News, Press release
John A. Coleman, a prominent figure in the legal, political and business communities, chooses Novalex
Recognized for its leading-edge expertise and socially impactful business model, Novalex is the fastest-growing law firm in the country
Montreal, April 12, 2022 – Convinced that the legal community is at a crossroads and that the post-pandemic era must spur companies to do business differently, today John A. Coleman joins Novalex, a business law firm and pro bono legal clinic which he views as the future of the business world and the legal profession.
Called to the Quebec Bar in 1981, Me Coleman has enjoyed an impressive career, including time as Managing Partner for Canada at Norton Rose Fulbright, one of the world’s largest law firms. As a jurist and an executive, Me Coleman acquired extensive experience in planning and managing the growth of a leading law firm. He has overseen key transactions including the 2011 merger of Ogilvy Renault and Norton Rose, a profoundly transformational event within the Canadian and international legal landscapes. Dedicated to public service, he also served as Quebec’s Agent General in London from 2017 to 2019, where he promoted the interests of Quebec in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Nordic Countries. and supported the development of Quebec businesses and cultural organisations.
Having returned to Quebec, the experienced lawyer and manager Me Coleman is now looking forward to contributing his expertise to the innovative law firm that is Novalex, supporting its growth and promoting the benefits of its purpose-driven business model.
“I have had the tremendous privilege of learning and practicing at one of the largest business law firms in the country and the world. I have chosen to continue my career at Novalex because I believe this firm represents the future of private practice, both here and elsewhere. In my opinion, Novalex’s vision perfectly addresses the modern legal needs of clients by combining services whose quality compares favourably to those offered by larger traditional firms and a social impact mission, which is centred on people. More than ever before, it is imperative that we reflect on the role businesses play in a sustainable economic recovery, and that we promote governance that takes into consideration all stakeholders. I am proud to do my part to support the growth of a firm that has launched a transformative movement within the legal industry,” Me Coleman said.
Me Coleman is not alone in his certainty regarding Novalex’s potential. In recent years, the firm has welcomed several leading lawyers and rising stars with previous experience in large firms, major organizations, and government agencies. Like Me Coleman, these legal trailblazers chose to bring their expertise and talent to a firm actively working to redefine the profession.
Quebec’s first and only law firm to have obtained B Corp certification, Novalex also appeared in L’actualité ’s 2021 ranking of the top 30 fastest-growing SMBs in Quebec, as well as the Globe and Mail ’s prestigious Canada’s Top Growing Companies list for 2021. Of the three Canadian law firms ranked, Novalex reported the strongest growth, with a 461% increase in revenue over three years. In terms of social impact, since its inception in September 2016, Novalex has provided individuals and organizations otherwise unable to access quality legal services with nearly 20,000 hours of pro bono legal counsel, a figure expected to surpass 25,000 by year’s end. Novalex is the world’s first “one for one” law firm; for every hour of professional fees paid by a business client, the firm offers one hour of free legal services to an eligible low-income individual, non-profit or social enterprise.
Legal expertise, social impact, and technological innovation to drive growth
In the coming years, Novalex intends to consolidate its position in Quebec and expand its operations nationally. True to form, the firm will do things differently. With a modern, high-performance virtual infrastructure, Novalex plans to leverage technology as a driver for growth. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Canadian legal and business communities, Me Coleman will play a key role in developing and implementing Novalex’s growth strategy.
“Novalex has seen significant growth, which has only increased since the onset of the pandemic. Many lawyers have joined us, specifically noting our teams’ expertise, our social impact business model, as well as our inclusive and flexible work environment. Me. Coleman’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for our firm, and aligns perfectly with our expansion plans. We look forward to introducing our modern vision of the private practice of law to talented lawyers across the country. We are confident many will join Novalex to help us continue serve our business and pro bono clients with excellence,” said Ryan Hillier, Novalex’ Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder.
About Novalex
Founded by Ryan Hillier and Sophie Tremblay in 2016, Novalex is a business law firm and pro bono legal clinic offering a broad range of legal services. The firm’s 27 lawyers come from major law firms, preeminent corporate departments and government agencies, and share a customized approach to helping their clients achieve their objectives. Novalex is the first and only law firm in Quebec to receive B Corp certification. For every hour of legal services provided to a business client, Novalex offers one hour of free legal representation to an eligible low-income individual, non-profit, or social enterprise.
To see John A. Coleman’s profile, click here.
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Source: Marie-Christine Houle
Director, Exponentiel Conseil
(514) 702-0369