Trial Lawyers' Association to work with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to expand virtual access to the courts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and co-authored the Task Force's Best Practices for Remote Hearings.

Brent currently serves as a Director and Vice Chair of the Canadian Internet Society, a think tank devoted to ensuring access to a free and safe internet for all Canadians.

He has chaired two committees of The Advocates' Society and was General Editor for its Advocacy Matters publication. Brent co-authored the Society's Paperless Trials Manual and is a frequent author and speaker on the topics of cyber security, courtroom and legal practice innovation, AI upskilling, and electronic trials. Brent is also a member of the Canadian Technology Law Association and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

Experience

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Publications & speaking engagements