Owen Gaffney

Owen Gaffney, a business law associate at Goodmans, focuses his burgeoning legal career on the intricate worlds of private equity, technology, and public mergers and acquisitions. His journey in law began at the University of Western Ontario. Here, Owen immersed himself in the study of Intellectual Property, Information, and Technology, not only earning numerous academic accolades but also graduating with distinction.

Before his tenure at Goodmans, he sharpened his legal acumen at a national law firm, delving into corporate restructuring and insolvency law. Owen's diverse experiences also include working closely with in-house legal teams across Canada's financial services sector, where he honed his client-focused approach.

Owen's expertise encompasses a broad range of sectors, from mergers and acquisitions to venture capital and technology. His efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as a "One to Watch" in Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Law by Best Lawyers in Canada for 2024.

His educational background is solid, with a J.D. from Western University in 2017 and a B.A. from Princeton University in 2014. Owen is also an active member of the Law Society of Ontario, having been called to the bar in Ontario in 2018.

Owen regularly shares insights with clients, highlighting his deep understanding of the legal landscape. For instance, he discussed the implications of depositing cryptocurrency with trading platforms according to the Canada Revenue Agency on November 14, 2023, emphasizing potential tax triggers. His analysis doesn't stop there; on October 18, 2023, he explored the complexities of AI-related transactions, stressing the importance of navigating the intertwined risks and rewards. Additionally, Owen addressed the guidance provided by the Canadian Securities Administrators on the trading of value-referenced crypto assets on October 10, 2023, underscoring the evolving regulatory environment.

Moreover, Owen keeps his clients informed about significant legal developments, such as the U.S. District Court's consideration of NBA Top Shot Moments under U.S. securities laws on March 1, 2023, and the Canadian Securities Administrators' announcement on enhanced pre-registration undertaking requirements for crypto trading platforms on February 24, 2023. His updates also cover securities law considerations for decentralized autonomous organizations, reflecting on the broader implications of the FTX insolvency.

Through his commitment to excellence and continuous learning, Owen Gaffney stands out as a legal professional adept at navigating the complexities of today's rapidly evolving business and technological landscapes.