Hugh Wright

Hugh has built a notable career specializing in pensions and benefits. He offers comprehensive advice to sponsors, administrators, and service providers within this sector. His work spans the entire spectrum of pension and benefit matters, including investment issues and dispute resolution. Hugh's focus lies in crafting efficient and effective solutions, helping clients to understand and navigate the intricate legal and regulatory frameworks that impact their strategic and business goals.

In his leadership roles, Hugh has made significant contributions to Canada's retirement income system. Notably, he served as Chair of the Association of Canadian Pension Management (ACPM), advocating for regulatory reforms on both a national level and for private clients.

Hugh's professional excellence has been widely recognized. He was named a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer for 2023-2024 and has been consistently listed as a leading practitioner in Labour, Employment & Benefits by Who’s Who Legal. His knowledge is further evidenced by a Certificate in Computer Science for Lawyers from Harvard Law School. Esteemed directories and publications like Chambers and Partners and Best Lawyers in Canada have lauded Hugh for his expertise in pensions and benefits, with specific acknowledgment as Lawyer of the Year in Employee Benefits Law for Halifax in 2017 and 2020.

Hugh actively shares his knowledge through various speaking engagements and teaching roles. He has addressed topics ranging from pension rule changes in insolvency and secured lending to the risks of greenwashing for pension funds. His presentations at legal conferences and his roles as an instructor for the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) showcase his commitment to thought leadership in his field.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Hugh is deeply involved in community and policy work. He has held positions such as Vice Chair of the 2024 National Conference Planning Committee for ACPM, and contributed to the University of King’s College Board of Governors. His dedication extends to policy development with ACPM and local business and legal communities through various committee roles.

Hugh also has experience in corporate governance, having chaired the Board of Directors for ACPM and served on boards for other legal and professional organizations. His professional memberships include the Nova Scotia Barristers Society and the Canadian Bar Association, reflecting his active participation in the legal community.

Educated at Queen’s University and Dalhousie University, Hugh was admitted to the bar in Nova Scotia in 1993 and in Ontario in 2022, grounding his practice in a solid legal education and years of experience in law.