We are celebrating an extraordinary milestone!

We are celebrating an extraordinary milestone! This week marks the 50th anniversary of Paul LaBarge’s call to the bar and the beginning of his career as a lawyer.

For five decades, Paul has built a career defined by technical excellence in tax, M&A, corporate law and dispute resolution, including being a NAFTA Panel Member/Chair. Perhaps more importantly, Paul is well known, in and outside of law, for his judgment, integrity and unwavering commitment to community.

Almost 30 years ago, after an already distinguished career in law, including serving in management roles at multiple national law firms, Paul was one of the founding partners of LaBarge Weinstein. Paul helped shape a new firm that, by design, does things a little differently, grounded in practical advice, entrepreneurial thinking, and long-term relationships. The firm was an early leader in the hi-tech community, with Paul in leadership roles as Chair or Co-Chair of CATAAlliance, Versaterm and Neptec and board member in a number of tech pioneers in Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary.

Now with offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver and clients across the country and world, LaBarge Weinstein is one of the most active law firms in venture capital and M&A transactions with emerging companies in Canada and has been consistently named one of the top 10 corporate law boutiques in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Generations of lawyers have benefited from Paul’s mentorship and guidance, his steady hand and his ability to find clarity in the most complex situations.

Beyond law, Paul’s impact on the broader community is remarkable. With achievements too many to list, highlights include:

• leadership in co-founding and building the Trans Canada Trail | Sentier Transcanadien;
• governance roles across philanthropy, healthcare, education, and technology including serving as Chair of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation and as board member of the University of Fredericton and Rideau Hall Foundation / Fondation Rideau Hall;
• Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) & Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012);
• appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada (2022); and
• receiving the AFP Ottawa Chapter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser in 2024, recognizing a lifetime commitment to philanthropy.

Paul’s contributions to Canada reflect his belief in building something that lasts and a commitment to make it happen.

And in case you are wondering, Paul is still hard at it, practising law every day with his trademark combination of wisdom and wit!

On behalf of all of us at LaBarge Weinstein and everyone else who has benefited from knowing and working with you over these 50 years, congratulations Paul and thank you for your leadership, mentorship and friendship. Wishing you many more years of success!