Bennett Jones is pleased to announce that Lori Sterling has joined the firm as senior counsel in the Ottawa office. Her 30 years of leadership in federal and provincial government helps businesses adapt to critical legal and policy issues.
As Canada’s former Deputy Minister of Labour and Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Skills Development, Lori brings unique expertise in the management of workplace issues, including harassment and labour relations.
A former Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs in Ontario, Lori helped create the province’s first Ministry for Indigenous peoples. She advised domestic and foreign companies, in mining and other sectors, on how to consult and negotiate with Indigenous peoples. Lori is also a former Associate Deputy Minister of Justice, and appeared as litigation counsel at all levels of court, including 15 cases before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Lori understands how to run large national organizations through her years as a leader in the public service. She held a leadership position in a department with 26,000 employees and a budget of over $60 billion.
Lori has taught constitutional law and advocacy at law schools and received the United Nations Public Service Award for Building Aboriginal Relations in 2013. Lori was named a Hill Times Top 100 Most Influential Powerful & Influential People in Government & Politics in 2018 and a nominee for top lawyer in Canada in 2014.
In 2017, Lori earned her ICD designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School of Business. Her board service (past and present) includes the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, the Supreme Court of Canada Advocacy Institute and the Ryerson University Aboriginal Governance Institute.
Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to 400 lawyers and business advisors. With deep experience in complex transactions and litigation matters, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.