Brett Kagetsu

Brett Kagetsu, a seasoned partner at Gowling WLG's Vancouver location, spearheads the office's Business Department. His journey in the legal field boasts over two decades of steering financings, stock exchange debuts, and mergers to their successful fruition. Before ascending to his current role, Brett was a pivotal figure in the firm's Corporate Finance, M&A, and Private Equity Practice Group, serving as its vice-chair.

His advisory role extends to public companies, guiding them through the complexities of securities laws and ensuring their adherence to stock exchange policies. Brett's expertise also encompasses advising dissident shareholders during contentious shareholder meetings, offering them strategic counsel.

Renowned in the legal community, Brett's excellence has not gone unnoticed, with accolades from Lexpert, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers in Canada, and Who's Who Legal: Mining highlighting his prowess. His insights into corporate governance and listings have also made him a sought-after speaker for the TSX Venture Exchange.

Brett's influence spreads across international waters, notably through his active participation in Gowling WLG's China Initiative Group and the Japan Country Desk. His efforts have significantly benefited Asian companies eyeing investments in Canada or aiming for a listing on Canadian stock exchanges.

His legal acumen spans a broad spectrum of practice areas, including financial institutions and services, life sciences, technology, mining, capital markets, corporate commercial, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, FinTech law, blockchain and smart contracts, as well as governance, activism, and investigations, with a particular focus on the United States.

Brett's academic roots trace back to the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in 1991 and a LLB in 1995. His legal career officially commenced in 1996 upon his admission to the British Columbia bar, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that melds legal expertise with a global perspective.