The Young Bar of Montreal announces the winners of the "JBM Lawyer of the Year 2024" award
18th JBM "Leaders of Tomorrow" Gala

Daniel Stysis is an associate in Osler's Corporate Law Group. His practice focuses on transactional law, securities law and advising emerging and high-growth companies. He acts for buyers and sellers in acquisition transactions and joint venture formations. He also represents companies and investors in raising funds in the public and private markets.

GabrielOuellette is a lawyer and team leader in legal affairs at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal. An expert in research law, he manages various contracts, while advising researchers and other stakeholders involved in research at the establishment. Mr. Ouellette is also a member of a research ethics committee and is involved in diversity, equity and inclusion committees and initiatives.

A recognized and committed lawyer, Me Taffot, Figure de Maître 2022 appointed by the Montreal Bar, has nearly ten years' experience in immigration, refugee and human rights law. A member of a group of national experts appointed by the Minister of Justice to combat the over-representation of black people in prison, she is also a key player in diversity in the legal profession. A committed humanist, Ms. Taffot lends her skills to a number of organizations to help people with precarious migratory status or women who are victims of domestic violence. Ms. Taffot is one of 13 African women lawyers who are shaking up the world, and has been named CBC Black Changemakers 2020. In 2023, Ms. Taffot was appointed by the federal Minister of Justice to sit on an independent Canadian Strategy Steering Group of 9 experts from across Canada to offer recommendations to help combat the over-representation of black people in our prisons.

Me Alex Shee is a recognized global leader in AI and a thought leader at the intersection of law, technology and public policy. As co-chair of the Future of Work Working Group at the Global Partnership on AI and visiting fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, he shapes global AI policy and strategy.

Alex's career includes roles as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Sama and Director of Corporate Development at Element AI, where he stimulated significant growth and secured over $270 million in funding. His legal background (B.C.L. and J.D. from McGill University) influences his unique approach to AI ethics and governance.

A recognized innovator, Alex has testified before the Canadian Parliament on AI legislation and co-authored influential publications on AI policy. A sought-after speaker, mentor and podcast host, he is dedicated to promoting the responsible development of AI and preparing the next generation of leaders in this rapidly evolving field.

Me Justine Fortin is Director of Legal Services at Juripop. She participated in the creation of personalized services for victims of conjugal and sexual violence, based on the knowledge and skills of the lawyer and centered on the needs of the victim. In 2023, she published an article on the best interests of child victims of domestic violence. She plays an active role in consultation, and regularly offers training on the particularities of legal practice with victims of violence.

Maryse Lapointe specializes in litigation, civil law and human rights. She is particularly interested in abuse cases, seniors' rights and all aspects of human rights. She began her career with a boutique firm in Montreal, before devoting all her energies to founding her own practice, Lapointe Légal. A tenacious listener, she is renowned for her professionalism and empathy. Ms. Lapointe puts her talent and skills to work for many causes close to her heart.

Me Claudel Nepton is a member of the Ilnu First Nation of Mashteuiatsh and has been a member of the Bar since 2017. She has been practicing criminal defense law since then and joined Shadley Knerr in 2020. She has developed an expertise in defending Aboriginal people charged with minor to murder offences. She also acts as legal counsel for Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan. Her practice takes her throughout Quebec.

As a lawyer with Justice Pro Bono's Temporary Foreign Worker Support Project, Frédérique provides information and legal advice in labor law to workers∙ses across Quebec. She also co-coordinates the project as a multidisciplinary collaboration with immigrant reception and integration organizations. In addition to individual consultations, she provides training for partner organizations and workers, and raises awareness among government players of the legal issues faced by workers. Before joining Justice Pro Bono, Frédérique practiced labor law with Monette Barakett senc, for four and a half years. During the winter of 2023, she volunteered as a legal advisor for Lawyers Without Borders Canada, where she was able to put her knowledge of labour law to good use in a human rights context.

Amélie Côtéis a director and lawyer in ROBIC's Business Law practice, and a member of both the Emerging Technologies Group and the Life Sciences Group. Her practice focuses primarily on commercial law and technology transfer. She assists and advises various companies, from start-ups to consortiums, as well as non-profit organizations and multinationals, on commercial strategies and the drafting and negotiation of various commercial agreements. She also assists the firm's clients with transactions such as financings and mergers & acquisitions.

Amélie holds a bachelor's degree in law (LL.B.) and a master's degree in biology with a major in life sciences and law (M.S.V.D.) from the Université de Sherbrooke. She has also held a Juris Doctor (JD) since 2016. With this academic background in both law and science, she has expertise in a variety of industries, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, software and emerging technologies.